Nelson running for District 3 re-election
Published 9:10 am Monday, August 25, 2008
When Jim Nelson began his first term as Freeborn County commissioner four years ago, admittedly he didn’t know what he was doing. But after acclimating himself with the position and the goings-on at the county through the first few years, he said he is ready to take on a second term.
“Things make a lot more sense. The budget makes a lot more sense as far as what we can do and what we can’t do,” Nelson, 59, said.
He is seeking re-election as commissioner for District 3 against David Shoff, John Severtson and Keith A. Porter Sr.
The 3rd District had confidence in him four years ago, he said, and “now it’s time to maybe give back, or try to.”
He has really enjoyed his time so far as commissioner, he said, but in the beginning “you don’t have a clue.”
He still doesn’t claim to know everything, but his knowledge and experience in the position, he said, could help over the next four years.
Nelson decided to run four years ago because he used to sit around with friends for coffee who would all say they would do this or that if they were commissioners. It was a time, he said, when there was a lot of controversy over building the new courthouse.
So, he said, he decided to put his name in for the primary, and when he didn’t make it he could go back to coffee and say he tried.
But that wasn’t the case. Nelson made it to the primary and eventually won the position.
Nelson admits he makes mistakes, but he said he tries to learn from them. Plus, a lot has happened on the board over the last four years. He said he can carry that experience through the board’s ups and downs into another term.
“I make mistakes every day, but I’m willing to say I made them,” Nelson said. “Everything that goes through there, you’re proud to be a part of when it passes.”
The last four years have seen the county hire a new administrator, bring in new business and even lose a few economic development options.
A few important issues at the county coming up, according to Nelson, are the work on the Albert Lea Lake dam and bringing more industry to the area, “if there’s any way we can.”
Nelson said he really enjoys talking to people and learns a lot from the Donut Hut Social Club — now gathering at Blondie’s Grille because the Donut Hut closed in July.
Nelson grew up in Freeborn County on the very farm he lives on today. He’s been farming his whole life, he said, and now his son, Jeremy, helps out. Nelson also has a daughter, Janine, who works in Mason City, Iowa.
Nelson has been married to his wife, Mary, for more than 30 years. She owns a trucking company — for which Jeremy also drives truck — and the couple do a lot of road construction.
He and his wife have two grandchildren.
Nelson’s work experience on the farm and on roads bring him a different knowledge of those issues, he said. Especially since a lot of the county budget goes to the Highway Department.
“District 3 has put four years into me. After the first two now I can give back, hopefully,” he said.