Will Rep. Mark Olson Refuse to Step Down if Convicted of Domestic Assault?

The new House Minority Leader Marty Seifert was on Almanac last week and answered a question about Mark Olson this way; "If he's guiity he should leave... We're not going to be like the Washington people and say this is a Republican seat.. highest ethical standards... you're gone."

But, Mark Olson may not go quietly.

The latest issue of the Sherburne County Citizen has this letter to the editor from one of Mark Olson's loyal supporters:

To The Editor,

I want to tell the people of House District 16B that we have been well represented by Mark Olson. He’s good for America. I know him as a personal friend, and it hurts me to see all the false accusations leveled against him. I admit to being biased in favor of Mark, but any person’s bias does not justify false and libelous accusations. It does not give license to draw hasty negative conclusions based on limited, or false information.

The newspapers have painted Mark as a violent, hot-tempered man. He has been maligned in the press as a wife beater, yet he is not even being charged with that.

I know Mark Olson. He strives to maintain a gentle soul and still has my support. Look at his last campaign as an example. Have you ever seen a negative attack ad from him, or a pattern of angry outbursts in forums or debates? I’ve campaigned with Mark and watched him often take verbal beatings with patience and respect for the people that he is dealing with.

Yes, everyone makes mistakes, but how many politicians do you know will admit their mistakes? When a person owns up to doing wrong, it does not justify the action, but it tells you a lot about that person. Admitting mistakes assures us that we will get the same good representation in the future.

There is a common thread with these false accusations. They are mostly from people who oppose Mark’s Pro-American, limited-tax ideals that this country was founded on. Most of the letters reflect a socialist agenda referring to things like universal healthcare. These editorials have all accused Mark of being guilty of allegations before he has had his day in court and that’s Un-American.

Most married couples have had some type of an altercation, yet it stays hidden from public scrutiny. I am sick and tired of people taking pop shots at Mark and Heidi Olson’s public service. I would like to know what skeletons Mark Olson’s critics have hidden in their family closets, sometimes reflected in the angry, bitter and scornful letters.

Mark Olson is one of our own, a native of Sherburne county. To deny him is to turn our back on our own kinsman in favor of mob rule.

Randy Seeley

Clear Lake, MN

Here's another letter to the editor that asks for Mark Olson's immediate resignation:

To The Editor,

In his most recent letter to the editor of the Sherburne County Citizen, Rep. Mark Olson claims that “a respectful and detailed response will be forth coming as the process permits,” and “public pressure and scrutiny are blessings for which I am truly grateful.” He must think his constituents are stupid and know nothing about domestic abuse and denial, while he “prepares” us for explaining away his actions of Nov. 12.

Recall that Mr. Olson, tearfully clutching his bible, asked forgiveness from God, his wife and family, and the public. At the time of his release from jail he said “...I have failed and I want to take responsibility for that. I ask for everyone’s forgiveness in my wrong...” Just what did he fail at, what is his “wrong,” what is he asking forgiveness for?

Is it for his actions Nov. 12 for which he was arrested and jailed?

Is it for his hypocrisy of campaigning for family values, but not living up to them?

Is it for pledging to hold legislators accountable for unethical/illegal activities while stubbornly refusing to be accountable for his own?

Is it for his own irresponsible character after supporting a character education bill in the legislature?

Is it for living a charade, hoping his dark side would not be revealed?

Forgive? Yes, voters can and should forgive Mr. Olson. Forget? No, we should not forget that he was arrested for domestic assault Nov. 12, that he is our elected public official, paid by us to represent us, and that he is relying on a public defender, rather than paying for his own legal fees.

Mr. Olson is making a mockery of his office and position and should resign immediately.

Kenzie Phelps
Clear Lake, MN

More letters to the editor about Rep. Mark Olson at the West Sherburne Tribune .

Will Mark Olson listen to his supporters and resist the calls for him to resign?