District 4: Scott Olson

I am thrilled that we have four candidates for the District 4 City Council seat. It is important that residents step forward to participate in city elections if our new form of government is going to be successful. Of the four candidates, I feel I have the skill set and knowledge of city issues to “hit the ground running” if elected. My “4-ward Thinking” will make a difference.

Cedar Rapids is at a crossroads right now. The right leadership can make a crucial difference as we move forward from recovery to rebuilding a strong, vibrant city. I have the experience and drive to get things done without delay while maintaining a focus on what really matters - making Cedar Rapids a great place to call home.

I have committed time, vision and leadership to better our city by helping others. I am a founding board member of Four Oaks and the Ecumenical Community Center that now houses Green Square Meals/Witwer Senior Center. I have also been active in Discovery Living, plus have helped the Boy Scouts, African American Museum of Iowa, American Cancer Society and many other community agencies.

In 2003, I was honored by the Iowa Association of Realtors as its first “Good Neighbor Award” recipient to acknowledge my community volunteerism. On Oct. 21, I was honored by the ISU Alumni Association with its Merit Award for “outstanding contributions to human welfare that transcend purely professional accomplishments and bring honor to the university.”

I have shown an ability to listen, find creative solutions to issues, build consensus, identify funding sources and assemble a team to implement. This is exemplified in my company motto: “Developing ideas into reality.” This legacy is evidenced by my involvement in the creation of six businesses and four non-profit organizations.

Even though my offices are in downtown and I know a vibrant downtown is important to the overall business/job health of the community, I have been a part of numerous redevelopment projects throughout the community including WaterTower Place, Hubbard Industrial Park and Habitat for Humanity Restore.

I have identified the following priority issues to resolve:

l Promptly complete residential, business and property flood buyouts and recovery programs.

l Search for common ground on flood projection funding.

l Create a database of available vacant lots plus a method for addressing maintenance issues, damaged garages, tree loss, sidewalk repairs and future redevelopment plans.

l Address best locations for city facilities such as the Time Check Center.

l Assist in city operations reorganization to maximize efficiency and minimize tax dollars needed for government.

l Bring the “open for business” motto to reality. Accelerate economic development, thus creating jobs.

My response to The Gazette Editorial Board questions:

1. I give the current council a B-minus on flood recovery effectiveness. The council has worked hard, made tough decisions with caring but has not been able to build consensus, trust and transparency in its decisions. Plus, it has just taken too long.

2. The City Council needs to support efforts to provide flood protection on both sides of the river.

3. The top priority facing the city following completion of flood recovery is the repair of streets throughout the community and finding methods to fund this effort.

I stand ready to represent the residents of District 4, as well as address issues that face the entire city. I am honored to have the endorsement of the CR/IC building Trades Council, Hawkeye Labor Council, Linn Area Biz PAC/Chamber of Commerce and AFSCME. For more information, visit my website at www.

olson4district4.com.

Scott Olson is a commercial real estate broker/architect with Skogman Commercial Group and a Cedar Rapids resident since 1961, except for two years in the U.S. Army. He has resided in District 4 since 1995. Comments www.scotteolson.com