For Immediate Release: March 12, 2008

Contact: Scott Olson (425) 293-9226

 

 

Scott Olson to Challenge Dan Kristiansen in LD 39

Former Sultan council member and current Monroe civic leader brings new organization and support to re-match of tight 2006 campaign

 

MONROE—Scott Olson,  a longtime Southeast Snohomish County community leader, has announced that he will challenge Republican Dan Kristiansen in a rematch of a close 2006 campaign.  Outspent 4:1, Olson led on election night only to fall behind as late ballots were counted. Olson believes this time will be different.

 

“We got off to a late start, had a shoestring budget, and relied exclusively on the energy and passion of volunteers,” said Olson, who personally knocked on thousands of doors across the sprawling, three county district. “This time I’m starting early and will have the resources to win.  The volunteer passion is still there, however, to fuel a true grass roots campaign.”

 

Olson starts this campaign with endorsements from leaders across the district, including Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick, Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers, Monroe City Councilmember Margie Rodriguez, and Granite Falls School Board member Bob Quarterman

 

Olson says that in addition to failing to deliver on Highway 2 improvements, Kristiansen has contributed nothing on education funding, affordable health care and managing growth in a responsible way. 

 

“We live in a fiercely independent district, where voters want solutions instead of partisan politics,” said Olson, who is running as a Democrat but served in non partisan office on the Sultan City Council. “But instead of working across the aisle to get results, we get nothing but partisanship from Kristiansen, and that hurts our quality of life.”

 

Olson points to a walkout by Republican legislators from a Transportation Committee meeting in February as evidence.

 

“He didn’t stay to participate.  He followed the party bosses out the door.  We got $5 million for Highway 2 from that meeting, but Kristiansen wasn’t even in the room.  We would get our fair share of resources if we had better leadership.”

 

Olson plans to once again start knocking on doors and talking directly to voters, which he says is the best way to learn about their priorities and concerns.

 

“ This is a big district. The folks in Concrete and Index have different local issues than Sedro-Woolley, Arlington,  and Monroe,” said Olson. “But we all want better leadership in Olympia fighting for good schools, a strong economy, and policies that protect and enhance our quality of life.  I look forward to serving my neighbors as their next State representative.”