Planning officer to retire
After 20 years as the Butler County planning director, Dave Johnston will retire at the end of next week.
Johnston, 60, of Saxonburg said he felt like it was the right time to leave.
“At 60 years old, I sort of feel like I have 20 years left and the next 10 years are going to be the best,” Johnston said.
He began working in the county in January 1995. His last day will be Jan. 8.
Johnston graduated from Butler High School in 1974, and then went to Slippery Rock University to play football. During his freshman year, he took a geography course, liked it and was encouraged to continue studying in that field — graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geography. He immediately got a job in planning with Forest County.
“I spent the last 37 years in county and municipal government,” Johnston said. “And it just feels like a month ago I started working.”
He also worked for Cranberry Township in Venango County, Cranberry Township in Butler County and McCandless Township before taking the county planning post.
“I was very happy to come back. That meant a lot to me,” Johnston, who grew up on Center Avenue, said.
As planning director, he is responsible for countywide planning, including transportation. Working with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, he has worked to prioritize a direct connection between Interstate 79 and the Turnpike, adding ramps to I-79 near Zelienople and improvements to Route 228.
Johnston oversaw the development of a comprehensive plan in 2002, and also worked on GIS mapping, where every land parcel in the county is in an easily-accessible database.
He also has worked with the Community Development Corporation of Butler County to get business parks developed, such as the Victory Road Business Park in Clinton Township, Kriess Road Business Park in Connoquenessing Township and AC Valley Industrial Park in Allegheny Township.
Earlier this year, Johnston ran for county commissioner as a Democrat. In the primary, he came in third place out of four Democrats. He had never been involved in politics before and said it was a good experience.
“It was eye-opening,” Johnston said.
Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, has known Johnston for more than 20 years.
“He just understands planning better than anyone I’ve ever known,” McCarrier said.
McCarrier said chief clerk Amy Wilson, human resources director Lori Altman and Johnston are interviewing people for the position. The next board of commissioners, who take office Monday, will select Johnston’s successor.
Johnston said six people have applied.
An open house for Johnston will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 8 in the public meeting room at the government center.
