Former Ozark mayor seeks Christian County Commission seat

Photo provided by Shane Nelson

Shane Nelson

Former Ozark Mayor Shane Nelson announced he’ll seek a position on the Christian County Commission in 2020.

The city’s mayor from 2011-15, Nelson is targeting the Eastern District seat currently held by Mike Robertson, a retired sergeant of the Missouri State Highway Patrol who was appointed in January by Gov. Mike Parson.

The only person who has filed documentation with the Missouri Ethics Commission for the Eastern District seat is state Rep. Lynn Morris, a Republican who terms out next year, according to the commission’s website.

In a news release, Nelson cited his experience as mayor and a need for “experienced leadership” at the commission. The three-member governing body is led by Presiding Commissioner Ralph Phillips. Nelson said via email the Western District seat currently held by Hosea Bilyeu also is up for election in 2020, though no candidates have filed with the MEC for that position.

“Eastern Christian County needs a leader who can make a difference locally, has experience in other local offices and understands that new ideas and partnerships will be required to overcome problems that will arise in the future,” Nelson said in the release. “I believe I am that person and look forward to that challenge.”

The former owner of Ozark Abstract, Nelson currently is a commercial real estate agent with Estes Stancer Commercial Group. He’s also a board member for the Ozark School District.