By Kellen Olshefski
SLN Staff
With the April 5 election less than a week away, one thing is clear; Elkhorn’s next mayor will be someone who’s held the seat before.
Mayor Brian Olson and former Mayor Howie Reynolds triumphed over Alderman Tom Myrin in the February primary and the pair will be squaring off Tuesday for the coveted seat at the helm of the City of Elkhorn.
The pair of candidates took time Monday to chat with staff at the Elkhorn Independent about issues facing the city, what they think sets them apart from their opponent and what makes them the best man for the job.
“I think I’m very much in touch with Elkhorn, I think I’m very, very passionate about Elkhorn and I’m prepared to do whatever it is to help Elkhorn,” Reynolds said.
Olson said Monday he has a proven record of changing policy for the betterment of Elkhorn, especially as it relates to business and sex offenders, an ordinance which he said his opponent opposed.
He also noted the city has made several key decisions under his leadership – rather than just discussing them – including Sunset Pool, street improvements and the extension of Market Street from Court Street to Geneva Street, a major improvement which he said his administration finally pulled the trigger on.
“These are all items that have been talked about under my opponent’s previous administrations and they never did anything,” he said. “We got it done. They talked about things for years. We just came and did it.”
Olson also noted his superior record in business, allowing him to better work with bringing business to Elkhorn.
“Being retired is not what you run on, that’s not what the City of Elkhorn needs,” Olson said. “We need continued progress and continued leadership. Having a do-nothing attitude, just because it’s convenient, is not what we need.”
Olson also noted while serving as alderman for Elkhorn’s District 6 and as Council President, there were numerous times he had to sit in as the acting mayor because Reynolds was not there.
“Reynolds is a nice guy, but it’s proved his decisions weren’t there,” he said. “We had to do it in my administration in two years when he had 13. That’s proof.”
For the complete story, see the March 31 edition of the Elkhorn Independent.
