Jeanne Olson, a long-time resident of Alaska, is actively campaigning for Seat C on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. Olson, who arrived in the state in 1977 as an aircraft maintenance specialist with the Air Force, has a rich history of community service and professional achievements in veterinary medicine. With nearly four decades of experience operating Raven Veterinary Service, Olson has also co-founded the International Veterinary Sled Dog Association and Alaska Rural Veterinary Outreach.
In her campaign materials, Olson emphasizes her commitment to citizen participation, stating, “I have always believed in the importance of citizen participation, vigilance and holding elected and public officials accountable and responsive to the voters.” She aims to bring transparency, open-mindedness, and responsiveness to the Assembly.
Addressing Community Challenges
Olson highlights the pressing issues facing Interior Alaska, including extended wildfire seasons, thawing permafrost, and increased flood risks. These environmental changes directly threaten borough infrastructure, such as roads and emergency response systems. In response, she advocates for immediate steps to enhance the borough’s resilience, referencing the existing 2015 Emergency Response Plan, which lacks critical components like food security and pandemic preparedness.
She proposes the creation of Emergency Response Districts, drawing on models from existing Road Service areas, and suggests that citizens must take initiative in safeguarding their communities. “True Sourdoughs are resilient and are pro-active and prepared,” Olson notes, urging for heightened awareness and training to effectively address future challenges.
Olson also stresses the importance of educational funding, which has dominated local politics in recent years. She acknowledges that the Assembly’s responses to funding shortages have been generous but unsustainable. “We should continue to lobby and communicate to State elected and public officials,” she asserts, pointing out that public pressure has previously led to legislative changes.
Energy and Housing Concerns
High energy costs remain a significant concern for Fairbanks residents. Olson argues that the borough should play a pivotal role in promoting affordable energy solutions. “For decades, the Borough has provided funding for the pipedream of natural gas,” she states, highlighting the disparity between promised and actual costs of natural gas. She advocates for exploring alternative energy sources, including wind, solar, and geothermal options, to provide residents with more affordable energy alternatives.
Amid rising housing costs, Olson has expressed her reservations about the controversial Ridge View Heights project. With only 16 proposed building sites classified as high hazard, she believes the private sector is better suited for property development. “The Borough has a history of failing to assess the community’s desires,” she says, emphasizing the need for public input in planning processes.
As project costs escalate, Olson suggests involving community members from the outset. By prioritizing public input, she believes the borough can better align projects with community needs and preferences, ultimately fostering a sense of ownership among residents.
Olson’s experience in borough politics spans decades, having testified before various commissions since 1988. Her background as a sole proprietor gives her a unique perspective on fiscal responsibility. “No business owner would look at a year’s end surplus and implement the ‘spend it or lose it’ government mantra,” she explains, advocating for more prudent financial practices within borough departments.
With a vision for a transparent and engaged assembly, Jeanne Olson is positioning herself as a candidate ready to tackle the challenges facing Fairbanks North Star Borough. As election day approaches, her campaign underscores the critical need for citizen involvement and proactive governance.