Lauri Olson

Age: 39

Office sought: Richmond Village President

Bio: Worked for 14 years with Dr. C. Eric Mayer D.D.S. Wauconda; Richmond Village President (4 years); McHenry County Council of Government Secretary (2 years); former volunteer of the Richmond Fire Department; volunteer for numerous Richmond events and fundraisers; Richmond EDC.

1. What are your top priorities?

I will continue my efforts to see that growth occurs in a positive way, improving the quality of life for our citizens. To reduce the impact of future development to current residents, I will pursue proper impact fees to schools and taxing districts.
I will continue to work diligently to secure funding for future phases of the Richmond Bypass while continuing to improve Richmond’s position as a destination.
I am committed to finding effective ways to provide services while keeping costs to residents as low as possible.

2. The addition of a Richmond village administrator position four years ago was met with much criticism from residents. Has it proven itself useful and necessary? Would you, as president, recommend keeping the position or would you eliminate it?

Four years ago, the question was “Will this new position help Richmond and its problems?”
The administrator position has been an effective and productive addition to the village. The administrator’s knowledge from experience ensures elected officials are expertly informed regarding regulations, requirements and potential financial impacts. This provides the Board with data to approach the many challenges of managing a village. This position is evaluated annually by the Village Board, not just the president which ensures a balance. As president, I would recommend keeping the position of village administrator, which promotes effective management within a responsive and accountable structure.

3. What’s your plan to attract more businesses and commercial initiatives to Richmond?

Growing Richmond is a long term proposition. Given the state of the economy, now is the time to ensure that the Village positions itself to meet the needs of new commercial enterprises when they consider expanding or locating in Richmond. That means having available sites in the right location with public services in place, individual tax incentives opportunities, and easy to understand development regulations. The initiative to adopt a Unified Development Ordinance is a good example. One of our greatest assets is our existing businesses. Important to their success is the village working with them on challenges that may arise.

4. Why are you seeking public office?

Continue ensuring an open and honest local government. As we experience the pressures of growth, I want to see Richmond maintain the great small town quality and grow in a sustainable way. As new and unforeseen challenges arise, the best decisions will come from open dialogue and sound professional advice.
I would like to have the opportunity to represent Richmond, where our citizens are prosperous and enjoy a great quality of life. I, too, am raising my family in Richmond and believe it is the very best place to live and raise a family.

5. Why are you the best person for the office that you are seeking?

I am involved in many county and regional organizations. I am organized to serve and responsive to the people. As President, I have built working relationships with our local organizations, which is extremely important in making policies that work. I am well focused and collectively prepared to address future challenges. I have learned a great deal in the past four years, and feel the next four years would benefit from that learning. I ran four years ago on a platform that people deserve a choice. I ask for their continued support by choosing me for Richmond Village president.