Monthly meeting inspires collaboration between mayors
While each city, borough and township in Butler County is unique, many face similar issues.
Because of the similarities, many mayors from around Butler County have taken to meeting at local restaurants once a month to discuss the improvement of their municipalities.
An idea, born from a 2017 conversation between Mayor Gary Hughes of Harrisville and Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, has become monthly meeting of 10 elected officials seeking the best for their communities.
Hughes recalled that the conversation with Boozel, who was speaking in his role as a local volunteer firefighter, pertained to revitalization efforts in Harrisville.
As they walked through the borough, Boozel mentioned he had been talking to Saxonburg Mayor William (Bill) Gillespie Jr. about revitalization and suggested the two should talk.
This took place at the Family Tradition restaurant in Harrisville, directly across the street from Hughes’ own Penn Gold ice cream shop.
