SAXONBURG — Mayor Bill Gillespie wants to continue working for the betterment of the borough, so he is running this year to retain his seat.

Gillespie, 68, of West Main Street is seeking the Republican nomination.

He said there is plenty to do in the short term and long term for the borough.

“We're trying to do a number of things,” Gillespie said.

As mayor, he oversees the borough police department.

Gillespie is in the process of establishing a nonprofit organization to raise funds for the department — a 501c3 Saxonburg Police Association.

He intends to maintain various programs offered by the department, including a citizens police academy and gun safety classes.

Gillespie also is involved in the formation of a 501c3 sister city organization to fund activities for representatives from the German town Muhlhausen when they visit Saxonburg.

Under the sister city relationship the borough initiated with its counterpart in 2008, people from each municipality take turns visiting each other.

Gillespie said the nonprofit would help facilitate the visits since no borough funds are used.

“No taxpayer dollars go to this,” he said.

After serving on borough council for more than 20 years, Gillespie was appointed mayor last year after Pam Bauman died.

Gillespie, who relocated from North Carolina to the borough in 1991, wants to carry on Bauman's work.

“Mayor Bauman really did a good job with the town,” he said.

Gillespie said her history of having a good rapport with borough businesses is something to pursue.

What he did not continue was Bauman's practice of marrying couples.

Gillespie pointed out District Judge Sue Haggerty officiates weddings.

“Our district judge marries folks,” he said.

As mayor, he would push for a review of the borough comprehensive plan, which guides a municipality on how best to use its resources, to determine if its guidelines were being realized.

Although Gillespie has no Republican opponent, retired Butler County planning director Dave Johnston is seeking the Democratic nomination.

Gillespie said he has no issue with someone else seeking his office.

“That's fine,” he said. “I have no problem with it at all.”

Gillespie relishes public service.

“I enjoy what we do here,” he said.