More Letters to the Editor About Rep. Mark Olson's Arrest for Domestic Violence

From the Star Tribune:

DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARGES

Olson should resign

Accused State Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, must resign immediately ("Legislator faces charges of domestic assault," Nov. 14). Anything less belies the gravity of domestic abuse, spousal assault and women's rights.

Just three days after his eighth successful election to the Minnesota House, Olson was arrested at his home after an argument with his wife, Heidi. Olson admitted grabbing her by the shoulders and "placing" her on the ground.

He entered no plea during his court appearance, and his trial is set for Dec. 12. He was released without bail on the condition that he stay away from his wife and five children. "I have failed and I want to be responsible for that," he said.

Most disgusting of all, he said: "I'm grateful for my wife's ability to speak up." It isn't easy to speak out against domestic violence in a culture where victims, predominantly women, are blamed and questioned when they do raise their voices. That's why one of every three women you know probably haven't told you that she's suffered some form of violence at the hands of a partner. Awful statistics like these will carry on if we don't treat domestic violence as the serious crime it is.

ERIN MATSON, MINNEAPOLIS
BOARD MEMBER,
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN

From the Saint Cloud Times:

Letter: Officials don't always practice what they preach
By Denny Smith St. Cloud

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich resigned under pressure after cheating on his second wife. This came after he divorced his first wife while she was in the hospital with cancer.

State Rep. Mark Olson was recently charged with assault after throwing his wife to the ground three times during a domestic dispute.

What do these two men have in common? They are both leaders in the Republican Party's crusade to "save marriage" by banning gay people the right to civil unions.

Kind of reminds me of a conversation overheard at a coffee shop. "My ex-wife's daughter from her second marriage is the mistress of a congressman who thinks that gay people are a threat to the institution of marriage."

Sherburne County Citizen: Mark Olson Still Refuses to Resign

From the Sherburne County Citizen:

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Olson refuses to step down

By Jennifer Edwards
Contributing Writer

Although he does not expect there will be one, the Sherburne County Democratic Party is prepared for a special election if Rep. Mark Olson resigns from office, says Democrat Jim Huhtala, who lost the recent election to Olson.

“Strange things happen,” Huhtala said. “There would have to be a groundswell from the voters.”

Olson appeared in Sherburne County Court last Tuesday after being arrested by the Blaine Police at a church school in Blaine around 7:45 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 12), on charges he assaulted his wife.

Olson has said he will not resign his position. However House Speaker Steve Sviggum says he will ask for Olson’s resignation if he is found guilty of the two 5th degree domestic assault charges.

Huhtala had no comment on Olson’s arrest, saying, “If it doesn’t move the democratic agenda forward, we aren’t going to deal with it. We’re not just talking politicians here. Domestic abuse is a pretty prevalent issue in our society. The election is over. Mark won. This issue is between him and his wife.”

Chair of the Sherburne County Republican party Mark Swanson said the party would follow their basic political organizational constitution in the event a special election becomes necessary. It would fall to them to nominate a new Republican candidate.

“I can’t say anything about that,” Swanson said. “He (Olson) has talked to our organization.”

When asked if he still supported Olson, Swanson said, “No comment.”

...No comment? That doesn't sound like a vote of confidence....

While there is no official comment, the likely candidate would be Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, who lost her bid for reelection this year.

Kiffmeyer, who lives in Big Lake Township, upgraded election technology while in office and points out that Minnesota leads the nation in voter turnout. She has not ruled out running in a special election.

“I am open to anything,” she said.

...sounds like Mary's going to run.... now on to Mark Olson....

Olson, who is scheduled to reappear in court to answer the charges Dec. 12, spent two nights in jail asked for forgiveness from God, his wife, his family and the public when he was released last week.

Olson declined to enter a plea to the charges and appeared without an attorney. The court appointed an attorney for him. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to stay away from his wife and family and their home. He was permitted to retrieve his personal belongings.

Olson denies allegations he has been abusive to his legislative aides in the past, specifically throwing a typewriter at a secretary after his first term in office and yelling at his legislative aide in 1997.

...interesting...

Sviggum took away his secretary after the first incident and recommended Olson receive counseling after the second. He attended only two meetings. No legal charges were filed.

Olson initially said this was the first time he had heard these allegations.

...um, there were these articles in the newspapers....

“Where is the evidence?” he asked. “Strange things happened about that time. Files were removed from my office. I have no choice in my staff and no way of knowing if they are friend or foe. Initially it was rumors. Now it is unsubstantiated allegations.”

...What is Olson talking about?. He sounds paranoid...

Olson admits he was asked to meet with an employee relations counselor and missed meetings he said he was never told about. He admitted he never wrote letters of apology he was asked to write.

“They had a file they never let me see. I should have had a lawyer then,” he said. “I have never denied anger before and I have struggled with it at times. This is not the time for me to respond to falsehoods. It is a difficult time to communicate with the public. I hope this is resolved in the extent that it can be. The first time I heard about it was at the caucuses.”

Wait! Don't end the article there! The first time he heard about what? and it was at the 2006 caucuses? What is Olson talking about? Too bad the mainstream press is ignoring this story. The Sherburne County Citizen is too small to do an investigation.

