Election 2013: David S. Olsen

David S. Olsen is one of six candidates running for the Downers Grove Village Council in the 2013 election. Olsen, 24, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with bachelor's degrees in finance and management. He works as a commodities trading regulatory advisor, and currently serves as a Republican committeeman for Downers Grove Township.

Name: David S. Olsen

Position sought: Commissioner, Downers Grove Village Council

Age: 24

Campaign website: www.davidsolsen.com

Campaign email address: david@davidsolsen.com

Family (name, relationship and age): Single

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degrees in finance and management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Occupation: Commodities trading regulatory advisor

Previous elected offices: Downers Grove Township Republican Committeeman (2012-2014); Student Body President, University of Illinois (2010)

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: Professional experience with impact of regulations and laws on businesses and people; active participation in village issues; prior experience in student government at the University of Illinois.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am running for village commissioner to serve the people of Downers Grove as a responsive representative with a fresh, independent voice. As I attend village council meetings and watch village government in action, I am confident I can provide valuable perspectives and insights while always listening to residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in our village.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My most important priority will be to make Downers Grove a place in which all people—residents, business owners, workers, and visitors—can thrive. To accomplish this, taxes and fees need to be kept low while providing effective and efficient municipal services.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

Apart from my age (yes, I am young), I will bring a fresh, new perspective to the village council combined with a long-term commitment to our village. My background is in finance and business, so I understand how to be fiscally responsible, in addition to understanding the impact of regulations on people and businesses.

How long have you lived in Downers Grove and/or been active in local issues? 

Downers Grove is my hometown—I grew up here and am proud to have attended Downers Grove South High School, O’Neill Middle School and Hillcrest Elementary School. After graduating from college, I was thrilled to return to Downers Grove and immediately became involved in our community.

What's your favorite thing about Downers Grove? 

My favorite aspect of Downers Grove is how it combines friendly neighborhoods, great schools, a vibrant downtown, excellent business and commercial corridors, and easy access to downtown Chicago. Our village is truly a community that attracts people in all stages of life!

What is the biggest challenge facing Downers Grove?

Our largest challenge as a village is balancing effective municipal services with the need to keep our village budget healthy—without overburdening residents or businesses. As the state of Illinois faces increased financial stress and looks to transfer its own liabilities onto municipalities, the village needs to be even more aware of the need for fiscal responsibility without eliminating the important services the village provides. Thus, the village needs to seek creative ways to deliver services with even more efficiency.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: Downers Grove Village Council 
• Election 2013: Robert "Bob" Barnett
• Election 2013: Marilyn J. Schnell
• Election 2013: Susan Walaszek
• Election 2013: Don Jankowski
• Election 2013: Greg Hosé

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