Olson new D2 supervisor

Mike Olson has been sworn in as a member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning. 

During a two-day process June 28 and 29, a special three-person committee consisting of Carleen Bruning, Carol Strovers, and Stephanie Burke interviewed three candidates to fill the District 2 supervisor vacancy following the resignation of Josh Wiig. 

The appointment is in effect until the Nov. 8 general election, and the appointee has to file nomination papers and run in the election to retain the seat following the appointment period. 

The potential appointees, Karen Blue, Delaine Paul, and Olson, all met during a public forum to discuss their qualifications and explain to the committee their reasons for applying for the open seat, and why they should be selected to fill the vacancy. After an introduction, the candidates were each asked 10 questions, and given two minutes to answer each question. 

Following the open forum, the committee met again Wednesday to discuss its pick for the open seat. Committee members said all the candidates would fit well within the supervisors, and were well qualified. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Olson as the county’s District Two Supervisor. The motion was passed unanimously. 

Olson, who was born in Red Oak, said he has lived in the same house for the past 54 years. He graduated from Red Oak in 1975, and became an active farmer in 1980. Olson has three children, and has been involved in a variety of organizations. 

“I’m a life member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and a past vice-president and president of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau. I was appointed a township trustee and was later elected to a four-year term. As a trustee, through extensive negotiations, we reached an agreement with the city of Red Oak and our rural fire board, and came up with a three-year contract which we have approved twice. I was next elected to the Montgomery County Extension Council, and served with the personnel committee. I’m also a member of the YMCA, also serving as a president and vice-president there,” Olson said. 

He added none of the organizations he’s worked with have had a lot of funding, which has taught him a great deal about working with limited funds. With his commitments to the boards coming to a close, he said he will have the time needed to devote his duties to serving as the District Two Supervisor. 

Olson said the most important issue that Montgomery County has to deal with are the citizens of Montgomery County. 

“We have to take care of them, fulfill their needs, and supply the programs that work for them. We have to supply them with programs that work for them. I’m not sure that anyone will have the answer for everyone, but I think it’s a huge priority, and we have to keep it number one on the list,” Olson said.  

If his personal opinion on an issue differed from the views expressed by the constituents differed on a major issue, Olson said there would have to be an immense amount of evidence presented to him to vote against the wishes of the constituents. 

“Usually people that are involved and active in politics are well-informed about what they’re talking about.  If I had to vote against them for the benefit of the whole county, I would if I had to,” commented Olson. 

Olson said when he was announced as the winning applicant for the open seat, his biggest feeling was surprise. 

“When you have someone who has been a supervisor for 10 years, it makes it really tough. I felt the competition was very stiff. I thought Delaine did an outstanding job. I had no idea who they would pick when I came in. I felt it was up in the air, and I think everyone of us felt that way,” Olson said. 

Olson believed his experience in public speaking and his research and studying prior to the public forum may have made the difference in his selection for the position. 

Delaine Paul had nothing but positive things to say following the selection of Olson. 

“I don’t feel bad about losing. It was a good experience. I had no idea what Mike’s qualifications were. I think they made the right decision. If I was in their position, I probably would have picked Mike,” Paul said. 

Paul said he had no plans to challenge Olson in the upcoming election November 8. 

“I told Mike I won’t run against him. I think he earned it. He won’t be able to learn the system in five months. I think it would be silly for someone to challenge him just as he’s starting to learn it,” commented Paul.