SLIPPERY ROCK — The former chief clerk of Butler County is running for district judge.

Bill O’Donnell, 59, of Slippery Rock Township announced Saturday he is seeking both party nominations for the post, which is being vacated at the end of the year by retiring District Judge Tim Shaffer.

District judge candidates are permitted to cross-file as both Democrat and Republican.

O’Donnell wants to follow in the footsteps of his late father, District Judge William O’Donnell.

Before embarking on a career in county administration, the younger O’Donnell obtained the district judge certification in 1991.

“It was something I truly wanted to do,” he said.

However, there was a redistricting, so Slippery Rock was grouped with the Chicora area. He worked 21 years for the county before retiring in 2012.

He stressed his service as the county’s top administrator included working closely with county court and social services.

O’Donnell is a 1974 graduate of Butler High School, and he has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Slippery Rock University.

His community service includes being a member for the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame board of directors, the Slippery Rock National Championship Committee and the Slippery Rock Alumni Association.

O’Donnell lives in the township with his wife, Susan. They have two grown children and a grandchild.