County politics may not be the most intriguing issue on the ballot this election cycle, but over the past several years I’ve grown increasingly dismayed with how county reps have used their position to boost their image to the detriment of residents.
From mansplaining pregnancy to the vice president, using spurious science to save the Great Salt Lake or making racist statements, Salt Lake County deserves better.
Fortunately, the Salt Lake County District 2 seat is open this year, and a sensible candidate has emerged that deserves the vote of the county’s west side residents.
Katie Olson is intensely focused on issues that impact residents of the valley’s west side. She is passionate about finding solutions for skyrocketing housing costs. She approaches mental health policies with care and compassion. She’s focused on smart growth, preserving green space and improving infrastructure as the county experiences rapid growth. She is concerned about air and water quality — especially important in areas that experience higher levels of toxic dust from the increasingly exposed bed of the Great Salt Lake.
Not only is Katie Olson substantive, her approach to finding solutions is analytical and data-driven. For the past several years, she has contributed to the successful growth of South Jordan as part of the city’s priority-based budgeting. She’s been able to root out inefficiencies and implement methods to improve department operations. These skills would be vital to the success of a county experiencing rapid change.
While I feel much of Salt Lake County has been insulated from the divisiveness of national politics and culture wars, the toxicity is seeping in. There was once a time when politicians worked to solve problems for their constituents rather than spouting empty platitudes and seeking social media engagement.
Through sensible analytics, a big heart for Utah and deep compassion for the struggles of county residents, she will restore integrity and respectability to the county government. Katie Olson is the right choice for Salt Lake County District 2.
Learn more about Katie Olson at www.votekatieolson.com.
Gray Thomas, Kearns
