CRANBERRY TWP — A Cranberry Township police officer has joined the race for Butler County commissioner.

Cpl. Bob O’Neill, 42, is seeking one of two Republican nominations in the May 19 primary.

O’Neill said if elected, he would be frugal with taxpayers’ money.

“I think I can spend dollars wisely,” he said.

O’Neill said he would look for ways to cut costs.

“Everything can be streamlined,” he said.

O’Neill also would focus on job growth and maintaining safety in the county.

According to O’Neill, he would apply the same passion he’s shown fighting drugs and other crime to serving county residents as commissioner.

O’Neill said his political inexperience is actually an asset in the race.

“The fact I’m not an experienced politician is why people should vote for me,” he said.

O’Neill said voters are looking for a fresh start in government.

“Sometimes, it’s good to clean the slate,” he said.

O’Neill said he would use his own money for much of his campaign funding.

“I’m not beholden to anybody,” he said.

O’Neill said he would work with anyone else who would get elected as commissioner.

“I don’t have any problem with anybody,” he said.

O’Neill is in his 16th year as a township police officer.

O’Neill cited his experience working with various agencies in the county as an asset.

He is a member of the Butler County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and treasurer for the Butler County Fraternal Order of Police. O’Neill also is a member of the state Attorney General’s Drug Task Force and the county District Attorney DUI Task Force.

He is an active member of St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church Parish in Cranberry.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College in Beaver Falls.

Before joining the township police department, O’Neill worked for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.

He previously coached youth football at Seneca Valley and youth baseball in the township.

He is the ninth grade football coach at Central Catholic High School in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.

He lives in the township with his wife, Kathie, and their two sons.

O’Neill is the seventh GOP candidate. He joins Kim Geyer, Jim Keffalas, Leslie Osche, Lisa Metcalfe, Jeff Smith and Larry Thompson.

Incumbent Republicans Bill McCarrier and Dale Pinkerton are not running for re-election.

In addition to incumbent Commissioner Jim Eckstein, two other Democrats are seeking that party’s nominations: Kevin Boozel and Jerry Johnston.