Frank Shaffer Announces County Commissioner Candidacy
Pultney Township Trustee Frank Shaffer, a Democrat, has announced his candidacy for Belmont County commissioner for the May primary election.
Shaffer has served as a Pultney Township trustee for 20 years and currently serves as president of the Belmont County Township Association, overseeing the county’s 16 townships. He previously served as a member of the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District Board of Education. He is currently working with the villages of Shadyside and Powhatan Point as a consultant and served as village administrator of Bellaire in 2024.
Shaffer said he has worked to improve Pultney Township, helping secure new equipment and overseeing road improvements. The township maintains approximately 45 miles of roadway and has paved nearly half of them in recent years.
He has worked for the Kroger for nearly 44 years, where he stocked shelves, unloaded trucks and represented employees in labor matters.
Shaffer said his experience working with local government and labor has prepared him for the commissioner role.
“I understand village and township budgets and the work that needs to be done,” he said. “I’ve attended nearly every commissioner’s meeting for more than 30 years, so I understand how the county operates.”
He added, “For these villages, if I am commissioner, I’d like to reach out to all of them and help guide them in the right direction, finding funding sources and supporting the projects they’re working on.”
Shaffer said he is concerned about the direction of the county.
“I feel that by stepping up, I can work with the other two commissioners,” he said. “I have a good relationship with them, and I believe we can move the county forward.”
Economic development and infrastructure improvements are among his top priorities.
“I believe there needs to be upgrades to infrastructure in Belmont County: water, sewer, roads, bridges and broadband,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer said he plans to run a strong grassroots campaign, focusing on direct outreach throughout the community. He intends to go door-to-door, attend meetings and speak with residents about his platform. He encouraged voters to contact him directly at 740-676-9751 with questions or concerns.
Shaffer resides in Bellaire with his wife of 46 years. The couple has two daughters.
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