Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a delegate representing the county. Submitted photo

County Commissioner Kevin Boozel said he was struck by the high energy at the Democratic National Convention, the four-day event he attended as a delegate, and where he said speakers’ focus on economy, infrastructure, federal investments, unions and manufacturing could also be applied to Butler County.

Hosted for the 26th time in Chicago — the first time being 1864 — the DNC concluded Thursday, Aug. 22, with Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepting the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

Boozel arrived at the DNC on Sunday.

“I think with the ideas of affordable health care, housing … and public education, there were quite a few issues discussed you can apply to our own issues,” Boozel said.

Boozel described the turnout for the event and the speeches, which highlighted Pennsylvania’s importance in the presidential election, as energizing. He said he was surprised, but not disappointed, by Biden’s decision to step back from the presidential race, which he called “selfless.”

“I’ve never felt this,” Boozel said. “It’s literally been an explosion of energy. I think it has a lot to do with the change of the presidential nominee.”

At Harris’ kickoff rally in Philadelphia earlier this month, Boozel recalled seeing people form two rows wrapping around four blocks in the city. He said the rapid show of support for Harris from Democratic voters has inspired confidence.

Biden’s endorsement of Harris, and his speech at the DNC Monday, which saw the two embrace, and Biden teary-eyed, was a display of unity within the Democratic Party and showed “what people needed to see,” Boozel said.

He said he briefly spoke with Gov. Josh Shapiro at the event. Shapiro was reported to be on the shortlist of people being considered to be Harris’ running mate.

Among others slated to speak before Harris on Thursday were Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, according to the Associated Press.

Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel stands with Harry Dunn, a former officer with the United States Capitol Police who was present during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and testified in front of the House Select Committee with his colleagues. Both Boozel and Dunn attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Submitted photo