Tom Olsen

Minneapolis

Political platform statement

Why I am running for this office: I am running to be an At Large Commissioner because our parks and recreation services make our city special and I have the drive to maintain the high quality of our system while fighting for a vision that makes our parks more inclusive, community-oriented, and forward-thinking. I have several years of experience working in public service with an expertise on environmental issues. I currently work with the MN House DFL as a Communications Specialist. This means I can bring much needed legislative experience to the Park Board to help secure funding and support at the capitol. In Minneapolis, I served as the Vice Chair of the Community Environmental Advisory Commission. I will use my budding and rich career experience to serve with nuance, commitment to long term planning, and to responsive constituent service. I am committed to representing each community, and I promise to take into consideration the needs and desires of everyone. Minneapolis is home to some of the worst racial disparities in the nation so it’s critical that we emphasize funding services that uplift communities which have been underinvested in. For instance, I will also push to complete the unfinished vision of Theodore Wirth by completing connections to the Mississippi for North and Northeast, and finish the missing link of the Grand Rounds. Our parks are incredibly important as they form the backbone of our communities and serve to protect our local environment. So it is critical that we fill the Park Board with folks who have the capability and energy to put in the hard work. I know that I have what it takes to govern our parks effectively as an experienced candidate with several years of legislative