Election 2021: Johnny Olson announces candidacy for Greeley City Council, Ward III. Learn about him in his own words, here.

Johnny Olson

Johnny Olson is a candidate for Greeley City Council, Ward III. Michael Fitzsimmons currently holds the seat, though this term is up this year.

Greeley City Council is made up of seven members, including the mayor, who act as the city’s legislative body, adopting laws and policies and setting priorities to guide the city. 

The NoCo Optimist allows candidates to describe themselves in their own words, making some edits for context and clarity as needed.

Here’s what Olson says about himself:

Longtime Greeley resident Johnny Olson has announced his candidacy for Greeley City Council Ward III. Olson, 54, moved to Greeley in 1991 and has been married 27 years to wife, Dawn. The couple has two daughters, Breanna and Caitlyn.

Olson has spent most of his past 30-year career in transportation engineering for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), most recently as the Region 4 Director, which includes the Greeley and Weld County area. Currently he is the Director of Transportation and Operations for Horrocks Engineers, a Greeley-based company that specializes in consultation and engineering services.

“Our communities need leaders with experience, vision and people that care,” Olson said. “These are the skills I will bring as I represent the city.”

Olson has three key areas he promises to focus on if elected.

Safety and Security

“People should feel safe in their home,” Olson said. “They should feel safe when they walk down the street. They should feel safe at the park. No one should worry about being safe in their own community.”

Sense of Community

“Greeley has always taken pride in its strong sense of community,” Olson said. “We need to support small and growing businesses, community partnerships, and we need to work with the school board to help them give the best education to our students as possible.”

Infrastructure

“Infrastructure is not just roads,” Olson said. “But as Greeley grows, it is necessary that we have water. I will work to ensure Greeley’s long history of smart water acquisition continues. We must ensure that we have a consistent and reliable water source now and create systems that will endure into the future; ensure our streets and roadways are maintained and keep pace with our city's growth and ensure there is a strong agriculture industry and energy network from oil and gas.”  

As the former Region 4 Director at CDOT Olson knows U.S. 34 is not only a major corridor for Greeley, but all northern Colorado. It connects travelers from Interstate 76 to Rocky Mountain National Park — one of the busiest travel destinations in Colorado.

With connections he’s developed at both the state and national level, Olson said his top priority will be new overpasses at both 35th Avenue and 47th Avenue along the U.S. 34 route that the city has already pledged $30 million to help construct.  

“The City of Greeley is one of the best cities in Colorado,” Olson said. “We have a rich environment and diverse culture that has been cultivated through years of hard work and community development. It is crucial that the City of Greeley has strong leadership who can pave the way to a bright future, keeping old and rich traditions alive while welcoming in a new and growing Greeley.”