Lauris Olson for Story County Supervisor
The Democratic Party's nominee for the 4-year seat
3.30 Nomination Papers filed
Together, we can…
With those words as her tag line, Ames journalist Lauris Olson has formally launched her campaign to run as a Democrat for the Story County Board of Supervisors.
Lauris announced her candidacy for the seat being vacated by Wayne Clinton at the Story County Democratic Convention on March 12. She filed her nomination papers at the Story County Auditor’s office today, March 30.
“Change is going to happen,” Lauris said. “We have an opportunity to build upon Wayne’s legacy of caring and concern. We have an opportunity to create the future, rather than letting others do it for us.
"I believe that together, we can…
- Bring county officials and citizens together digitally via interactive video technology
- Initiate new public/private partnerships to expand the number and type of transportation options outside of Ames
- Incorporate new ideas and unique partnerships to solve housing problems countywide.
- Speak up for our neighbors in need and speak out to protect our natural resources.
- Create the future.”
Lauris says Story County government has taken on several new projects and partnerships in the last few years that would not have been possible in the past.
“With the loss of Clinton’s institutional knowledge, I believe it is important that the new supervisor has a track record of being actively interested in and have a thorough understanding of how Story County government operates,” Lauris says.
“For example, the county entered into its first development partnership with Iowa State University last month,” she says. “The supervisors have made a $3 million commitment to create a park around the ISU Research Park expansion in Ames and then manage it. The first $1.2 million will be needed sooner, not later.
“The discussion on how to finance their commitment will likely be done before the new supervisor takes his or her seat, but whatever funding sources selected, there will be budget and taxing decisions that impact departments and possible future projects.”
In the Media
10.27.16 Ames Tribune
Race for Story County Supervisor: Lauris Olson
10.24.16 ISU Daily
Lauris Olson vies for county supervisor position
10.7.16 KASI 1430 & Ames Chamber of Commerce Forum
10.6.16 Iowa State Daily
Candidates for Story County Supervisor talk plans in public forum
10.4.16 KHOI Radio -LWV Ames/Story County Forum
10.4.16 Ames Tribune
Story County Supervisor candidates discuss water, mental health in Ames forum
9.27.16 Ames Tribune
Candidates from three separate races square off in conservative forum
9.20.16 Ames Tribune
Supervisor, state House candidates take mental health questions
9.9.16 Ames Tribune
Olson, Murken make case for Dems on Story County Board of Supervisors
8.5.16 Ames Tribune
Olson receives support from party leaders in board of supervisors race
7.2.16 Iowa Informer
As Clinton Rethinks Retirement, Story Dems Endorse Olson for County Supervisor [Updated]
6.30.16 KASI 1430AM
The Trent Rice Show
Hour 2
Conversation Summary - Does Wayne Clinton respect the process? His entry into race appears personal against Olson.
6.30.16 Ames Tribune
County Democrats show support for Olson ahead of Clinton’s anticipated announcement
6.8.16 Ames Tribune
Olson claims victory in Story County Board of Supervisors primary
6.5.16 Ames Tribune
Dem [primary] candidates discuss priorities, philosophies
Lauris Olson
6.1.16 KHOIfm
Audio from 5.23.16 League of Women Voters' candidates forum for Board of Supervisors' Democratic Primary.
5.24.16 Ames Tribune
Democratic candidates find simi-larities at supervisor forum
5.6.16 Ames Tribune
Olson takes issue with opponent in supervisor's role
4.8.16 KHOIfm
Debate: Lauris Olson vs Reno Berg
4.7 Nevada Journal & Tri-County Times.
Olson to run again for Story County Supervisor
3.31 Iowa Informer
This Time as a Democrat, Lauris Olson announces 3rd Bid for County Supervisor
3.30 Ames Tribune
Olson announces third bid for county supervisor seat
Press Releases & Photos
8.2.16 Officials endorse Olson, several former serve on campaign advisory cabinet
Democratic candidate for Story County supervisor Lauris Olson has earned the endorsements of five more current and former elected officials.
The endorsements of Iowa Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D Dist 23), Iowa Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, (D Dist 45) former Story County Supervisor and Iowa Senator Johnie Hammond, former Ames City Council Member Matthew Goodman and former Story County Soil and Water Commissioner Erwin Klaas appear on the latest version of Olson’s campaign brochure.
Sen. Quirmbach said, “Lauris knows county government. Having covered the county as a journalist, she knows how to listen to all points of view fairly. Lauris will bring a breath of fresh air to the Story County Board of Supervisors.”
Former Story County Supervisor Johnie Hammond said, “Lauris is dedicated to transparent government and opening the doors of the county courthouse so everyone can freely participate at all levels. She envisions a county government where ALL Story County citizens’ concerns are valid, and all board members can contribute their talents for the good of the county. “
Rep Wessel-Kroeschell said, “Lauris not only knows more about local issues that just about anyone else I know, she understands how those issues intersect to impact everyone's budgets, everyone's safety and everyone's quality of life in Story County. Lauris will represent perspectives and voices that have not had a strong voice on the board of supervisors for several years.”
Former Ames council member Goodman said,“As a public official, I often times had to field her challenging and informed questions. As she has run for office, I have witnessed Lauris champion new and creative ideas. Her long-standing experience with local government combined with her courage to be a strong voice for new solutions is what we need.”
Klaas, who is also an ISU Professor Emeritus of Animal Ecology, said, “Beyond a doubt, Lauris is the most qualified person to run for county supervisor. As a financial manager, journalist, business owner, and civic volunteer, she has done it all. Lauris exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. Her desire for a cleaner, healthier environment will lead us into more productive partnerships like the Squaw Creek Management Authority, which Lauris followed attentively and consistently during its formation.”
These most recent endorsements increase the number of officials’ public endorsements for Olson to eight. Former Ames City Council member Jim Popken, former Ames School Board president Mary Ann Dilla and former Ames School Board member Francis Todey joined Goodman in endorsing Olson during the Democratic primary.
The four serve on Olson’s campaign advisory cabinet along with Hammond, Klaas and Quirmbach, plus Story County Soil and Water Commissioner Selden Spencer of Huxley, former Story County Attorney Mary Richards, former Ames city council members Judie Hoffman and Victoria Szopinski, chair of the Women’s Caucus lobbying subcommittee for the Iowa Democratic Party Maddie Anderson, Story County Democrats’ treasurer Tom Corrieri and Cambridge precinct captain Gina Folsom. The cabinet is still adding members, especially from outside the Ames area.
Corrieri, a member of the 2011 Story County Government Restructuring Committee, had previously endorsed Olson, once before the June 7 primary election, and again in late June when the Story County Democrats’ Executive Committee endorsed its entire local entire ticket.Type your paragraph here.