Zurzolo faces 2 challengers in primary
Two candidates are challenging Republican Butler Township Commissioner Sam Zurzolo for the GOP nomination in the May 18 primary election.
Ed Natali, a senior project manager at a steel producer, and Tim Holt, who works for a business technology and support company, are the candidates vying for the nomination.
Democratic Commissioner Fred Vero is unopposed in the primary.
Zurzolo said he loves the township and is seeking the nomination to run for a fourth term in office.A 30-year Marine who retired as a sergeant major, Zurzolo also is member of the township planning commission.“I'm there for the residents of Butler Township,” Zurzolo said. “I just love Butler Township. I'm proud to be a resident of Butler Township.”He said commissioners have accomplished a lot while not raising taxes for many years during his tenure.The commissioners have upgraded parks and park programs, roads and storm sewers; administered a recycling program; supported the police and volunteer fire departments; and managed commercial development in the New Castle Road corridor, he said.Zurzolo said he keeps the welfare of township residents in mind when making decisions.“I make decisions based on what's best for the residents, listen to what the residents have to say by walking and serving among them,” Zurzolo said. “One thing I will not do is lie. I will not tell someone what they want to hear, but rather tell them the truth.“Butler Township remains a safe, clean and wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.”In addition to serving in township government, Zurzolo has volunteered to work on many service projects with the Butler AM and PM Rotary clubs and the United Way, Humane Society, American Legion Post 778, Lifesteps, Robin's Home and Diamond Park.The projects include a picnic shelter, basketball courts and a military monument at Rotary Park in Butler; a playground at Memorial Park in Butler; a playground at Alameda Park; and installation of flagpoles and military memorials throughout the county.Zurzolo also serves on Robin's Home's board of directors and is active in veterans' organizations.For 18 years until he retired, he worked as the maintenance manager at Moraine Pointe Plaza for the owner, Oxford Development Co. He said he also worked in the area for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Ed Natali, a senior project manager at a steel producer and lifetime resident of Butler Township, also is seeking the party's nomination.If elected, Natali said he will work to promote manufacturing and economic development opportunities in the township.“I'm looking to provide more focus to develop a more manufacturing- and business-friendly environment in the township and work more cooperatively with the county to focus on economic development,” Natali said.He said he would promote the township as a good place to live and work, and work with the county to improve access to the township from Interstate 79 and possibly expand the Route 228 corridor to provide easier access to the township.“The time is now for new leadership in the township, inspired with the passion and the innovation needed for Butler Township to be that place where the future generations want to live, work and raise their families,” Natali said.He said the township needs to strengthen its working relationship with the Butler County Economic Develop and Planning department.“There is an important balance which needs to be achieved in advancing the municipality and promoting quality of life amenities in a way that continues to attract young families to maintain a population balance that supports our education system, encourage business growth and entrepreneurs, and preserve the quality of life for our residents,” Natali said.He said he is senior project manager for strategic projects at steelmaker NLMK Pennsylvania in Mercer County and has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He said he previously worked for Armco for 18 years.He is the board of elders president at North Main Street Church of God in Butler and president of the board of directors of the Butler County Symphony. He has previously served as Pittsburgh Section chairman and as a board member for the Association of Iron and Steel Technology, and as a board member for the Butler County American Red Cross.Natali previously served as chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee. He became chairman at the end of 2013 and was elected as external vice chairman in 2012. He also served as a judge of elections and majority inspector of elections.He has been married for 34 years to Julie, a graduate of Gannon University in pre-law and business administration. They have two grown children, Rachel Buncich, an Ulta Cosmetics manager and a resident of Houston, and Caleb Natali, an Army staff sergeant who lives in Clarion.
Holt said he has lived in the township for most of his life, except for a year and half he lived in West Sunbury.He said he works from home for DTSV, a Virginia-based company that provides document management, workflow systems, security support services, software development and other services to businesses and government agencies.“It's time for change, new thinking and new ideas,” Holt said.He said the commissioners accommodate new residential and businesses development, but don't do enough for residents who have lived in the township for years.“They go out of their way for new residential development and businesses, but do nothing for existing residents,” Holt said. “There's a disconnect between people who have lived in the township for 50 years and people who just moved in.”He said he and his family moved into their current home in 1995, and stormwater drainage problems that existed in the neighborhood back then remain today.“I think there needs to be a change,” he said. “We need some people who will work hard and do things with the public instead of just attending meetings.”Holt said he wants to attract companies, not just retail shops and restaurants, to move their offices to the township to provide good-paying jobs.He commends Zelienople for using its COVID-19 relief funds to send $50 gift cards to residents to use at businesses in the borough to benefit residents and businesses.“I don't see that out-of-the-box thinking here,” Holt said.He said he is excited about the primary.“I'm inspired to run,” Holt said. “I raised my family here. The kids are grown. It's me and my wife, and I have the time and passion.“I want to give something back to the township that has given me such a great life. This is a way I think I can give back. I'm really excited about this. I hope I can at least get on the ballot in November.”
