Tom Nelson

Tom Nelson is seeking a second term to represent District 13 in the Chautauqua County Legislature. Nelson has served in the legislature since January 2023.

“Our county needs economic development, a commitment to public safety, opportunities for our young people, and care for our elderly,” Nelson said. “We need to address our declining population, bring back commercial air service to Jamestown, support job creation by supporting new businesses, develop shovel-ready sites in the greater Jamestown area that will attract innovative industries, and expand our industrial/commercial parks.”

Before joining the county Legislature, Nelson served on the Jamestown City Council from 2015-21 representing Ward 6. While on the council, he served on the Public Works Committee, the Jamestown Local Development Corp., and the Planning Commission.

He currently serves on the County Public Safety Committee, the BPU Board, the city Planning Commission and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors.

“As a lifelong and active public servant in the city, I have worked alongside others in the community and in government to solve problems that are particular to small cities in rural areas. We are facing numerous challenges, and we need strong leadership to meet these challenges. Our residents need leaders they can trust, leaders who are willing to work together to make a better future in our city and county, and leaders who simply want to get things done. I have the experience to provide this type of leadership in the Chautauqua County Legislature, ” Nelson said.

Nelson has lived in Jamestown for the past 33 years. He is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and St. Bonaventure University. He has taught U.S. history and government at Frewsburg Central School for the past 37 years. He has been married to his wife, Dee, for 33 years has four adult children ranging in ages from 21 to 32, and is a member of Carroll Masonic Lodge and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

“Since I took office as a county legislator, one of my priorities has been to work with other legislators to lessen the county tax burden for our overtaxed residents. We can and must do better for the people of Chautauqua County,” Nelson said.

Nelson emphasizes that he is excited about the opportunity to continue serving as your County Legislator, and says, “Together, we’ll make our county a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.