Olson wants Blazing Star Landing to get use

The youngest member of the Albert Lea City Council, 4th Ward Councilor Reid Olson, is seeking a second term in his position.

Olson, 36, is married to his wife, Sarah, and together they have three children: Alex, 6, Michael, 5, and Maggie, 2.

He said he has been in Albert Lea almost his entire life, as his parents moved to the city when he was 1. He and his wife have in turn decided to make Albert Lea home for their family because they enjoy the city and think it’s a good place to raise a family.

Olson works as a siding installer for Home Solutions Midwest.

During his time on the council he has served as an ex-officio member on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

He said he decided to seek another term on the council because he enjoys the work.

“I enjoy listening to people,” he said.

Because the city is in a tough time financially, he said he also thinks it is important to have councilors with experience to move the city toward some of its goals that have been established in recent years.

“Just continue a good flow at kind of a crucial time for rural Minnesota cities,” he added.

He is running unopposed.

Goals

Olson said during his next term in office he would like to see some activity at the Blazing Star Landing, and he will support whatever he can to help that along.

In addition to the Blazing Star Landing, he would also work diligently to support more economic activity in other parts of the city as well, and would support the Albert Lea Port Authority and the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency in their efforts to bring businesses to the city.

This would include the business district near Walmart and Home Depot.

Another major goal he has is to see some finalization on the plans regarding the Bridge Avenue corridor, so people aren’t continually wondering what’s going to happen.

“There should be a plan for what will happen,” he said.

The issue is whether to rebuild the road as a two-lane, three-lane or four-lane road when the infrastructure underneath is replaced.

Personally, he noted, he thinks Bridge Avenue should be mostly replaced the way it currently is with a couple minor alterations at some of the corners.

“My main concern is the infrastructure under the road, not necessarily what’s going on on top of the road,” he said.

Budget

Olson said his philosophy regarding the budget is to not be penny-wise and dollar foolish.

“We can’t put off projects that are going to cost us more in the long run,” he said.  “We need to fix our problems as they come. I don’t want to push my problems to my kids and grandkids.”

For example, he noted, if there are vehicles that need to be replaced or buildings that need a new roof, he would promote getting those things fixed and not putting a freeze on equipment purchases or putting off getting the roof fixed. This is mostly because he thinks it would all come back to the city later at once at a higher price if projects get prolonged.

City and county relationships

Olson said he would like to see the City Council continue to work with the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners to find if there’s any more ways to save on resources.

“I think we’ve been doing a good job over the last several years, and I would also like to see us explore sharing services with the school district,” he said.

There has also been some talk about getting a grant writer that the city, county and the Albert Lea School District could all share.

Local leadership

Olson said though the city has encountered some controversy in recent months, he wants people to know that there’s a lot of people in local government “who work extremely hard and do everything they possibly can to help the citizens of the community.”

“A few bad things have happened, and we have to stand together and get the ship righted and do what’s best for the future,” he said.

He said he is proud to have served the last 3 1/2 years on the council and hopes to continue another four years.