BUTLER TWP — The two candidates to be the Republican nominee for Butler County controller extolled their qualifications Tuesday night during a GOP forum at the Meridian Veterans Club.

Karen Diehl, 57, of Franklin Township and Ben Holland, 26, of Connoquenessing Township each answered questions compiled by the county Republican Committee.

Whoever wins the primary Tuesday is the de facto controller because there are no Democrats running for the seat. Write-in candidates in the county's general elections typically don't fare well against those on the ballot.

Controller Jack McMillin, also a Republican, is retiring at the end of the year.

Diehl, a certified public accountant who owns Diehl Accounting & Financial Services, said her 23 years of experience make her the most qualified candidate.

“I believe I have those skills,” she said.

Diehl also cited her background teaching accounting and introduction to business courses at Butler County Community College.

Holland, an accounting manager for the Pittsburgh office the McKesson Corp., said his youth is not a detriment to his candidacy.

“I have the motivation and the drive to do the job,” he said.

Neither candidate supports the county's proposed project to build a new office building to create more office space.

Holland recommended buying a building.

He pointed out that option would be less costly, helping the county reduce its debt and possibly lower taxes.

“I don't think we need to bring on additional debt that's not necessary,” he said.

Holland said the county should seek more public input on the issue.

“This is something that will have ramifications for generations to come,” he said.

Diehl said now isn't the time for a construction project even though a new building would be needed down the road.

“I'm not sure we need it today,” she said.

Holland said he would leave his job with McKesson if elected.

Although Diehl hasn't decided whether she would keep her business, she said someone else would run it if she didn't sell it after being elected.

Diehl described the role of the controller as the watchdog for taxpayers' money, scrutinizing county finances.

“If I'm elected, I'm planning to do that,” she said.

Holland agreed the controller is vital to the county's checks and balances.

“I will be independent,” he said.

Diehl said she would look for ways to cut costs while Holland intends to modernize the office.

Both candidates praised McMillin's staff. Holland said he hoped the staff members would choose to work for him while Diehl said there should be no problems working with those employees.

“I don't foresee any major changes,” she said about the office staff.

Both candidates said they would be accountable to the taxpayers, not other elected officials.

“You have to be willing to take a tough stand,” Holland said.

However, he said he would work with everyone, having an open-door policy.

When asked if personal friendships would be set aside for the good of the county, Diehl said she would do so.

County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton's wife, Millie, works for Diehl on a part-time seasonal basis.

Diehl said she's been targeted for criticism because she has friends in county government.

She said those friendships would not affect her decisions or views.

“For anyone to suggest otherwise is insulting,” Diehl said.

Holland also said he would remain free from political influence.

“I'd rather be respected than liked,” he said. “I will stand up for what's right.”

McMillin has repeatedly questioned the community college's large fund balance, asking whether it needs a $5 million contribution from the county each year.

BC3 officials have criticized McMillin's stance.

Holland defended the college, saying “the college is a shining star.”

Diehl agreed: “I'm really proud of our college.”

Diehl said she would not heighten the tension already existing between the county commissioners.

“It would be my intention to not create more drama,” she said.

Holland said it's not the job of the controller to keep other officials under control.

“It's not the role of the controller to be the referee,” he said.

Holland said the controller should speak up when the situation warrants.

“Standing up for the truth is not grandstanding,” he said.

Diehl said there are appropriate ways to deal with debatable issues.

“It's OK to disagree,” she said. “There are ways to deal with it.”

Each candidate summed up what the controller's job entails.

“It's about serving our county and being able to make a difference,” Holland said.

Diehl said the county needs to have the appropriate person fill the job.

“I have the most experience and maturity to deal with the politics of the job,” she said.

The two Republican candidates for jury commissioner, Pat Stirling and Jon Galante, answered questions preceding the controller session.

The jury commissioner session quickly became tense as the candidates disagreed on numerous points, including whether the post is full-time or part-time.

Galante said he spent full-time hours on the job.

“I don't treat it like a part-time position,” he said.

Stirling challenged the validity of Galante's comments.

“I do wonder if you're spending 40 hours in the office,” she said.

Stirling cited the support of former jury commissioner Larry Thompson, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Jury Commissioners.

A new state law enables county commissioners to eliminate jury commissioners.

Both candidates agreed the post shouldn't be eliminated. Pinkerton plans to make a motion to cut the jobs at the May 23 meeting, two days after the primary.

Pinkerton previously said the county would save money by dispensing with jury commissioners since county court administration stated it could absorb the work.

Stirling questioned whether the duties of jury commissioner, which include selecting random lists of prospective jurors to serve at trials, could be handled by court administration.

She said a court administration employee told her “they're swamped already.”

Democrat Jury Commission Clinton Bonetti has no opponent in the primary.

Jeff Smith, chairman of the county Republican Committee introduced Republican candidates who have no opposition in the primary, including Sheriff Mike Slupe, Clerk of Courts Lisa Lotz and Tom Donaldosn, who is running for Butler mayor.

About 50 people attended the forum.