County councilor Olson launches campaign to retain seat

Republican Clark County Councilor Julie Olson has announced that she’s running for re-election.

In a news release announcing her campaign, Olson states that she will continue to “bring a strong, independent voice to the Clark County Council.”

She said the county should focus on economic development and infrastructure while it’s experiencing steady growth. She also touted her work with state legislators to secure funding to rebuild the Interstate 5 interchange at Northeast 179th Street and called attention to her work on reallocating $1 million in 2017-18 real estate excise taxes to improve sidewalks.

“Taxpayers deserve thoughtful consideration on how their tax dollars are spent as the county provides regional services including public safety, mental health services, a court system, adult and juvenile detention facilities, regional parks, land use planning and important transportation infrastructure,” said Olson.

While on the council, Olson has been active on parks funding and implementing a change in state land-use law that allows for freight-dependent businesses to set up along the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. Olson has also been open to lifting the county’s ban on recreational marijuana businesses in unincorporated areas such as Hazel Dell and Orchards.

During her two years on the council, Olson has also served on the boards for the Council for the Homeless, the Greater Clark Parks District, Columbia River Economic Development Council, as well as the Urban County Policy Board, the Regional Transportation Council and others. Earlier this year, she was appointed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee to the statewide Forensics Investigations Council.

Olson represents District 2, which encompasses swaths of northwest Clark County including Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Felida, as well as the small cities of La Center and Ridgefield.

Olson was first elected to her position in a special election in 2015 after the passage of the Home Rule Charter, changing the county’s three-member commission to a five-member council. Although the terms on the council are for four years, the first term for Olson’s position and the council chair is three years because of 2015’s special election.

So far, no other candidate has announced or filed paperwork with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission to run for the position. If Olson draws two or more challengers, they’ll all face off in the August primary election. The top two vote-getters would advance to the general election in November.