Two seats are open on the Butler Township Board of Commissioners in the May 20 primary election, opening the door for two new candidates to unseat the two incumbents.

Sam Zurzolo and Edward Natali are running for reelection to the board, while three challengers, two Republicans and one Democrat, have entered the race. The winners’ terms will last four years.

The Democratic candidate, Jeff Pakutz, is uncontested and will run against the Republican candidates in November. One Republican candidate, George Shockey, could not be reached for comment.

Darrell Pacoe

Pacoe has owned and operated Pacoe Excavating LLC since 2006, where he oversees operation and manages the day-to-day business of the company. He said this gives him experience in infrastructure, preservation and maintenance.

While working with township residents, Pacoe said he heard many concerns about the township’s governance. He said he believes he could use the commissioner position to improve the relationship between township residents and officials.

Edward Natali

Natali is a lifelong resident of Butler Township and lead project engineer for Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works. He has held positions for over 38 years in business and industry and serves on the board of directors for Armco Credit Union. If reelected, it will be his second term.

Natali said he always has been interested in local government, with a specific interest in municipal processes. He said each of the 17,000 township residents has a different expectation of the type and quality of service they receive, and he hopes to deliver the best.

Sam Zurzolo

Zurzolo is a Marine Corps veteran who retired after 30 years of service. He worked for 18 years as maintenance manager at Moraine Pointe Plaza and spent 16 years on the township’s planning commission. If reelected, it will be his fourth term.

Zurzolo said he has seen the good and the bad of Butler Township, but believes it to be in a great spot currently. He decided to run for reelection after being asked, a fact that he said he is “honored” by.

Pacoe: My biggest goal is to represent taxpayers’ best interests by controlling unnecessary costs of the township. I want to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and effectively. These unnecessary expenses should not be passed on to residents.

Natali: Looking at my second term, I am excited about implementing the recommendations in the emergency and fire services study. I am confident that collaboration between the township, fire district, community stakeholders and residents will result in the plan’s recommendations becoming a reality.

I am also looking forward to hiring a parks and recreation director and expanding parks and recreation options in the township.

Zurzolo: The township is almost debt-free thanks to the BASA sale proceeds, which we’ve put into a trust. The township is moving along well and has no big future problems.

However, I would like to see a few improvements made to emergency services, such as the hiring of a new police officer. I would also like to see the completion of Pullman Park projects, as they’ve been a long time coming.

Pacoe: The biggest issue I’ve recognized is a shortage in the amount of school bus drivers in our township. I would like to start discussions about increasing wages or offering some incentive to drivers.

Secondly, I think there is a fire and emergency services shortage that needs to be addressed. I would also like to start discussions related to wages or offering incentives to our first responders.

Finally, I think it takes too long to get a permit approved in the township. We need to revisit our ordinances and make sure they are up to date and accessible.

Natali: Firstly, my priorities focus on the safety and health of township residents. I want to make sure criminal activity, especially the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in our community and at our schools, is eliminated. Those who wish to engage in these activities should be arrested, prosecuted and convicted. I will support an increase to township police staffing.

Secondly, the EMS crisis is of concern to every community in the township. We have seen an erosion of staffing, leading to service response challenges, periodic staffing shortages or high overtimes. This is why the strategic plan included emergency services.

Third, I recognize the shifting demographics of the township, and will see that the township offers amenities to attract younger families.

Zurzolo: I really don’t see any major issues for the township, but my primary focus would be to look for a new fire hall and see what we can do to assist ambulance services in the township.

Secondly, I would aim to support housing developments in the area. I can think of two recent ones, located on Dutchtown Road and Delwood Road.

Lastly, I think it’s a priority for the township to find its new parks and recreation director.

Pacoe: A majority of the money needs to be invested in a trust, as that alone could prevent future tax increases for years to come. Other than taxes, I think there are other lasting benefits that the proceeds could bring to residents and businesses alike.

I would also like to use BASA sale proceeds to address the school bus driver, fire and EMS shortages.

Natali: The sale of BASA has been a win for township residents. The authority was in debt up to $50 million, and in need of $75 million for infrastructure improvements over the next five years. Pennsylvania American Water has decades of large-scale public utility project management experience, the capital necessary and is under the oversight of the Public Utility Commission.

Right now, the funds are stored in a municipal investment fund, but we are in the process of setting up a trust. This will protect the principle from future commissioners or township management from raiding the funds.

Interest from the sale proceeds will be focused on implementing the study’s recommendation, increasing police staffing by two, improving parks and recreation, and procuring equipment for public works.

Zurzolo: Selling the sewer authority was a big issue. We were over $20 million in debt beforehand. We were able to use those funds to pay off the township building. Now, I want to save the bulk of the money and use it for the township to live comfortably on. We can use the interest for stormwater projects, paving or whatever else we need.

Pacoe: I’m all for growth here in Butler Township. However, that growth needs to be controlled. Right now, it feels like the township has smoke shops and mattress stores at every corner. We don’t need all of these crammed into a 5-mile radius.

Natali: Individual property owners have the right to make decisions about their property, as long as it complies with zoning and building ordinances. These new developments have experienced elevated sales. Since many are designated for seniors, this opens opportunities for younger families. We still have commercial development and property available for development. This indicates a growing and thriving community.

Zurzolo: The township is growing because we have a good place to live. People don’t want to do house maintenance anymore, they get off work and they want to relax. I think that’s why there’s so much interest in properties where the maintenance is taken care of. New growth means new opportunities, but we need to watch how we develop as there’s only so much property to develop.

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