Commissioner Shaffer not seeking re-election

Highland County Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer has announced that he will not be seeking re-election for a second term as county commissioner.
Shaffer, a Republican, defeated incumbent Democrat Gary Heaton in the November 2010 general election.
Prior to being elected as a county commissioner, Shaffer had served as a township trustee and as mayor of the village of Lynchburg.
He has served on the Ohio Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, the Family and Children First Council, and other public boards of community service.
In a Saturday, Dec. 28 interview, Shaffer said he will be seeking other professional opportunities in the private sector.
"With young children and children in school, it's a good time (to temporarily step aside from public office)," Shaffer said. "My focus is on a professional career right now, but I don't want to stay away from future public service, long-term."
Shaffer is the second Highland County Republican elected official to announce that he won't be seeking re-election. Former Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward announced his resignation in October.
Shaffer's current term continues through 2014.