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JAMESTOWN – The City of Jamestown’s Ward V councilman says he will not seek re-election this fall.
Councilman Grand Olson, who was elected to his first term in 2019, announced the news on Thursday morning.
Olson, in a statement, says a lot has changed in his life in the past few years and he plans to step away to reorganize his priorities.
“As a young professional and father my time has become increasingly limited and this is my primary reason for stepping away,” wrote Olson. “I would like to thank all of the constituents that I represented. Especially those who took the time to reach out over the past two years.”
The Republican was running against Democrat Doug Lawson for re-election this fall, however unless another GOP candidate comes forward, Lawson would likely win the ward; even though Olson will still be listed on the ballot.
Olson’s full statement is printed below:
I would like to announce that I will not be taking another term as the Council person for Ward 5 in the City of Jamestown. My time involved has been a great experience and I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge about our city and overall government operations.
When I started my run for office over two years ago it was a completely different time in the City. We were potentially months away from a control board and the administration at the time had become stagnant. I was ready and willing to make some difficult decisions to move the city forward.
These days things are looking a bit more optimistic. The current administration has not only managed to weather a global pandemic but also bring about a feeling of change about what goes on in the big gold building downtown. I think things are on the right track…. Sales tax revenue is up and negotiations with the unions seem to have a different, less controversial, feel about them. As well as new and unique economic development ideas that are being explored to grow our area.
A lot has changed in my life in the past few years. As a young professional and father my time has become increasingly limited and this is my primary reason for stepping away. I would like to thank all of the constituents that I represented. Especially those who took the time to reach out over the past two years. I encourage everyone to contact their Council members and keep them up to date on the issues in your neighborhood.
-Grant Olson
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