Current councilman, redevelopment board member win Butler City Council seats
Incumbent Butler City Councilman Dan Herr was elected to his first full-term Tuesday, Nov. 7, and newcomer Troy Douthett won the other four-year seat up for election, according to unofficial election results.
Herr, who ran as a Democrat, received 1,074 votes, or 35.39% of the vote, and Douthett, who ran as an Independent candidate, earned 992 votes, or 32.69% of the vote. Former Butler Mayor Tom Donaldson, who ran as a Republican, narrowly lost, receiving 937 votes, or 30.87% of the vote, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
Prior to the final vote count of the night, Herr said he was optimistic about his chances of election — although it was his first time running for council, having been appointed in January, 2022 — and was happy to work with whoever else was elected to council Tuesday.
“Obviously, I hope to get enough votes to get back on council. I feel good about it,” Herr said. “As far as who the other person is, we'll work together and hopefully get some things done.”
Douthett said he has become more and more interested in public service in recent years, adding that he believes he could bring a new perspective to the city that could “light a spark.” He serves on the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler.
“I think that's the problem is we get too many like minds sitting on boards and in positions,” Douthett said. “This is just the start. I am looking forward to seeing what Butler thinks of my potential.”
Donaldson said he was anticipating a return to city government, commenting that he would be happy to be on council despite being mayor in the past. He also said he had already been preparing to take the seat by sharing his goals for the position, like improving roads and infrastructure.
“I feel like I got my message across, but there's always the people who don't like the message,” Donaldson said. “If I win, great, and if I lose, life goes on.”
