Olson seeks re-election to Cedar Rapids council

CEDAR RAPIDS - City Council member Scott Olson is seeking re-election to a four-year term in District 4 on the city's west side.

Olson, a commercial Realtor with Skogman Commercial, is chairman of the council's Infrastructure Committee. No other candidate so far has announced an intention to run for the seat in this November's elections.

Olson said Friday that the committee position allows him to oversee how the city is delivering on its commitment to voters when they approved a local-option sales tax in 2013 for 10 years to fix streets.

'I want to make sure, as we're moving into this, that there is a method in how we determine the prioritization of projects,” Olson, 69, said. 'It's not just by who has the strongest voice on the council. There has to be a system so funds are spent to fix the streets that need to be fixed.”

First-termer Olson said the Infrastructure Committee also is working to remedy problems so the city is better able to handle flash flooding.

He said he ran for the City Council four years ago to prove that a business person can find time to run a business and be an 'active” council member at the same time.

Olson said his experience serving on committees and boards and his career as an architect and as a Realtor have made him an asset to the City Council.

'Hopefully, I bring some expertise to the council that contributes to our council discussions,” he said.

Olson said he is the only military veteran on the nine-member council, and he said he represents veterans' interests.

In addition, he said he is an advocate for bolstering the city's economic development effort, an effort which he said includes trying to attract sought-after retailers that residents want to see move to the city.

Olson and his wife, Penny, live at 6467 Quail Ridge. Dr. SW. He ran for mayor in 2005 and was defeated by Kay Halloran in a close race.