Two write-in candidates and a Democratic candidate nominated in the primary will appear on the ballot in the Nov. 2 general election for Butler City Council, pending the certification of the primary results.

Sheri Hershberger and Donald Shearer will appear on the general election ballot as a result of write-in campaigns.

Democratic candidate Larry Christy won the party nomination in the primary and will appear on the ballot.

The three will compete for two seats on council.

No Republican candidates appeared on the ballot for two four-year terms on council. But Hershberger won as a write-in on both party ballots.

Councilman Jeff Smith and Kenny Bonus did not run for reelection.

Shearer, who is president of the Butler Fall Festival and volunteers to assist in other events, said he wants to revive community spirit in neighborhoods to counter a 20% decline in population and homeownership.

“It's great to focus on downtown, but we need someone advocating for the neighborhoods as well,” Shearer said.

Downtown events are great for the city, he said, but small events in neighborhoods would help rebuild community spirit and help attract people to the city.

He said he would work with nonprofit organizations and serve as a liaison between neighborhoods and council.

While talking to residents in door-to-door campaigning, he said he learned that many people don't know their neighbors. Closing a street or block to hold neighborhood gatherings would lift community spirit, restore pride and attract homebuyers, Shearer said.

Shearer works as a curriculum designer for a cyber school.

Hershberger has served on committees for the Butler AM Rotary, Butler Fall Festival, Armstrong County Habitat for Humanity and Soroptimist International. She is an employee of Mitchell Insurance.

Christy is a retired fire chief and fire marshal. He served three terms on the city planning and zoning committee and is a consultant on financial recovery plans for municipalities.

The Pennsylvania Department of State is expected to certify the primary results by June 4.

The county bureau of elections is in the process of notifying the write-in candidates who won places on the fall ballot. Those candidates have until June 30 to accept or decline the positions.