Matt Otto

EVANS CITY — Borough council members voted Monday to select Matt Otto as the newest member of council.

Otto will take John McKinney's spot on council after McKinney submitted his resignation earlier this year, citing health problems.

Council interviewed Otto and two other candidates at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Monday.

“I just want to do what's best for this community, for this town,” Otto said during the meeting. “I want to help out as much as I can.”

Otto has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 16 and is currently a lieutenant in the Evans City Area Volunteer Fire Department. His father moved to Evans City when Otto was 2 years old.

Otto also serves on the Butler County Water Rescue Team and volunteers with numerous other organizations around the area, he said.

During his interview, Otto emphasized the importance of talking to residents and consulting experts who best understand issues at hand.

“I like to listen to everyone's opinions,” he said. “I'm more than willing to learn.”

He also emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for borough children and connecting with community parents.

Otto will serve on council through 2019, with elections being held in November 2019 to elect the next council member.

Council president Lee Dyer thanked the other two candidate finalists and said it was encouraging to see so many people offer to serve in borough government.

He encouraged them to run in May when primaries open up for the November elections in 2019.