“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.”
– George Jean Nathan
What the county council needs is a member that is in tune with concerns of the city and the university. There is no better candidate than City Councilman Eric Olson, and that is why The Diamondback is endorsing him for the position.
For years, Olson has had the reputation of being the most student-friendly council member. He was instrumental in creating the student liaison position on the city council and as a result, relations between the two parties have improved.
His opponent, Flo Hendershot, knows little about the issues that most affect students. She believes city crime rates are improving and questioned whether students are causing the crimes. Clearly, she is out of touch with the city’s needs.
Conversely, Olson knows the perils that face students and residents every day. He has been a strong advocate for a city police force and, if elected, would be in a prime position to push for more county support. Last year’s referendum for a police force passed resoundingly in his district – a testimony to his political abilities.
Olson is key to revitalizing both the city and Route 1. In the past, Olson was vital in attracting new developments for the downtown area – knowing that students want variety in dining and retail.
The State Highway Administration has approved the plan that would turn Route 1 into more of a boulevard-type road, adding pedestrian-friendly landscaped medians, bike paths and sidewalks. The challenge is getting the state to fund the project. Olson has said one of his priorities on the council would be to pressure the state into funding the renovations the road so desperately needs.
Olson brings precisely the right attitude and know-how that the county council so desperately needs. We urge you to vote for him on election day.
Our view: His student-friendly nature makes incumbent Eric Olson the best candidate for County Council.