Olson has a letter:

To The Editor,

I sincerely want to thank those who took the initiative to write with their concerns about the recent allegations I'm faced with. A respectful and detailed response will be forth coming as the process permits.

It should be noted, given the serious nature of these allegations, I hope writers are careful to not convict with inaccurate information before the judicial process is complete. Public pressure and scrutiny are blessings for which I am truly grateful. Again, thank you for writing.

Mark Olson

Big Lake, MN

There's a letter in support of Olson:

To The Editor,

It’s very disappointing to observe how few letters to the editor - Re: Olson - remember God’s word. Found in John 8:v7 “Let him that is without sin, cast the first stone”, Matt. 7:v1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

Romans 14:10 “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall All stand before the judgement seat of Christ.” Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

1 Samuel 16:7 For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

May our hearts be right with God on the day of our judgement.

Elaine E. Martin

Big Lake, MN

Ever notice that right-wing Republicans only quote the Gospels when they get in trouble? On all other occasions, especially when they are going after gays they prefer the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus.

Here's another letter:

To The Editor,

When I read of Rep. Mark Olson’s arrest for domestic abuse I was gravely concerned for the safety of his spouse and children. Domestic abuse often remains under reported as the victim fears violent retaliation from the abuser. I hope the community is supporting Heidi Olson for her brave act.

When I read Rep. Olson’s remarks about the incident, I became very alarmed. “A guilty plea would not be appropriate?” “Placed her on the ground.” Those statements lead me to the conclusion that Rep. Olson is in deep denial of his violent actions.

The inability to acknowledge his actions and recognize violence as criminal behavior lead me to ask Rep. Olson to resign from representing the citizens of Sherburne County.

Jo Weis

St. Cloud, MN

This letter brings up some other concerns:

To The Editor,

I read with interest the Citizen article on Mark Olson’s arrest as well as the several letters calling for his resignation. I agree he should resign, but not only for his domestic dispute.

These things are always more complicated than they might appear at first glance. The warring couple has been separated. That is good. Now we should let justice take it’s course.

On the other hand, Mark Olson should resign immediately because of what he is guilty of in his public life, and that would be hypocrisy on a grand scale. This is a man who is always quick to pass judgement on those who are victims of the same kinds of human frailities for which he has now been outed.

Like Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, Rush Limbaugh and most recently, Ted Haggard, Mark Olson should seek help with removing the plank from his own eye before he should ever again presume to be the one to remove the sliver from the eye of another.

In real terms that might mean something like putting the gay marriage issue on the back burner for now while he looks a little deeper into some of the issues surrounding his own heterosexual marriage.

It could also mean examining his claims that others are only after a free ride when he relys on a public defender. Mark claims to be a Christian. Jesus Christ, the namesake of his faith, said “judge not lest ye be judged”. Mark is now experiencing the “lest ye be judged” part of that equation. He says he has no intention of resigning.

That is a mistake. He has not yet been humbled. We tolerate hypocrites, we don’t tolerate unrepentent hypocrites who have been publicly exposed. His days in public office are numbered. The only question is, will he go gracefully. Knowing him and his kind, one would guess not.

Ron Thiessen

Becker, MN

Pam Spaulding: "Is there anything in the bible about beating your wife, Olson?"

Anti-gay Minnesota lawmaker charged with domestic violence has a history of abuse at the office as well

Friday, November 24, 2006

Avidor at Dump Mark Olson has passed along more information about the sleazy Republican Minnesota representative, who was recently seen boo-hooing for the cameras after being charged with two counts of domestic assault for shoving his wife to the ground several times. He says that he will not resign. Hear the audio of him begging for forgiveness in front of the reporters.

Read more at Pam's House Blend.

Gary Dean Zimmermann on Rep. Mark Olson's Arrest

I asked Gary Dean Zimmermann to comment about Rep. Mark Olson's arrest and whether he would work with Mark Olson on PRT after they both got out of jail.

When Will the Media Report the Truth About Mark Olson ?

As I've posted earlier, the media has not been doing a good job covering Mark Olson's arrest for assaulting his wife. They've failed to report facts that reveal Mark Olson's long history of violent behavior towards women.

In recent days this blog has received anonymous comments and tips that show another side of the supposedly pious and devout state representative from Big Lake.

One reader commented on Mark Olson's self-serving statements about his religion and "character" published without scrutiny by the media:

...Can’t believe the people who went to high school with the Olson brothers haven’t reflected on their bully behaviors towards younger and weaker students, drug and alcohol abuse, barely passing through high school if not for their Daddy’s influence (and you wonder why he appears functionally illiterate????

Here is a photo from 1973 that shows a long-haired Mark Olson on a senior class trip, perched on a piano like a hippie version of Marlene Dietrich:



That aint milk and cookies sitting next to the Big Lake crooner:



A reader in Sherburne County asked me to review the facts in the case:

November 12th, Rep, Olson was arrested for 5th degree assault after abusing his wife. The police were call by a friend of Mrs. Olson and when they responded to the Olson household they were told by Mrs. Olson that Mark had pushed her down 3 times and the police found bruises on her. Mark claimed he “placed her on the ground”.

Mark was arrested at a Christian school in Blaine by Sherburne County Sheriffs.

