Column:
My wife, Elin, and I have been married for over 70 years, lived in six states and moved 25 times.
Our nomadic lifestyle finally ended seven years ago when we settled in what will be our last and final destination, southern Butler County. We are both in our early 90s and our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren now visit us instead of Elin and I traveling to see them. Our son has moved from Florida to Sewickley.
We came to Pittsburgh 45 years ago when I became a partner in a private equity firm.
Quite soon we both became fans of southwest Pennsylvania. We admired the people, sensed the vitality, loved the scenic beauty of the region (particularly this fall) and became Steeler fans.
We were welcomed by Pittsburghers. Elin, who was always involved with children's organizations, joined boards to satisfy her interest. I also joined several boards and discovered my desire to serve the community. I even got involved in local politics and served as the first chief executive of Allegheny County.
After living in Pittsburgh for almost 40 years, we moved to southern Butler County — our home for the past seven years.
We feel that it is the right place for us to spend the remainder of our lives. The area is vibrant, growing and attracting young people seeking a safe environment, attractive neighborhoods, good schools, low taxes, good local government, convenient shopping and a large choice of restaurants, entertainment and easy access to Pittsburgh.
We have been to the city of Butler on a number of occasions. It is the epitome of Americana. Norman Rockwell could have used Butler as the backdrop for his iconic magazine covers.
The same is true of many Butler County locations like the Saxonburg Hotel Restaurant, the beautiful golf course at the Butler Country Club and the many parks in Butler County. The list is very long of places and venues to see.
There is, however, one thing which I don't understand about Butler County. There seems to be a disconnect between northern and southern Butler County.
It is not something negative, but rather it is that many of the residents of the northern and southern areas don't seem to recognize that they are in the same county. That they don't share the same benefits, positive qualities and challenges.
That could be because people in the south feel a stronger connection to Pittsburgh. Many of those residents work in Pittsburgh.
Often when accelerated development occurs, as has happened in southern Butler County, it takes time for everyone involved to appreciate the value of the new and the importance and history of the old. I'm a relatively new Butler County resident but I am 90 years old and I see the value both the old and new equally.
Perhaps it is time to reverse the disconnect and introduce a positive plan to connect northern and southern Butler County.
To make the “BUTLER CONNECTION” we need to enlist the county commissioners, the chambers of commerce, Butler County Community College, businesses, Rotary clubs and local media to find those common threads and interests. We should ensure that young people are involved and seek ideas from the public.
Then, let’s publicize those ideas and BUTLER CONNECTION’s progress. Make it a one-year effort — from the first day of spring to the last day of winter.
To encourage the connection, we could create a speakers bureau that area groups and clubs can use to educate their members and share insights on other areas of the county. Programs could be developed to showcase different areas of the county.
And finally, celebrate the success with a countywide event that invites county residents to mix and mingle.
That's just an idea from a 90-year-old resident who loves Butler County. Maybe it will spark other and better ideas.
Jim Roddey served as the first chief executive of Allegheny County from 2000 to 2004. He and his wife, Elin, are making their home in Valencia.
