Election 2023: Brian Olson, Candidate For Fair Haven Council

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — Brian W. Olson, Riverlawn Drive, is running as a Republican for the Fair Haven Borough Council.

Olson and Melissa Lowry are running as a team. You can read more about them at their campaign site here: https://fhrepublicans.org/ and find them on Facebook @LowryandOlsonforFH.

Councilwoman Laline Neff and Councilman Christopher Rodriquez are not seeking re-election.

All candidates for council are listed below.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Olson says his work as a municipal bond underwriter provides him with expertise in analyzing local government budgets. He has served on Fair Haven's Planning Board and Environmental Commission and advocates common-sense, environmentally conscious practices and safeguarding the natural environment for future generations.

Read more from Brian Olson:

Background:

Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, government experience and personal background.

I am a native of rural Minnesota with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Hamline University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Duke University. My wife, Michelle, and I are proud parents to a ninth-grade son and a seventh-grade daughter. Our family fell in love with Fair Haven six years ago, which led to our move to this wonderful community.

As a municipal bond underwriter I’ve developed a deep professional expertise in analyzing local government budgets and capital project funding. My volunteer work includes serving as a past board member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts, where I collaborated with diverse groups nationwide to address critical issues impacting their communities.

My commitment to Fair Haven is unwavering. I currently serve as an engaged member of Fair Haven's Planning Board and Environmental Commission. My advocacy centers on promoting common-sense, environmentally conscious practices and safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.

As a candidate for Borough Council, I intend to leverage my professional expertise and environmental advocacy to implement sustainable solutions. My educational background, combined with my experience in analyzing local government budgets, uniquely qualifies me to navigate the complexities of fiscal management and promote responsible financial decision-making on the Borough Council. Together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Fair Haven.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their municipality and to offer ideas on how the governing body might address them going forward.

To paraphrase Kurt Vonnegut, "Everyone wants to build but no one wants to do maintenance."

Prior to Mayor (Josh) Halpern’s tenure, the emphasis on preserving existing assets, particularly our roads, was lacking. My goal is to protect and improve our valuable assets, ranging from our scenic shoreline to the beautiful Fair Haven Fields.

In light of a potential economic downturn, fiscal prudence and careful budgeting are paramount for local governments. I aspire to take a leading role on Council, utilizing my unique skill set to advocate for fiscally responsible budgeting practices.

Furthermore, my focus will be squarely on addressing the specific needs of Fair Haven, without being sidetracked by the political battles of Trenton or Washington.

Fair Haven Borough Council (Full term; vote for two)

• Michal DiMicelli (D) Monmouth County Democrats
• Neil Blecher (D) Monmouth County Democrats
• Melissa J. Lowry (R) Monmouth County Republican Organization
• Brian W. Olson (R) Monmouth County Republican Organization

Note: Candidates who have not received their request for profile information from Patch should check their spam folders or can contact Pat McDaniel at patricia.mcdaniel@patch.com for the email with candidate questions.