Nelson Shaffer

County Commissioner, District 2 Candidate

Nelson Shaffer received his Ph.D. in applied geology from IU in 1996 and undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ohio University. He has also worked as the Indiana Academy of Science executive director and was president of IU’s Staff Council in 1990.

Shaffer is the head of the Coal and Industrial Minerals Section of the Indiana Geological Survey

“The county needs to grow good jobs and promote responsible development. It needs to simplify and streamline permitting to allow existing companies to expand, to promote new, especially technical businesses.

“I want to promote tourism, conferences, and to establish a park to honor the region’s limestone heritage. The county needs to conduct business more honestly, reliably and efficiently and to improve communication. The county needs to have better collaboration with the city, IU, and other groups. Technically proficient and experienced people need to be consulted on county plans and to write ordinances that will implement current plans.

“I have (had) fairly broad professional and executive experience in scientific, educational and civic organizations. I have helped to guide a number of businesses to locate in the state, and some of my research has helped to start new businesses. Promoting tourism and boosting the image of the area has been a long-time endeavor with work with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, museums, continuing education and other avenues.”

— Claire Wiseman