New London Candidate Profile: Marty Olsen for Mayor

NEW LONDON, CT —New London’s election season is heating up.

New London Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Marty Olsen, 65, is a Republican running for election as Mayor.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No.

Education:

MBA Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; BA Economics and Government Minor Connecticut College; AS Business Administration Mitchell College; New London High School

Occupation:

Semi retired; Owner Tobias Olsen Contractor; Adjunct Instructor Post University, Briarwood College and Mitchell College; Sales, Estimating and Consulting for TJ Nelson Home Improvements

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

New London City Council 1987-1991, 2009-2011, 2013-2015, 2017-2019
Mayor 2010-2011
Deputy Mayor 1989-1990
Various City Boards and Agencies

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

WE CAN DO BETTER. Storefronts are empty, our roads are a mess, many residents and visitors don't feel safe and there is blight and bulky waste throughout the city. The mayor has been ineffectual in leading economic development progress, including State Pier negotiations. I intend to address all of these issues as soon as I take my oath.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will adhere to the City Charter. I bring a full compliment and wide ranging skillset to lead, manage and inspire our city. My background in business, education, community service, classroom teaching experience and tenure in our local government puts me head and shoulders above the competition.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

New London faces many issues and they will require an integrated effort to solve them. In order to attract young, middle class families into our community, our schools must be performing to high standards. This will also ensure the success of the district-wide magnet school program the city has embraced. We must provide and maintain clean and safe streets in order to become a destination city and create the environment that people want educate their children, live, open businesses, invest, recreate and work. We must tie our many, yet small historic sites into standard hours and days of operations to fully capitalize on our history. Our downtown waterfront must become the fulcrum of ongoing activity and we must capture the traffic that our transportation center brings to town before folks hang a turn out of town. The assets are in place to succeed. There is a leadership vacuum that I plan to fill that represents the entire city!!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am the type of guy that people contact to get things done. My phone rings daily with requests to fix this problem and that problem. I achieve results because I listen, connect and follow through. My proudest accomplishment is that all residents throughout the city come to me to get the job done.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

My father always advised me to find a passion, go for it and give it your all. I am passionate about serving my community!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want to make New London a Destination. We will be the City that attracts tourists. History buffs will travel here to explore our “Whale Trail” that showcases our long and rich history at historic buildings and sites. Those who want a quick getaway will travel here to ride a bike on our newly created bike routes or shop in our ethnically diverse downtown businesses. Many will come to New London to visit our art galleries and museums, and perhaps hear a concert in one of the various performance venues. All visitors will enjoy the multitude of restaurants around our entire City. I see the Coast Guard Museum at Fort Trumbull. Visitors will be able to walk or bike there by using the pedestrian bridge that will connect Waterfront Park to Fort Trumbull peninsula. After visiting both the Coast Guard Museum and the Fort Trumbull Museum, visitors can take the Water Taxi from Heritage Park back up to City Pier.

Our City has so much to offer. We need to connect the dots and make Destination New London a reality. New London can do better and be better with Marty for Mayor!

Are you running for office in New London? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to New London Patch. Deadline is Oct. 28.