Andy Olson

Andy Olson (born November 6, 1952) is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oregon. He served in the Oregon House of Representatives for District 15, representing parts of Linn and Benton counties, including the city of Albany. Olson served as co-speaker pro tempore in the 76th Oregon Legislative Assembly with Democrat Tina Kotek due to a power-sharing arrangement in the evenly divided Oregon House.

For the coach and wide receiver, see Andy Olson (American football).
Andy Olson
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives
from the 15th district
In office
2005–2019
Preceded byBetsy Close
Succeeded byShelly Boshart Davis
Personal details
Born (1952-11-06) November 6, 1952
Norfolk, Nebraska, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
ProfessionPolice officer (retired)
WebsiteLegislative website
Olson speaking in 2017

Early life and career

Olson was born in Norfolk, Nebraska. He earned an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement from Chemeketa Community College and a BA in Human Resources Management from George Fox University.[1][2] In 1978, Olson became an Oregon State Police Officer and was stationed all over the state, eventually serving as Lieutenant and Station Commander in Albany, McMinnville, and Beaverton. He retired from the state police in 2007.[1][2] Olson continues to teach public safety with a focus on leadership and character at Linn–Benton Community College.[1][2]

Political career

In 2004, incumbent Republican Betsy Close announced that she would not seek re-election in district 15, while simultaneously endorsing Olson as her successor.[3] Olson defeated Democrat Wes Price to win election in November[4] and has since been re-elected six times.[1]

In February 2018, Olson announced that he would not seek another term in office and that he would retire as of the end of the current term in January 2019. Including his 30 years with the Oregon State Police, Olson devoted almost 44 years to public service.[5]

Personal life

Olson and his wife Pam have three children and live in Albany.[1]

References
  1. "Andy Olson". Project VoteSmart. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  2. "Representative Andy Olson". Oregon House of Representatives. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  3. Hering, Hasso (February 17, 2004). "Rep. Betsy Close says she won't run again". Corvallis Gazette-Times. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  4. "2004 election results". Corvallis Gazette-Times. November 4, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  5. Paul, Alex (February 27, 2018). "Rep. Andy Olson won't seek eighth House term". Albany Democrat-Herald. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
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