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Michael Olesen: Candidate Profile

Geneva City Council Ward 1

Back to Geneva City Council Ward 1

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: GenevaWebsite: www.OlesenForGeneva.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Geneva City Council Ward 1 Age: 54Family: Brittni Olesen - DaughterOccupation: Owner - Stockholm's Restaurant/Brewery (2002 - Present, Owner - Geneva Investment Group (1991 - Present)Education: University of Illinois - B/A EconomicsCivic involvement: Geneva Chamber of Commerce - Board Member (2011 - Present)Geneva Community Chest - Board Member (1996 - 2011)Geneva Community Arts Center (2015 - 2016)Geneva Library Focus Group (2014)Geneva Downtown Master Plan Focus Group (2011 - 2013)Geneva Smoking Task Force (2006 - 2007))Supporter of many local Charities and OrganizationsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Do you support what the Downtown/Station Area Master Plan's suggests for redevelopment of several opportunity sites, including the Cetron factory site and the Mill Race Inn site, including calls for higher-density housing than currently allowed? Discuss in light of recent decisions against an apartment building at the Cetron site and townhouses/duplexes at the former Geneva Greenhouse site.I support the desire and need for greater density. However, this needs to be done in a manner that does not damage the character of the surrounding neighborhoods. Regarding the recent decisions against the Cetron and Greenhouse sites, the City and developers failed to adequately engage the citizens prior to preparation of their plans. This failure lead to the strong opposition to both projects.Should a city employee (the administrator or her designee) negotiate city union contracts, given that they, like other employees, will receive the same benefits as union members?The City Administrator should coordinate the meetings but leave the actual negotiation to an independent 3rd party. I believe this is the best way to insure the interest of both the City's employees and taxpayers are represented.Mayoral candidate Tom Simonian has said he won't take the salary of mayor/liquor commissioner, or would donate it to charity. Is that a good idea? Why or why not?It is a basic freedom that we can choose to spend the monies we earn as we wish. (Of course, this is provided that it does not harm someone nor is illegal.) Thus I do not see this as an issue to be concerned with. There are a number of very worthy charities. And if someone wishes to donate his or hers salary to them, the monies will be going to a good cause.Should the city do something to increase the amount of affordable housing in Geneva, as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning study calls for? If so, what?More affordable housing is a worthy goal. This would benefit our younger and older citizens the most. Unfortunately, the City of Geneva has very little open space upon which to develop such projects. Therefore, we need to be creative and look for ways to provide affordable housing throughout the City on a smaller scale. As a possible example would be to repurpose/replace existing older structure to provide a more affordable home. By repeating this throughout the community, we can increase the stock of affordable housing.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The greatest and most overlooked resource in the City of Geneva is its citizens. We need to do a better job of tapping into the wealth of knowledge we have living right here. We have leaders in business (small to global) and education, working and/or retired available in the City. The wealth of their experience is an invaluable resource.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?First and foremost is to represent the Citizens to the City. To often it seems our governments, local to national, pursue its agendas. And does so without consideration of the citizens. The problems Geneva recently experienced with the Cetron and Greenhouse sites is a prime example. We need a representative who will address and bring forward the peoples concerns to the City. And help the City to craft the policy/direction the citizens desire. There of course will be times when following the will of the majority of citizens may not be in the best long-term interest of the City. In such circumstances, leadership will be necessary to both educated the citizens and explain the rational for the better long term interest. Secondly, Historic Preservation is an important part of Geneva. However, there is significant variation in buildings in terms of their uniqueness, quality, and significance in the Historic District. A reasonable approach needs to be adopted to better address the rights of property owners to improve their buildings while maintaining the overall integrity of the Historic District. Third, we need to insure fiscal discipline so that the citizens receive the best return on their tax dollars and the long-term viability of the City is maintained.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Colin PowellWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?While working along side my Father and Grandfathers, I learned how to fix and or repair most anything in a home.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?None, I learned a long time ago following that you are only have one chance at life and you should live it without regret.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History - one can learn a lot from both the successes and failures of others.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be principled in all things.