High housing costs in the wake of the COVID-19 effort have pushed Erik Olesen to push for change.
A Vernon resident since 2015, Olesen is running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election. Olesen previously put his name in the December 4, 2021 election and ran for mayor in 2018.
Employed as a residential worker for DESC Services, Olesen provides support in a group home setting to individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and mental health challenges.
An active member of the community since moving here in 2015, Olesen wants to do more for Vernon, especially after the past two years.
“All of these challenges have made me look at the other side of it, knowing that many individuals and families are facing the same thing that I am in our community,” Olesen said. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to step up and run for mayor of Vernon along with community support.”
Olesen’s priorities are:
1. Housing;
2. Climate leadership;
3. Economic growth;
4. Effective leadership;
5. Development of OCP.
Olesen has been with his partner, Damon, for the past four years and they recently added a new addition to the family with Luna.
A former chairman of the Vernon Winter Carnival, Olesen spent three years as chairman for the Alzheimer’s Walk and has volunteered for the United Way Breakfast Drive Thru and Sunshine Festival.
“In my professional career in leadership roles I have built strong healthy partnerships with communities,” said Olesen, who looks forward to hearing from the community and bringing concerns forward if elected.
The decision to run for mayor wasn’t easy, but Olesen had community members reach out in recent weeks asking if he would put his name forward again.
Olesen’s name will be among at least three Vernon mayoral candidates in the Oct. 15 election. Incumbent Victor Cumming and incumbent Councilman Scott Anderson are also seeking the mayor’s seat.
@VernonNews
[email protected]
Like us on Facebook and follow us on I tweet
and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
Election 2022 Vernon municipal politics
