Candidate Questionnaire: Aaron Olson for Mendon village president

The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s Mendon village president election. We will run all completed questionnaires from candidates in contested general election races in the order they’re received prior to Election Day. ​

Aaron Olson filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers. Olson faces fellow challenger Michael Southworth to succeed Todd Haynes as Mendon village president.

Name: Aaron Olson

Age: 29

Address: 117 E Main St Mendon, MI

Party affiliation: N/A

Are you an incumbent? No

Family (optional): I live in Mendon with my wife and 3 kids.

Background/Bio:  

I was raised in Mendon and lived here from age 2-16. In 2018, my wife and I moved to Mendon to be closer to our church and this community.

Why did you choose to run for village president?

I care about Mendon and its wellbeing. I chose to run for village president to help provide leadership as Mendon looks to the future. I believe I can help Mendon navigate current and future projects, modernize our communication with village residents, and move us forward while having respect for the long legacy of our little town.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?

I am currently a Trustee on the Mendon Village Council. I served 2 years (2018-2020) after being appointed to the council to fill a vacancy. I was elected for another 4 year term in 2020. During this time, I have served as the Personnel/Finance Committee Chair (2021-Present), participated in budgeting activities, fought to reduce spending on the current $5 million water project, and was part of the council that brought MEC Fiber Internet to the Village.

What are the three most important issues facing your village and constituents?

I believe the three most important issues facing the village and constituents are a housing shortage, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and ongoing water/sewer upkeep.  

How will you work with your fellow village citizens, village leaders, and/or county leaders if elected?

If elected, I will continue to work with local agencies, leaders, citizens, and other folks to pursue the good of Mendon. I will continue my relationships with the Mendon Township, Mendon Fire Department, and other grassroots efforts regarding housing and childcare.

How would your term in office differ from previous terms, including your own, if applicable? 

I would work to make significant progress on modernizing our communications, providing additional means of transparency, and building bridges by collaborating with additional agencies. If elected president, I would also step up to provide additional leadership to the council as we head into the future and tackle additional challenges.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

I seek to face each issue with a thorough and unbiased approach, working towards the collective good of the village.