FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  A long-time Allen County Commissioner has announced his retirement.  For almost 40 years, Nelson Peters has served in local government. Early Thursday, Peters announced that his time in public service is coming to an end as he will not seek re-election when the filing period begins next week and will step down as Allen County Commissioner at the end of his fifth term.

Peters spent 10 years on the Allen County Council and will be completing his 20th year as Allen County Commissioner at the end of this year.

As for future plans, Peters said, “I look forward to finishing this year strong, in service to the great people of Allen County.”  As far as plans for the end of the year he said, “I will examine several business opportunities as well as possibly teaching in one of our local universities, volunteering, travelling and spending more time with family.”

Peters said that he hoped that his legacy would not be judged by any one particular accomplishment, but that people would look at the entire body of work over his public sector career.