The Butler County planning director is the latest candidate for county commissioner.

Dave Johnston, 59, of Saxonburg announced today he is seeking one of two Democratic nominations in the May 19 primary.

Johnston said his government experience, which includes the past 20 years working for the county, make him suited for the post.

“I feel I’m very qualified based on 36 years of county and municipal service,” he said.

Before working for the county, Johnston worked for Cranberry Township, Cranberry Township in Venango County and McCandless.

He might not retire as county planning director while running for office.

“I haven’t made that decision yet,” Johnston said.

If elected, Johnston would emphasize the need for road and bridge work.

“Especially in a growing area like Butler, we need to keep up with the infrastructure,” he said.

He decided to run for commissioner after witnessing the dissension among current commissioners during this term.

“I’m concerned about the path the county has taken in the last several years in terms of the lack of professionalism and respect,” Johnston said.

He is a 1974 graduate of Butler High School and has a bachelor’s degree in geography with a concentration in rural/urban planning from SRU, where he played football.

He lives in the borough with his wife, Nancy. They have three grown children and a grandson.