Mark entered a non plea at his hearing on Tuesday claiming “a guilty plea would be inappropriate” and a not guilty plea would suggest he was “avoiding responsibility”.
Mark was released without bail pending his hearing Dec. 12th and allowed 1 visit home under the supervision of police to retrieve his personal belongings. Mark is not allowed to have contact with his wife or her children. 5th degree assault is a gross misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $1000 and 90 days in jail.

#1 It is apparent that Rep. Olson has not come to grips with the fact that he abused and terrorized his wife and family. It is not the first time he has terrorized a woman and his history goes back to 1994. His rationalizing statements shows he is not prepared to make the changes necessary to qualify him to be our Representative.

#2 Mark ran on a platform of “traditional family values”. Mark is the co-author of the “defense of marriage” bill. Mark proudly proclaimed his support of the “Character education bill” which is intended to curb violence in schools. Marks personal actions show the hypocrisy of his positions.

#3 Mark is well known for cutting social programs and encouraging the poor to “pull them self’s up by the boot straps.” Why then did the he seek government aid in getting a court appointed lawyer paid for by the tax payers of Sherburne county. Certainly the Olson family could afford a lawyer. Once again Mark is not accepting the consequents of his actions. Why should the tax payers of Sherburne County pay for his actions?

#4 Mark is well known for always carrying a gun. Was he carrying a gun with him when the abuse occurred or when he was arrested at the school? If so then there are much more serious charges that need to be leveled.

Keep sending me comments and tips. Send letters and e-mails to the editors of the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune.

Pioneer Press Columnist Craig Westover Says Mark Olson's Arrest for Assault is a "Personal" Problem

Craig Westover is the columnist for the Pioneer Press who recently had to eat crow for getting his facts wrong when he slammed Colleen Rowley for something she never did.

Seems Craig Westover hasn't learned his lesson.

I posted a comment on his blog asking him to write a PiPress column on Mark Olson's arrest... that was it ...just a polite request for an opinion.

Westover erased my comment and replaced it with This angry remark:





Avidor --

This is not a billboard for you your site with off topic posts. Mark Olson's personal problems are just that -- personal -- as were Andrew Bourne's. You've got plenty of outlets for your rants. Not here.

Edited By Siteowner
Avidor | Homepage | 11.18.06 - 10:45 am | #

I think Westover meant to type "Andrew Borene".

Andrew Borene's public life ended when he dropped out of his Senate race last summer:

That doesn't stop Craig Westover from dragging (and misspelling ) Andrew Borene's name through the muck by comparing the Iraq War veteran to Sherburne County's self-described wife-"placer" Mark Olson.

What is more outrageous is that Andrew Borene, as far as I know, was not charged with a crime, admitted his problem (alcoholism), took responsibility and dropped out of the election.

Olson has admitted to "placing" his wife on the ground (causing a fresh, visible bruise) and refused to enter a plea when charged with 5th degree domestic assault. Olson has accepted a public defender (at taxpayers' expense) and he has refused to resign his House seat.

Incredible.

Comment on Mark Olson: "I am so disgusted and insulted with the blatant lies and deceptions of this Bible carrying bully"

The Twin Cities' media is letting Mark Olson's arrest for domestic assault slip into Orwell's "memory hole". That's a shame. In small towns in places like Sherburne County, the local media rarely covers controversial news. That seems to be what is happening with the arrest of Mark Olson:

From the Comments:

Anonymous said...

It should be pointed out the headline and story “Media Aggressive in their Coverage - Olson Reflects On Assault Charges” in the Citizen was not the main headlines / article on the front page. Rather the Citizen thought the following 3 stories were more important with larger headlines and photos:

1) Clearview (neighboring town) Veteran’s Day program event that occurred before the previous weeks edition (Oct. 10) was more significant - One would think this story was more relevant in the Nov 11 edition????

2) A story about Liberty Paper delivering $250 in Thanksgiving “coupons” - rather a meager gesture considering the city could buy them a $5 million dollar water tower and now pay for the sewer stench created from paper waste

3) and Mark Olson’s brother is starting a new facilities advisory committee for the Public school.

Then the “newspaper” puts in the nice little campaign photo - instead of the crazy eyed creepy mug shot like the other newspapers. The editorial section was devoted in support of deer hunting? There is a reason the paper is free - we’re getting exactly what we paid for.

I’ve been surfing the blogs …. Can’t believe the people who went to high school with the Olson brothers haven’t reflected on their bully behaviors towards younger and weaker students, drug and alcohol abuse, barely passing through high school if not for their Daddy’s influence (and you wonder why he appears functionally illiterate????

Why are people so quick in assuming he‘s capable of reading the Bible - let alone comprehension?). Where does Sviggum come off saying he is a perfectionist - high standards. He couldn’t make it in the housing / contractor market, so he goes off into politics….. And there were record highs and profits (just who we need in the legislation considering Minnesota budget concerns). Also, this helps to explain his financial need for a public defender for everybody who wonders why he’s “chosen” to be a burden on taxpayers.

It’s not surprising he was abusive while in office towards women - he’s the same person a lot of us have known since childhood. He hasn’t changed except in his pretense of finding religion. I am so disgusted and insulted with the blatant lies and deceptions of this Bible carrying bully. Although I bet his ex-aid wished he’d been carrying a Bible the day he needed to find something to throw at her instead of a typewriter.

