The race for Greensburg’s next mayor just got a little more crowded.

Current Decatur County Commissioner Charlie Buell officially tossed his hat in the ring Wednesday. He is the first Republican candidate and will join two Democrats, incumbent Mayor Frank Manus and local businesswoman Jean Johannigman, as the early entries on the ticket.

“I know, deep down in my heart, I can help this city. I can be an asset as I would bring a lot of knowledge to the job,” Buell said.

Buell has been a Commissioner since 2000 and has served as the group’s president three times, including this year. Buell retired from Milestone Contractors after 30 years of employment, including 26 years in management overseeing the construction and refurbishment of roads and bridges.

Buell thinks his work history would suit the citizens of Greensburg well.

“This is an exciting time for the city and county. Anyone can see we are now on the world stage,” he said. “It’s also true there are a lot of issues to be addressed. I know things like the Lincoln Street project are daunting to some but overseeing a venture like that won’t be difficult for me. I managed the construction of I-70 which included 20 bridges.”

Buell spent eight years in the Navy, including four years of active duty all over the Mediterranean. He is a member of the Greensburg Community Church, where he serves on several committees and oversaw the construction of its new facility.

“A lot has gone on in my 71 years in Greensburg,” Buell said. “Before now, the most exciting thing I saw was when the railroad came in. Now, it seems like the city grows every day. I was happy when GECOM, Valeo, STI and the other factories came in. Nobody would have ever thought they’d set up a base in Greensburg. Now, Honda is joining us and I don’t think that is the end of it. This city will continue to grow as long as we have infrastructure in place to support the expansion.”

Growth of another kind led Buell to his most significant moment as a Commissioner. As the county’s criminal element increased, Buell and the other Commissioners knew something had to be done.

“I’m more proud of our purchasing Washington School than possibly anything else that’s been done during my tenure,” he said. “Tom Menkedick, Mark Klosterkemper and I saw the school come up for sale and knew the jail was overcrowded. Our research showed us it would cost as much as $12 million to build a new jail. We were able to buy the school for $300,000 and spent only another $1 million to update it.”

Buell said a new jail will someday be needed but the nearly 16 acres of land purchased with the school will allow for future projects or expansions.

Buell is the only current Commissioner eligible to run for mayor. As a resident of the city, on South Poplar Street, he represents Washington Township, District 1, on the county board. If he were to be elected mayor, the county’s Republican Chairman would select a replacement to fill Buell’s final year as a Commissioner.

He said making that transition wouldn’t be difficult.

“City and county government have a lot of similarities. They both deal with budgets and manage people and equipment,” he said. “The biggest difference is the way things get done. As a commission we are the legislative body for the county. In the city, the mayor works within committees a lot more to get things done.’

Whatever the method, Buell just wants a chance to be involved.