Butler County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton applies what he’s done in decades of community service with government.

To that end, the Republican candidate wants to address the needs of people serviced by the county.

Pinkerton, 71, of Butler said there is insufficient office space for human services and court-related departments.

“In 2012, I think the top priority is figuring out the space,” he said.

Pinkerton said the county is obligated to provide privacy to people using court-related or human services.

He pointed out the county’s study being done now will indicate how the county proceeds: either a new building on Vogely Street next to the government center or rent office space.

He stressed the county would not erect a new building if it meant raising property taxes.

“We certainly don’t want to have a tax hike,” Pinkerton said. “We have to live within what we have.”

He said the other priority is reviewing all programs, determining which aren’t mandated as state and federal funding evaporates.

“We really need to look into those and where we need to be,” Pinkerton said.

The county is reorganizing the Area Agency on Aging. Pinkerton said that might occur in other departments at some point.

“We should always be looking at our departments to make sure they’re running efficiently,” he said.

Pinkerton pointed out the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center already made cuts through such measures as outsourcing the laundry department.

He said there can be a balance between union workers’ concerns and keeping property taxes level.

“Everyone in our county today has to be thinking about the future,” Pinkerton said. “We can sit down and talk so that everybody is on the same page.”

He said the commissioners provide leadership by communicating what the county is trying to accomplish.

“You need people to get on board,” Pinkerton said. “It takes teamwork.”

He said the county is leading the way to address housing blight in places such as Butler, including inmate labor possibly being used to tear down dilapidated structures.

Pinkerton said he would work with whichever other candidates are elected.

“I believe one of my strong suits is the ability to discuss openly what my thoughts are,” he said. “I will continue to do that in the future for Butler County.”

Pinkerton said the county might play a larger role in natural gas drilling.

He said Gov. Tom Corbett, who is proposing impact fees for drilling, has given counties the first opportunity to have some oversight of companies searching for natural gas.

Pinkerton also wants to continue the county’s momentum as it is ranked the sixth nationally in percent of job growth.

“We have spurred a lot of new jobs,” he said, referring to Westinghouse Electric’s relocation to Cranberry Township and gas drilling companies that have set up offices in the county.

Pinkerton said the county must work closely with the Community Development Corporation of Butler County to lure new businesses here.

He said the county plays a role in improving roads by going after state and federal funding.

Pinkerton pointed out the potential for growth with Interstates 79 and 80 as well as Routes 28 and 356.

“We have the ability to expand the infrastructure,” he said.

Pinkerton said the commissioners must again seek funding for Route 228 improvements following the diversion of state road money from Butler County to Allegheny County.