Another comment:

Anonymous said...

"when I take a hit, my supporters take a hit too.", said Mark.

Well, apparently Mark did not "take a hit" he gave a hit, beating his wife. Or maybe his "supporter" is his wife and she took a "hit", or many hits.

get rid of this guy.

Keep sending me comments and tips. Send letters and e-mails to the editors of the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune.

Tell them that a man with a history of losing his temper, who has stubbornly refused to plead to a charge of 5th degree domestic assault should not be allowed to serve in the Minnesota Legislature.

Mark Olson Gloated About the 16b Election Before His Arrest for Domestic Assault

The Bible says "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

It is ironic that Rep. Mark Olson didn't heed that advice when he bragged about defeating DFLer Jim Huhtala at the polls in the interview in an Sherburne County Citizen.

Olson tells reporter Ken Francis why he thinks he won:

“I don’t fit the mold,” Olson said, referring to the partisan politics that has pitted Republicans against Democrats. “I set out (years ago) to not participate in the things people don’t like about politics and politicians.”

...The reporter fails to ask what "things" Olson is talking about... but, on to Olson's opposition to Northstar:

“Even people who didn’t agree with me on Northstar liked what I was saying on other issues,” he says. “I follow through on what I say.”

... Even when Mark Olson was proven wrong about rail transit and nearly legislator including the leadership in Olson's own party says he was wrong about Northstar, Olson stubbornly sticks to "Stay the course!"...

[Olson] said people appreciated his candid and informative responses to letters to the editor, many of which he says were based on half-truths and misinformation.

“I’m encouraged that people in this area are paying attention to the issues and not on political rhetoric,” he said.

Rep. Olson must be referring to these letters he posted on his campaign website.

In this letter Olson said the following:

Dear Editor,
Thank you for providing a good service in support of some important political debate.  I appreciate that Ms. Joyce LeClair has stated her concerns about how my time is being spent as well as Mr. Ken Avidor and his PRT points.  Given the nature of their statements, a public discussion is very important.

 

Mark Olson had several opportunities to debate me over the years, but he ran from me every time. Mark Olson got elected because he lied about PRT and the media never investigated his lies. If the voters of 16b knew the truth about Mark Olson and Gary Dean Zimmermann's PRT scam, I doubt that the election would have turned out the way it did.

Here's another Bible quote for Mark Olson:

Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city" (Proverbs 16:32)

Sherburne Citizen Newspaper: "Olson Reflects On Assault Charges"

Don't you love that headline? It conjures up a benign image of a calm and contemplative Mark Olson "reflecting" on his arrest for assaulting his wife. It's far from the account I heard of a wild-eyed and incoherent Mark Olson revealed in this mugshot:



Here's the article in the Sherburne County Citizen Newspaper:

Sunday, November 19, 2006
By Jennifer Edwards

Rep. Mark Olson this week was charged with two counts of domestic abuse five days after being re-elected for the eighth time to the Minnesota House of Representatives with 58% of the vote.

“I cannot comment further on the case,” Olson said Thursday. “One thing I realized the first time I ran for re-election is that when I take a hit, my supporters take a hit too. I have never felt so unworthy of support in my life, yet they have still been supporting me. I can’t tell you how much that means, how much I appreciate that.”

Heidi Olson said she has no comment on her husband Mark’s arrest on domestic assault charges but that she may choose to issue a public statement once the case is settled.

“As the wife of a public figure, I know I have to deal with the media,” she said Wednesday. “But I was totally unprepared for the invasion that followed once the story came out.”

Olson, a public health nurse for Wright County and mother of five, said she and her children were forced to leave their home because media representatives from the Twin Cities invaded her Big Lake Township property.

“I find it disturbing that my right to privacy was not respected,” she said. “My address and pictures of my house were everywhere at a time when people now know I am here alone. I find that very scary. We have been locking things up tightly around here but it does make me nervous and it worries my children.”

Heidi Olson did the right thing and she and her children are the ones paying the penalty. Mark Olson, by contrast has gotten the kid-glove treatment by the major media. As I've pointed out in another post, The Star Tribune and the Minnesota Daily editorial boards called for the resignation of Chris Stewart, just-elected to the to the Minneapolis School Board, but has not called for Mark Olson's resignation. What was Chris Stewart's "crime"? He authored a satirical website.

Olson was arrested Sunday at a church school in Blaine. He was taken to Sherburne County Court House and spent two nights in jail before appearing in court Tuesday morning. Olson appeared before the judge clutching a Bible.

A court appointed attorney said Olson preferred not to enter a plea to the charges.

A court-appointed attorney? That's ironic. Mark Olson cannot afford his own lawyer? I should note that Olson's PRT pal Gary Dean Zimmmermann was also defended by a lawyer provided by the taxpayers even though he owned hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property.

A guilty plea would not be appropriate, but a not-guilty plea might suggest he was avoiding responsibility, he said.

...No,"avoiding responsibility" means leaving the decision up to the judge...

According to the criminal complaint, the police were called to Olson’s home late Sunday afternoon after Olson pushed his wife, Heidi, to the ground three times during the course of an argument. The impact was sufficient to leave her bruised. Olson told investigators he grabbed his wife and “placed her” on the ground.

