Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Council Member Kelly Ohlson Announces he Will Seek Re-election

The Fort Collins Coloradoan announced today that Fort Collins City Council member Kelly Ohlson announced Wednesday he is seeking a second four-year term on the council.

Ohlson, who serves as mayor pro tem, has been politically active in Fort Collins for nearly 30 years. He served on the council from 1983 to 1987, including as mayor the final two years.

In a prepared statement, Ohlson said if re-elected he would focus on several issues, including the city's finances, the community's economic health, regional cooperation, and transportation.

Ohlson represents council District 5, which covers the west/central portion of the city. No other candidates have announced intentions to run for the seat.

Below is Ohlson's press release in its entirety:

Kelly Ohlson, city councilmember and mayor pro tem, announced today he is running for re-election for City Council, District 5 (West central Fort Collins).

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Fort Collins and District 5,” Ohlson said. “Though much has been accomplished in the past 4 years, there is still a great deal to do. I will continue to work hard to keep Fort Collins one of the best places in the country to live, work, raise a family, and retire.”

Ohlson said he will continue to focus on the economic health of the community, City finances, regional cooperation, neighborhood livability, and transportation. He said that the City organization should focus attention on what its role is in helping entrepreneurs and local businesses as well as addressing the problem of poverty in our community. Also important to Ohlson are protecting the Poudre River, imple-menting the newly revised Climate Action and Energy plans, and supporting urban renewal projects such as North College, downtown, and College and Prospect.

Ohlson has been actively involved in the community for decades. He was first elected to the City Council in 1983, and served as mayor in 1986-1987. Ohlson received a master’s degree from Colorado State University. He has lived in the same home in District 5 for 29 years and is married to Linda Stanley, a research scientist at Colorado State University.

In 2008, Ohlson received the etown national E-chievement award recognizing his leadership for over a quarter of a century in protecting open space and natural areas in Fort Collins and Larimer County and supporting trails and other recreational opportunities. He currently serves on the City’s Leadership Team, Finance Committee, Legislative Review Committee, and the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors.

Ohlson concluded, “I believe my breadth of experience, pragmatic problem solving, and proven dedication to the community will be valuable during this challenging time for our country and Fort Collins.”

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