Tom Donaldson, a supervisor at Foreman Brothers Inc. and former police officer, has announced his candidacy to be the Republican nominee for the mayor of Butler.

“I see a need for fresh blood; fresh ideas,” Donaldson said this morning.

A fiscal conservative, Donaldson will emphasize the need for city council to develop a plan increasing the number of owner-occupied, single-family homes in the city.

He said it is critical for the city to work with the neighboring municipalities as well as Butler County to attract businesses that will generate the jobs for these families.

“The problems of Butler city are not just the city’s. They are regional issues. By working cooperatively with the surrounding communities we can attract new businesses to the area. Those employees will need a place to live, and Butler city needs to be in a position to provide that housing,” Donaldson said.

He believes that his work experience in law enforcement in Jackson Township, Franklin Township and Eau Claire will be invaluable as the head of the city police.

He is the first Republican to announce for the position.

The primary is May 21.