...like an inanimate object... a piece of furniture...

Olson, 51, left the courtroom, asking for forgiveness from God, his wife and family and the public.

“I want to do everything I can to make that right, as right as I can,” he said. “I have failed and I want to be responsible for that. I ask for everyone’s forgiveness in my wrong, and that will be defined more clearly as we go through the process.”

Olson was released without bail and ordered to stay away from his home, his wife and children. He will return to court Dec. 12. The maximum penalty for each of the two misdemeanor charges is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

This incident is not Olson’s first offense. Eight years ago, he was charged with throwing a typewriter at his secretary and attended anger management classes.

...actually that was the first of two reported incidents of Olson abusing staff. Legislative aides complained about Mark Olson's abusive behavior in 1997 (see yesterday's posts).

Olson has said it is not his intent to resign his position at the legislature. Only a felony charge would result in his being automatically removed from office.

...that's the standard now for Mark Olson?... a felony? This is what he ran on a few years ago:

However Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum has said he will ask for Olson’s resignation if he is found guilty of the charges.

... Sviggum has known about and enabled Olson's violent behavior for many years. He should be demanding Olson's resignation now.

Olson could also be subject to recall by voters under state law. If an ethics complaint is filed against Olson and found to be warranted, the House has broad powers to discipline him further.

...will the Republican leadership continue to allow Mark Olson's mugshot to be the face of their party?

Citizen Newspaper Readers respond to Olson's arrest. A citizen of Big Lake writes this letter to the editor:

To The Editor,

Spousal abuse is a terrible crime. In the case of Rep. Olson, his victim is twice hurt, once by him and again by having this issue brought into the public light.

I pray that God gives her the courage to understand that the shame this crime has caused is entirely his and is no reflection on her. It takes incredible courage to report this crime and is a credit to her that she has the integrity and strength to put a stop to this abuse.

I pray that her friends and family and this community come to her support and praise her for her actions that protected her and her children. I hope that her actions will encourage others who suffer from this terrible crime to come forth and report abuse.

I hope that this high profile case will be used as a message to those who abuse that this type of behavior has serious consequences and that Rep. Olson is made an example of. We need to be able to say that spousal abuse means that you will go to jail. He has lost his credibility and can no longer represent this district.

Jill Anderson

Big Lake, MN

Another citizen of Big Lake writes:

To The Editor,

I am disappointed by the actions of Rep. Mark Olson. His statements to the press after his release from jail on Tuesday show that he is not ready to accept responsibility for his actions.

Mark knocked his wife to the ground three times and left bruises on his victim. Mark said that he “placed her on the ground”. Rep. Olson is a home builder and comes from a family that is hardly impoverished yet he made the taxpayers of Sherburne County pick up his bill for attorney’s fees by using a court appointed lawyer.

Rep. Olson said a guilty plea was “inappropriate”. Spousal abuse is a serious crime. It’s an act of terror and power that humiliates its victims and teaches the wrong lessons to children exposed to it.

Rep. Olson and other law makers need to understand this. I expect those that make the laws to plead guilty when they break them. Only a coward terrorizes his wife and children. It should be noted that Rep. Olson was one of the few members of the house that voted against increased funding for battered women’s shelters. His abuse of those who he perceives him self to have power over goes back to his first term when he assaulted his legislative assistant and was ordered by the speaker of the house to take anger management classes.

Rep. Olson attended only two classes. We are now represented by a man who will be forever known by his mug shot and arrest for wife beating. He is no longer a role model for children or an example of what a Representative should be.

Rachel Bye

Big Lake, MN

The Twin Cities media needs to do a better job of covering this story and not leave it up to local, right-wing newspaper. They need to demand that Mark Olson talk directly to the citizens who pay his salary, benefits and legal fees. He should no longer be allowed to hide behind the law. The major media also needs to ask why the Republican leadership continues to support Mark Olson.

Is Mary Kiffmeyer Planning to Run in 16b Special Election?

The rumor is former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer is planning to run in a special election following the resignation of Rep. Mark Olson.

UPDATE: The next blog: Huhtala Vs. Kiffmeyer

Mark Olson: Articles and Brochure Clippings Reveal a Pattern of Abuse and Denial

Scroll down and read these newspaper articles and clippings from Mark Olson's campaign brochures.

1/20/97 Strib on Mark Olson's staff abuse:

"Legislator slapped for Staff Abuse"

Here's a copy of that article:

Mark Olson Survey Response: "Harmful to a child to not receive discipline..."

A strange statement from a guy who was a bachelor for most of his life:



Larger sized scan HERE.

Mark Olson 1996 Brochure Said He Supported "Holding Legislators Accountable for Unethical/Illegal Activities"

Mark Olson's 1996 brochure also asks for "Tougher Penalties for Crime".

Monticello Times: Steve Sviggum Makes Excuses for Mark Olson's Abuse

January 23, Monticello Times:

"Mark Olson is very much a perfectionist and has high expectations that some people don't live up to," Sviggum told the Times, "It's not an abusive situation, but he's had higher expectations than what others were able to provide."

Scan of complete article HERE.

"Olson Refutes Allegations of Abuse..."

