Mark Shiffer is a problem solver. It is a skill he has honed meticulously over the years, Shiffer said, and one he plans to bring to the City Council dais if given the opportunity. A former computer science professor and technology executive with more than 20 years of experience, Shiffer said a councilor’s job is not so different from his own. “Basically, I solve complex problems for a living and I’ve built teams to do so,” Shiffer said. “The City Council’s job is essentially an executive position. It’s not just coming up with good ideas; it’s also overseeing the city. And I think in order to do that job well, you actually need to have experience solving problems so that you can know if you’re being fed a line.”