Boozel to seek 3rd term as commissioner
Democrat Kevin Boozel announced Friday he intends to seek a third term as a Butler County commissioner this year.
Boozel, 51, lives in Mercer Township, where he served more than a decade as a firefighter and in EMS services.
“I have kept my promises to limit the cost of government and keep undue tax burden off the backs of our residents, while maintaining a strong/quality workforce,” Boozel said in a news release.
Boozel said he would like to continue to “build a better Butler, and beyond.”
He said he aims to be more strategic than reactive and that he brings vision, strategic planning skills and offers multiple perspectives on issues that often are overlooked.
Boozel highlighted how he has worked collaboratively to obtain millions of dollars for county infrastructure, including some earmarked specifically for rural portions of the county as well as the southern freight corridor.
“My strategic investments have ensured a well-maintained capital program and dramatically reduced a long list of deferred maintenance with zero tax increases over the past seven years,” Boozel said. “I have and will continue to promote job growth, energy development, essential infrastructure with all municipalities, and enhancing the tourism opportunities; such as Can-Am 2024 (the Can-Am Police-Fire Games) that I assisted Tourism to secure nearly two years ago.
“It will always cost money to provide necessary services to a community, but I remain committed to doing it as fiscally responsible as possible.”
Boozel said he first ran for office to ensure that “decision-makers aren’t incapacitated by polarized personalities/politics.” He said his office has ensured that people have a voice that can be heard.
Boozel has completed the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Center Excellence in County Leadership program, CCAP Academy for Excellence in County Government programs and the National Association of Counties High-Performance Leadership Academy.
Boozel serves on a number of boards, including local advisory boards for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Workforce Investment Board, Community Development Corporation, Butler County Salary Board Retirement Board and Prison Board.
Boozel serves on several statewide roles and governor appointments including the CCAP Board, the CCAP Chairman of Policy and Resolutions Committee, the Pennsylvania Opioid Trust Board, the Pennsylvania Geospatial Board, the NACO Economic Development and as a member of the NACO – Opioid Committee.
Boozel continues his home civic activities to include service on Butler AM Rotary board that recently completed the two-year project “First Responders Memorial” to honor fallen heroes and the families that support those that serve us.
Boozel is a 1989 graduate of Butler High School, completed an organizational leadership degree at Geneva College, graduate studies in counseling at Slippery Rock University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an associate’s degree from Butler County Community College, where he continues to serve on the Alumni Council and received the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Boozel, a lifelong resident of Butler and his wife of 30 years, Renee, are new grandparents of Beau, the son of Staff Sgt. Zachory Boozel and Marie Boozel serving in the Air Force. Sgt. Colton Boozel and Kia Boozel continue to reside in Texas after four years of service in the Army.
The terms of all three Butler County commissioners expire at the end of 2023.
The primary election will be held on May 16 and the general election will be Nov. 7, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. In Butler County, a maximum of two candidates each from the Republican and Democratic parties can advance from the primary election to the general election. Third-party candidates will also be eligible to appear on the ballot.