January '97 Big Lake newspaper articlereveals Mark Olson's paranoid concerns about working with legislative aides:

Larger sized scan HERE.

Olson Supporter Blames Teenagers and Criticizes Homosexuals

A comment on the MN PUBLIUS blog:

Written by: Em
Posted on: November 15, 2006 at 10:09 pm

This comment is to Offred… I know Mark Olson personally. You are being judgemental and critical without knowing the facts of his marriage or situation. I do know the facts. Raising teenagers and in particular teenagers that are not your own is a very difficult job. You all make me very sick. You sound very hateful and vengeful and I am disgusted. I hope you will all have to eat your words someday. Don’t judge others when you don’t walk in their shoes. Isn’t that what you homosexuals are asking of others…You don’t want others passing judgement on you so why do you do it to others, you hypocrites.

Is this a preview of what Mark Olson's defense will be at his trial?

Why Pistol-Packing, Wife-Beating Rep. Mark Olson Must Resign Now

If Mark Olson had been arrested for smoking crack cocaine, it's safe to say that he'd have resigned by now. Instead Mark Olson's been arrested for domestic assault... for Steve Sviggum and Republicans that's not enough to ask Olson to resign. Sviggum requires a conviction.

Why is an arrest for beating a woman a wait-and-see offence as opposed to being arrested for smoking crack?

In Minneapolis, the Star Tribune and the Minnesota Daily called for a school board member to resign because he authored a satirical website. The Minneapolis Star Tribune has not asked for Olson to resign.

Why the double standard?

It's racism, sexism... and politics.

It's clear that Sviggum and the Republicans are stalling for time so they can find a candidate to run in a special election that is almost a certainty. and that is disgusting. What kind of message does that send?

From the Truth Surfer blog:

October was National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What's that you say, you missed it? So did most of us because for the most part, the media chose to ignore the issue. That makes the media coverage of Minnesota's Rep. Mark Olson arrest this week for domestic abuse even more ironic.

Mark Olson, a Big Lake-area legislator recently reelected to his eighth term, was charged with fifth-degree domestic assault for hitting his wife (forcing her to the floor). Instead of using it as an opportunity to educate the public on the epidemic level of abuse in America (and Minnesota), the media has instead made it into just a problem for Olson his political party.

But it’s a lot more than just another story. Not when domestic violence accounts for over 25% of the crimes reported in Minnesota yet we know that 80% of all domestic abuse goes unreported. The story of Mark Olson is played out everyday over and over again in Minnesota’s homes.

Given Olson’s past aggression against a women and his refusal of treatment, his current punishment should be the maximum that can be given by both the court system and his legislative peers.

A while ago someone told me that Rep Mark Olson wore a concealed handgun on the floor of the legislature. I asked somebody in Sherburne County and he said that it was true that Olson used to carry a gun on the floor but a new law was passed that stopped him from doing it last year.

It is important to know whether the arrest report done by the Blaine Police Department mentioned whether Mark Olson was carrying a handgun when he was arrested in the church. If so, then this would be a much more serious crime; having a hand gun while commiting a violent crime.

Olson apparently has a permit and is known for always having it with him.

My sources say that Mark Olson was having a "nervous breakdown" and was rambling and quoting the bible and "making no sense" after his arrest.

Contact Governor Pawlenty and Steve Sviggum and tell them that Mark Olson must resign now.

A Letter From Sherburne County

I received this e-mail today:

Hi.

I have been asked by many of you for my thoughts in regards to Rep. Olson’s arrest. The State DFL party has chosen (correctly) to stay out of this. This is a matter between Rep. Olson and those he represents; and, of course, the Republican caucus and Rep. Olson.

The matter is if we will accept an abuser having our voice in the State House. I would hope that our elected officials hold themselves to the same standard that they hold the rest of us to. His actions and words after the fact are clear indications that he does not. There are laws on the books which exclude persons convicted of domestic violence from working as police officers, nurses, social workers, school bus drivers and other positions of public trust. State Representatives are expected to be role models for our community and of course our children.

This is not the first time Olson has used violence over those whom he perceives to have power over. During his first term in office he abused his aid and was ordered by House Speaker Sviggum to attend anger management courses. He attended only two. He has been openly hostile to constituents who bring him concerns that differ from his own view of the world.

Domestic violence is a very serious crime. It is the type of behavior that is often passed from generation to generation. For too many years this crime has been taken lightly by police, lawmakers and society in general. This is not an issue between husband and wife but rather an issue between those who think violence is an acceptable form of expression and those of use who don’t. For 40 years women’s groups have been fighting to end the cycle of violence against women. To allow an elected official to get away with it would be unforgivable.

Rep. Olson’s refusal to enter a plea and downplay the actions he inflicted on his wife (“I placed her on the ground”) show that he is in denial and does not take this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Rep Olson has been one of the few members of the house to vote against funding for battered women’s shelters.

I think we all need to commend Mark’s wife Heidi for her remarkable courage in reporting this crime. Heidi must have known that this would put her and her family in the public spotlight. Yet she stood up for herself and her children by saying “No more”. Time and time again I am amazed at the strength that women like Heidi Olson and others in her position show. Indeed I hope she is used as an example to others who may be suffering in silence. They can break the cycle of abuse, and we all need to recognize and praise her efforts. To beat your wife is the act of a coward. To report it is the act of a hero.

