Voters will select two commissioners next week from a pool of three candidates for Butler Township commissioner, and all have a long-standing record of service to the community.

Incumbents Fred Vero and Sam Zurzolo will vie against challenger Ed Natali on Nov. 2.

Zurzolo said although the township continues to grow, the tax rate has remained steady for residents during his 12 years on the board.

He looks forward to continuing work on the sports complex the commissioners have planned for land purchased on the south end of the Pullman Square Business Park.

“That is going to be a big addition for the residents of Butler Township as well as the surrounding communities,” Zurzolo said.

He said development of the sports complex also will result in the improvement of the intersection at the north end of the Picklegate Bridge on Hansen Avenue.

Zurzolo said his top priority in serving on the township's board of commissioners is to assist its residents with honesty and integrity.

“I can be a voice for the residents,” Zurzolo said. “I'm there to serve the people of Butler Township.”

Vero has served one four-year term as a Butler Township commissioner.

He said the five current commissioners work together to improve the township regardless of party affiliation.

The fact that property owners in the township have not experienced a tax increase in four years is a testament to the board's cohesive nature.

“We have a very, very good board,” Vero said. “The five of us work together to get things done.”

The board discusses everything at meetings in the interest of transparency, he said.

“Nothing is kept secret,” Vero said.

Moving forward, Vero will focus on urging the state Department of Transportation to repair state roads in the township, such as Whitestown and New Castle roads, and not all on Route 228 in the southern portion of the county.

“Our responsibility is taking care of Butler Township,” Vero said.

He said he takes no votes for granted in an election and appreciates each ballot cast for him.

“I think I have a pretty good record in my four years for looking out for taxpayers' money and providing services that are within our budget,” Vero said.

Challenger Ed Natali is well known to many in the county, as he has served on many organizations' boards of directors.

He also was a judge of elections and served as the chairman of the county Republican Committee.

Natali is interested in studying long-term plans for fire and emergency services in the township, saying the statewide drop in volunteers will eventually necessitate the creation of a paid fire service in the township.

He looks forward to talking with leaders at the Butler Township Fire District to determine which strategies would be needed to evolve into a paid fire department.

“We have great firefighters now who work very hard, and I'm looking to help them continue to improve,” Natali said.

He also wants to improve transparency on the board of commissioners as well as focus on job creation and growth.

“And the highest calling of elected office is protecting the freedom and liberty of the people of the municipalities they represent,” Natali said.