Probate Judge Steve Norman has announced his Democratic candidacy for election to the office he has held since January 2003.

Norman will face challengers Charles Rogers and John Hall in the Democratic primary on June 6.

One of the biggest changes during his tenure, Norman said, was the implementation of a one-stop tag purchasing system in the probate office, which includes notification to all Butler County citizens when tags are due. It also allows for the purchase of tags through the mail.

Prior to the implementation of the one-stop system, citizens had to visit the office of the tax assessor, tax collector and probate judge to purchase their tags.

&#8220This change from a three-stop system was long overdue,” he said. &#8220It has been very well received by our citizens. And I must note we have been able to take on this added responsibility without increasing the size of the staff in the probate office.”

As the county's chief election official, Norman said the four elections he has conducted since taking office has been &#8220fair, honest and efficient.”

&#8220For the safety and convenience of the citizens of the county, I moved the poll worker training session to Greenville High School and the election results return location to the Courthouse annex.”

Since June 2004, Norman has served as chairman of the Butler County Industrial Development Authority, the leading force in economic development on behalf of the Butler County Commission.

&#8220Since being elected chairman, I have negotiated the lease of one of the buildings in the north Butler County Industrial Park to Key Safety Restraints Systems and the sale of the second building to Shoreline Transportation, bringing 70-plus new jobs to our county,” he said. &#8220As our county continues to grow, I look forward to working with our commissioners, as well as the leaders of the municipalities, to make sure our kids have greater opportunities to return and make their homes here in Butler County.”

Norman and his wife, Robyn, have been married for 30 years and have two sons, Paul, a student at LBWCC-Greenville, and Ben, married to the former Jennifer Griffin of Greenville. The Normans also have two granddaughters, Alexandria and Grace, and one grandson, Ian.

&#8220My family and I would like to sincerely ask for your prayers, vote, and support during the upcoming election,” he said.