I ask all of you to consider voicing your opinions on this matter. I ask you to do so publicly. Rep. Sviggum, Olson, Erickson and others need to hear your voice. Our newspapers the Elk River Star, The Sherburne County Citizen, The West Sherburne Tribune, The Princeton Union Eagle, The St. Cloud Times, The Minneapolis Star and Tribune and Pioneer Press.

I am also asking you to do something positive.

“Rivers of Hope” Is a shelter that helps victims of abuse.

I would like everyone who reads this to send a donation to this fine non profit group.

Last year over 1700 people applied for help at this shelter. They also send counselors to schools to help children who may be at risk.

The address to send your donation is:

PO box 511
Monticello, MN
55326

Thank you,

Tom Beckfeld

You can learn more about Rivers of Hope at the Rivers of Hope web site.

12 Days Ago Steve Sviggum Called Mark Olson "The Conscience of the Legislature"

From The Sherburne County Citizen:

Sunday, November 05, 2006

To The Editor,

I often refer to your state representative, Mark Olson, as the "conscience of the Legislature." Mark is one of the most principled and thoughtful persons I know - certainly one of the most principled legislators I've ever had the opportunity to work with.

Mark makes a positive difference for governing at the State Capitol. He is a person who gets results and that you can work with, but you better have your facts and information correct and supported. For instance, Mark led the repeal of the Profile of Learning before it was the popular thing to do. In the middle 1990's he stood almost alone gathering support every year until in 2003 the repeal passed the Legislature almost unanimously.

Yes, the State Legislature needs a whole lot more people like Mark Olson. At times his standards and expectations are difficult to meet, but Mark's makes me, the Legislature, and the State of Minnesota so much better.

Steve Sviggum

Speaker of the House

St. Paul, MN

Minnesota DFL Responds to Mark Olson's Arrest

From MN Publius:

To: Interested Parties
From: Jess McIntosh, Communications Director, Minnesota DFL
Re: Rep. Olson
Date: 11/14/06

I’ve received a number of queries asking for our response on the arrest of Republican Rep. Mark Olson.

I’m answering with this instead:

The campaign is over. If it doesn’t move the democratic (small d) agenda forward, we aren’t going to deal with it. The DFL Party gained power with an overwhelming victory last Tuesday. But as Congressman-elect Tim Walz says, “This is not a Democratic mandate. It’s an American mandate.”

We won because we focused on the bread-and-butter issues that matter to Minnesota. No matter what kitchen appliances the opposition ripped up and flung at us, we stuck to the issues. We ran the kind of campaign that paved the way for governing. It was a campaign of inclusiveness and civility. It was everything the Republican Party abandoned when they decided political power was the most important force in government.

So Ron Carey can call on Brian to apologize for the behavior of DFL Rep. Dittrich’s husband, who allegedly removed GOP lawn signs at a homeowner’s request, and the media can pick up that quote and run with it [matt’s note: turns out Dittrich’s husband did nothing wrong, for the record]. And the very next week, when we have the chance to paint Ron Carey and all Republicans with the same flawed brush that was used to create Rep. Olson, we will pass. It is not weakness or passivity.

It was wrong when Carey did it. Just because he set a bad precedent, it doesn’t make it right that Brian follows.

Ron Carey does not need to apologize for Rep. Olson’s behavior. That’s between Rep. Olson, his wife, and God. It is not reflective of the Republican Party and not relevant to the political discourse.

We won last week because this country is sick to death of the depths to which our failed leaders have sunk us. We won because we made America remember how good – how hopeful – things can be. We can have – and, in fact, deserve – effective, responsible, accountable government that works in our best interests tirelessly, with courage and integrity.

The campaign is over. We won. Now it’s time to show everyone what we were fighting for.

Jess McIntosh
Communications Director
Minnesota DFL Party

Then it’s up to the citizens of Minnesota .

Please call and write newspapers and elected officials and ask that Rep. Mark Olson be removed from the Minnesota legislature.

Sviggum Says Olson Should Resign if he's Found Guilty

Saint Cloud Times:

Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum said he will recommend Mark Olson resign his seat in the House if he is found guilty of assaulting his wife.

Olson, a Big Lake Republican who was elected to an eighth term Nov. 7, was charged Tuesday with domestic assault after an incident involving his wife, Heidi, on Sunday.

Sviggum, who will end his eight-year tenure as speaker in December, in a statement, called the allegations against Olson very serious and will be treated as such.

“If Rep. Mark Olson is found guilty of these... charges, I will personally recommend he resign from the Minnesota House of Representatives.”

Sviggum also said the House sits in judgment of its own members and has an ethics committee process for dealing with matters of this importance.

Saint Cloud Times readers comment:

Deminn from Minnesota
Posted: Nov. 15, at 8:17 AM

"after spending two nights in jail. He did not offer a plea and was released without bail."
Is this the standard treatment anyone could be expecting for a similar offense?

