2 sworn in to Butler City Council
Newly elected Butler councilman Troy Douthett said after being sworn in Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, he planned to spend some time with the workers of the city streets and public improvement department.
Douthett, who works as a handyman, is taking on the role of director of streets and public improvement, previously held by his predecessor, Fred Reese. Douthett said Tuesday he wants to start by getting his “head wrapped around everything.”
“I’m going to go hang out at the streets department; change my clothes, go get dirty, get a good feel for everything they have to deal with, find out what equipment they are going to need or supplies,” Douthett said. “As far as the streets overall, I think we’re in pretty good shape, although I will be driving around a lot more now.”
Douthett took the oath of office Tuesday alongside Dan Herr, who has served on council since he was appointed in 2022 and was reelected in 2023. Additionally, Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy swore in Jeffery Snyder to the role of city controller, and Linda Graham-Greek, who is the city’s treasurer. All will serve four-year terms, except for Snyder, who will serve a two-year term.
Herr said after the reorganization meeting he hopes to continue developing the parks in the city. He remains the city’s director of parks and public property, and said a recent trip to Frick Park in Pittsburgh gave him inspiration regarding what could be possible for an area like Father Marinaro Park.
Herr said he plans to work with the City of Butler Shade Tree Commission on plant life at the park, and also oversee Community Development Block Grant funding that has been allocated to Father Marinaro Park improvements.
“I’m hoping to be able to move forward with Father Marinaro Park,” Herr said. “One of the big things I do want to try to get done is the skate park down there, but I can’t do anything until we get that grant in progress, then we can start working on that.”
Before swearing in the new officials, Dandoy said he is looking forward to continuing to work with council and hopes city residents will see council members as accessible and cooperative.
“I don’t think there is anyone in city government right now who is not open and enthusiastic about hearing from constituents, hearing from people of Butler,” he said. “We are always willing to enter into any kind of respectful discourse with anyone in the city.”
