Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein today announced he will run for re-election.

Eckstein, 58, of Butler Township is vying for one of two Democratic nominations in the May 19 primary.

According to Eckstein, he's seeking a second term in office to continue representing the man on the street.

“I feel like I can relate to the working class and small business,” he said.

Eckstein said he brings experience and knowledge to the table.

He cited being the first Butler County commissioner to complete the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Academy of Excellence and graduate from CCAP's Advanced Academy.

Eckstein also is the first county commissioner in the state to be certified through the Pennsylvania Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems.

“I feel I'm one of the most qualified candidates,” he said.

Eckstein said taxpayers can rely on him to remain consistent.

“It's one thing to say you'll do it, but it's another to carry it out,” he said.

Eckstein said he maintained his stance against the privatization of the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the construction of a new office building next to the government center.

“There were no surprises with me,” he said.

Eckstein, the sole Democrat on the board, claims to be the most fiscally conservative commissioner.

According to Eckstein, he also represents an independent voice rejecting the political clique.

He wants to see the next board of commissioners cast votes based on the issues, not a “party boss” mentality.

Eckstein said he would continue to support the drug court, the veterans court and the proposed mental health court.

The commissioner said he succeeded in making county government more transparent.

He is disappointed in not being able to prevent the Sunnyview sale, stop excessive job creation or limit employee pay increases.

Eckstein said he had to break his 2011 campaign promise to donate his full pledge to Sunnyview each year. He said the defamation lawsuits filed against him jeopardized the ownership of his house, so he was left with no choice.

“I'm very sad, but I couldn't anticipate Sunnyview being sold or being sued,” Eckstein said.

He said he would limit campaign donations to a maximum of $150 per person.

Eckstein lives in the township with his wife, Stacy. They have three children: Kira, 23, Ian, 21, and Wesley, 18.

Eckstein is the third Democrat to announce. Kevin Boozel and Jerry Johnston previously announced their candidacies.

These five Republicans have officially announced they're in the race: Leslie Osche, Jeff Smith, Kim Geyer, Larry Thompson and Lisa Metcalfe.

Commissioners Dale Pinkerton and Bill McCarrier said they will not run for re-election.