Butler County has a new public defender, one who's full time for the first time in county history.

County commissioners offered Kevin Flaherty the job Wednesday. Mr. Flaherty had served as first assistant public defender for four years.

Former Chief Public Defender Dick Goldinger retired that day after 30 years in the position. He had divided his career between the part-time public defender's post and his private practice in downtown Butler.

One of Mr. Goldinger's final acts was to ask the county salary board to eliminate the part-time position of chief public defender and Mr. Flaherty's position as full-time first assistant public defender and to create a full-time position, chief public defender.

That action was taken by the salary board Jan. 17, but no salary was set for the post until Wednesday. The position will pay $79,872 a year. Mr. Goldinger had earned $48,967 a year. Mr. Flaherty was paid $69,432 a year.

There were several applicants for the job: Mr. Flaherty; assistant public defenders Terri Schultz and Charles Nedz; assistant district attorney Gerald Cassady; and Butler lawyer Ben Simon.

As chief public defender, Mr. Flaherty will head an office of four assistants and two secretaries.

Before he was hired by Butler County in 2002, Mr. Flaherty had been in private practice for about 12 years, and had worked for the Allegheny County public defender's office and the Allegheny County district attorney's office. He ran for state Superior Court in 1997 and won the Democratic nomination but lost the election.

"I'm gratified in the confidence the commissioners have shown in me," Mr. Flaherty said. "I have big shoes to fill and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to operate one of the better offices in Butler County."

First Published: February 4, 2007, 5:00 a.m.