Mark Douglas Olson

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Please improve this article if you can. (April 2007)
Rep. Mark Olson (standing) in 2004
Rep. Mark Olson (standing) in 2004

Mark Douglas Olson is a Minnesota state legislator representing House District 16B. Currently in his 8th term, he has been serving in the House since 1992.[1]

Contents

[edit] Personal

Olson, a former carpenter, is a graduate of Becker High School.[2]

[edit] Election record

Olson was re-elected to an eighth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives on November 7, 2006 with 58 percent of the vote. He defeated the DFL-endorsed candidate Jim Huhtala, 10,484 to 7,538.[3]

[edit] Legislative record

In 2006-2007, Olsen serves on the following committees: Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections; K-12 Finance Division; Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs; Veterans Affairs Division.[1]

Olson authored legislation for personal rapid transit (PRT) in the Minnesota House. [4] Olson is an opponent of conventional rail transit, particularly the Northstar commuter line.[5]

Along with Michele Bachmann, Mark Olson sponsored The American Heritage in Public Education Act, which encourages schools to teach America's founding principles from original sources.[6]

Olson denies allegations that he was abusive to his staff in 1997; no charges were filed, and he attended two counseling sessions with Rep. Steve Sviggum, the Republican leader in the House.[7]

[edit] Arrest for domestic assault

On November 11, 2006, Olson was arrested in Blaine after police were called to his Big Lake home. According to the criminal complaint, Olson’s wife Heidi told investigators that after an argument Olson pushed her to the ground three times. Olson later admitted to having taken his wife by the shoulders and "placing" her on the ground, according to the police report. After spending two nights in jail, Olson was charged with two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault.[8] Olson is scheduled to stand trial July 9, 2007, postponed from the original June date because Olson switched attorneys.[9]

On December 7, 2006, Minnesota House Republicans voted to suspend Olson from their caucus, meaning that the caucus would not supply him with staff support or other services.[10][11]Republican leaders stated they would ask for Olson's resignation if he was convicted.[8] He was convicted of one count of misdemeanor assault against his wife and has asked the legislature for forgiveness.[12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b 2006-2007 Members, Minnesota House of Representaives.
  2. ^ Mark Olson Homepage.
  3. ^ "Incumbent Olson claims House seat over Huhtala, will start his 8th term", St. Cloud Times, November 8, 2006. stc13039504. 
  4. ^ McCallum, Laura (April 23, 2004). "Personal rapid transit spending draws fire at Capitol". Minnesota Public Radio.
  5. ^ "Opinion", St. Cloud Times, October 10, 2006. 
  6. ^ Chapman, Michael J. (September 22, 2005). "American Heritage Education Act Passes! Small, but Significant Victory for Freedom". EdWatch.
  7. ^ Edwards, Jennifer. "Olson refuses to step down", Sherburne County Citizen, November 25, 2006. 
  8. ^ a b Budig, T.W.. "Speaker Sviggum offers comments on arrest of Rep. Olson", East Central Minnesota Post-Review, November 2006. 
  9. ^ Associated Press. "State Rep.'s Trial Delayed Again", WCCO-TV website, 8 June 2007. 
  10. ^ Associated Press. "House GOP Ousts Olson From Caucus", WCCO.com, December 8, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. 
  11. ^ Budig, T.W.. "Expulsion from Legislature possible in Mark Olson matter", East Central Minnesota Post-Review, December 12, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. 
  12. ^ Pugmire, Tim (2008-02-18). Minn. lawmaker convicted in domestic assault apologizes. Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.