When the three new Butler County commissioners take office in January, they will face expectations from officials and others around the county.

There are five candidates for commissioner: Republicans Leslie Osche and Kim Geyer, Democrats Jerry Johnston and Kevin Boozel, and Green Party candidate Michael Bagdes-Canning. The top three vote-getters in the Nov. 3 election become the commissioners.

Current commissioners Bill McCarrier and Dale Pinkerton declined to run again, and Commissioner Jim Eckstein lost in the May Democratic primary.

The Butler Eagle recently polled several municipal officials and others to ask what they would like to see the new commissioners concentrate on.

Here is what they said.

Support for city

Butler Mayor Tom Donaldson would like the county to give the city, which is the county seat, a payment for all of the tax-exempt county properties in the city — such as the courthouse, the government center and the prison.

“We get nothing in lieu of taxes,” Donaldson said, noting the county housing authority gives the city a small stipend.

He said 38 percent of the city’s total properties are tax-exempt, and the county is probably the largest holder of those properties.

“The city needs the support,” Donaldson said.

He would like to see a donation of a couple hundred thousand dollars from the county.

Donaldson said county officials have said in the past if the city asks for money, then others will ask for money. However, Donaldson said the difference is that Butler is the county seat.

“If this had been done for years, I wouldn’t be talking about it,” he said.

The mayor also said he would like the commissioners to focus on long-term and short-term goals and update them every couple of years.

‘Come visit us’

Regina Greenwald, president of Slippery Rock council, said she would like to see commissioners pay more attention to the northern part of the county. She said the Butler and Cranberry Township areas often receive county funding for projects, but said the northern tier gets significantly less funding.

“That’s part of our issue,” Greenwald said.

She said she would like to see the commissioners attend a borough meeting sometime to see what borough officials deal with.

“Come visit us,” Greenwald said.

But one thing that is important to remember when assessing new commissioners, Greenwald said, is there is a 6-month to one-year learning curve for newly elected officials.

“Things that you think you can do, legally, you cannot do,” she said.

She noted residents should be patient while the new commissioners learn their jobs.

Jack Buzard, president of the Eau Claire council, said he would like commissioners to continue assisting small communities with programs such as parks and recreations.

“They’ve been helpful to us,” Buzard said.

Additionally, he said he would like to see county support for redevelopment in the northern part of the county. He noted the development around Interstate 80 and said that could be expanded.

“We’ve got room up here,” Buzard said.

Cooperation urged

Bruce Mazzoni, chairman of the Cranberry Township supervisors, said he would like to see commissioners cooperate with each other more.

He said they are never going to agree on everything, but they need to work to make decisions that make the best business sense for the county.

“That is something I think a lot of people are looking for,” Mazzoni said.

He said the current commissioners have done a good job of making some tough, unpopular decisions — such as to sell the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center — and said the next supervisors should continue to make difficult decisions if they make the best sense for the county.

Mazzoni also said commissioners should compare the county with other fourth-class counties to see what it does better and what it could be doing differently.

“I think there’s a lot to learn,” Mazzoni said.

Focus on economy

Ed Kirkwood, Butler Township manager, said economic development is of major importance. He said development creates job opportunities, opportunities for expanding businesses and expanding housing.

“I know we’ve done exceptionally, especially in the lower tier of the county,” Kirkwood said.

Although the Cranberry and Adams Township areas have experienced much development, Kirkwood said he would like to see more development in the central part of the county. He also thinks there is room for growth in the northern part of the county.

“There’s some opportunities up there,” Kirkwood said, noting that area’s proximity to Interstate 80.

He thinks the commissioners should work on streamlining county operations, making sure departments have the right amount of staff.

Stan Kosciuszko, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said the commissioners should focus on creating a “spirit of cooperation and professionalism.”

“Which I think we definitely need,” Kosciuszko said.

He also said the commissioners should work on business and development issues, such as transportation.

Additionally, he would like to see the commissioners make more connections with borough and township officials and with officials in Harrisburg. He noted the county is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

“I think they need to be proud of that and use that leverage,” Kosciuszko said.

Plan for the future

Saxonburg Mayor Pam Bauman said the commissioners should plan for the future.

“Like a five- or seven-year plan,” Bauman said.

She also said they should concentrate on not raising taxes if possible.

Bauman added they should have an “open door” policy and be accessible to the public.

“Communication is key,” Bauman said.

Additionally, she said she would like to see more advocacy for infrastructure projects, such as the proposed roundabout on Route 228 in Clinton Township. She also wants to see if there are ways to increase the availability of public transportation for seniors and for people in rural areas.

Radio upgrade funds

Chief John Hays of the Butler Township Police Department said one big issue the commissioners will have to deal with is the government-mandated 911 radio upgrade, which is expected to cost the county $13 million to $14 million.

“That’s something that’s going to hit the police departments and fire and EMS,” Hays said.

He hopes the county can look into helping departments with the change.

“It’s a lot of money,” Hays said.