Jeanne Olson is making her bid for a seat on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in governance. Olson, who moved to Alaska in 1977 as an Air Force aircraft maintenance specialist, has built a career that combines veterinary medicine and community service. She holds a biology degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a veterinary doctorate from Colorado State University. With nearly 40 years of experience operating Raven Veterinary Service, Olson has also co-founded several organizations focused on veterinary care and outreach.
In her campaign materials, Olson expresses her commitment to transparency and accountability in public service. “I have always believed in the importance of citizen participation, vigilance, and holding elected and public officials accountable and responsive to the voters,” she states. Her candidacy for Seat C comes at a crucial time as Interior Alaska grapples with challenges such as prolonged wildfire seasons, thawing permafrost, and increased flooding risks.
Addressing Local Challenges
Olson urges the borough to take proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on infrastructure and emergency response. She notes the inadequacies of the current 2015 Emergency Response Plan, which lacks provisions for food security and pandemic preparedness. “The Borough doesn’t have building code power and enforcement for structures or roads. It is up to us as builders and homeowners to be aware of best practices,” Olson highlights.
She suggests creating Emergency Response Districts modeled after the borough’s Road Service areas, which would include volunteer emergency commissioners. Olson emphasizes the necessity of community awareness and training to address potential disasters effectively. She warns that many residents have not adequately prepared for worst-case scenarios, such as a significant earthquake during extreme cold.
Education and Energy Concerns
Education funding has been a prominent issue in borough politics over the past two years. Olson recognizes the difficulty of maintaining quality public education in the face of declining enrollment and insufficient state funding. “We should continue to lobby and communicate to State elected and public officials,” she advises, noting that public pressure has previously influenced legislative decisions.
Energy costs are another pressing concern for Fairbanks residents. Olson criticizes the borough’s historical reliance on natural gas initiatives that have failed to materialize. “We were promised natural gas at $10/mcf, and now that figure has more than doubled,” she explains. She advocates for diversifying energy sources and exploring renewable options, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
Olson also acknowledges the complexities surrounding the proposed Alaska Long Trail. While she appreciates the potential for increased tourism, she raises concerns about funding, maintenance, and the practicality of such a project in Alaska’s unique environment.
As Fairbanks faces a shortage of affordable housing, Olson has expressed her opposition to projects like Ridge View Heights, which she believes should have undergone more thorough community consultation and planning. “The private sector is better at assessing the feasibility of developing property,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for more community engagement in housing development decisions.
Olson’s approach to rising construction costs focuses on efficiency and public involvement. She suggests that involving the community from the outset can foster greater support for proposed projects and ensure that they meet local needs.
With her extensive background in local governance and community service, Olson believes she is well-equipped to represent the interests of Fairbanks residents. “I have been paying attention to Borough politics and testifying since 1988,” she notes. Through her campaign, she aims to provide a voice for citizens who may feel overlooked in the decision-making process.
As the election approaches, Jeanne Olson’s commitment to citizen engagement and transparency positions her as a candidate dedicated to facing the challenges of the Fairbanks North Star Borough with a collaborative and proactive approach.