============

MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Posted: Nov. 15, at 8:36 AM

Even if Olson's seat were to turn DFL (which it won't) I can understand why Steve Sviggum wouldn't be too excited about going to bat for Olson.
12 years ago when Olson chucked a typewriter at his secretary's head, Mr. Sviggum offered to go to anger management with Olson... but Olson refused to go.
Mark Olson needs professional help... and his wife needs a divorce before he screws up her kids.
JMHO

============

mom to several from stearns county
Posted: Nov. 15, at 8:51 AM

Mark Olson should be given a leave of absence and be put in treatment for anger management to see if he can be helped. This should be part of his sentence. We should be there to help this person abandon him. We are all you compassionate left wingers? Isn't this somthing you live for? We should feel bad for everyone and try to help all. No one should be left behind....right?

============

MASTER OF rePUPPETlicanS from Wherever I May Roam
Posted: Nov. 15, at 9:08 AM

W(h)e(re) are all you compassionate left wingers?
Advising Mrs. Olson to get a divorce before he (Mark Olson) screws up the 5 kids she had with her late husband.
... and advising Mr. Olson to get professional help.
Abusers rarely change... as is evident by Mr. Olson's "history".

============

auntiGustaGene from St. Cloud
Posted: Nov. 15, at 9:27 AM

I believe i read yesterday that if a defendent does not offer a plea the judge is obligated to list his plea as "not guilty." So, in essence, Olson pled, not guilty, despite his rhetoric.
Olson was elected to office. HE has abandoned the standard we ALL should live by. He should take his personal inadequacies to a personal place and get out of the public's policy writing and the public pocketbook.
This isn't about party line - It's about a man who has demonstrated abusive/control tendencies in the past and likely will again.
Good advice: IF you have an abusive partner, NEVER give another chance. IF s/he claims the ability to change, let him prove it with some other poor sap. You won't be missing anything except waiting for the other shoe to drop......'cause it most likely will.......and you're the one who will bruise and bleed.

============

peepers from cheeseland
Posted: Nov. 15, at 9:35 AM

If you listen very carefully you can hear the “Family Value" hypocrisy alarm going off, someplace other than Washington. What a shock!

============
Rush from Spin City
Posted: Nov. 15, at 10:37 AM

Unbelievable, GOP family values, they just gave senate leadership back to Mr. family values--Trent Lott. Truelly unbeleivable. Wake Up!

I urge readers to get in touch with their legislators and let them know whether you think Rep. Mark Olson should be asked to resign.

The Complaint Against Rep. Mark Olson

The Pioneer Press summarizes the complaint:

According to a criminal complaint, sheriff's deputies arrived at Olson's home at 20945 County Road 43 in Big Lake Township on Sunday and spoke with his wife, Heidi Olson. She said she and her husband had gotten in an argument and that he had pushed her to the ground three times.

An examination of Heidi Olson revealed a "fresh bruise," the complaint added.

Mark Olson was picked up several hours later at the private Calvin Christian School in Blaine. When questioned Monday by authorities, Mark Olson "admitted to grabbing his wife by the shoulders and placing her to the ground," the complaint stated.

The article adds the following:

Court officials said Olson was ordered to have no contact with his wife; he was allowed to return to his home, accompanied by authorities, to pick up his belongings.

Olson walked out of jail, a Bible in hand, and told several broadcast outlets he would seek forgiveness from a variety of parties.

"I first of all need God's forgiveness, and I need my wife's forgiveness, and my family's … and then I need the public's," he said.

According to his campaign Web site, Olson has been a "carpenter and log home builder" for 25 years. Since 1999, the site adds, Olson has sat on the Monticello-Big Lake Hospital Ethics committee.

Mark Olson is slated to be arraigned Dec. 12 in Sherburne County District Court. The charges against him each carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

You can view copies of the complaint here:

1st Page

2nd Page.

3rd Page.

Audio of Mark Olson Begging for Forgiveness

After his court appearance after being charged with an assault on his wife, Mark Olson begs for forgiveness... Star Tribune audio here.

From the comments:

Ken, you might want to let your readers know that Mark Olson is listed in the Minnesota Young Republicans' Hall of Fame.

Mark Olson Cried in Court

From the A.P. and KARE 11 News:

A tearful state Rep. Mark Olson on Tuesday made his first court appearance after his arrest for alleged domestic abuse, and was released without bail on the condition that he stay away from his wife and her five children.

Through his court-appointed attorney, the Republican from Big Lake said he would not enter a plea in the case. He said a guilty plea would be inappropriate and a not guilty plea would suggest he was "avoiding responsibility."

The judge allowed Olson to return to his house once to retrieve his personal belongings. Olson told reporters Tuesday that he had no intention of resigning from the Legislature.

The criminal complaint filed in the case said Olson's wife, Heidi, told sheriff's deputies that Olson pushed her to the ground three times during an argument Sunday at their home in Big Lake. Deputies noted that she had a "fresh bruise."

After Olson was arrested Sunday night, he told deputies on Monday that he grabbed his wife by the shoulders "placing her on the ground," according to the criminal complaint.

Olson, who was handcuffed and wearing jail orange, told reporters Tuesday "I first of all need God's forgiveness. And I need my wife's forgiveness and my family's. And then I need the public's forgiveness."

The article concludes by saying Mark Olson's next court date was set for Dec. 12.

Mark Olson: "Wife-Beating Politican of the Day"

From Wonkette

Today’s violent Republican is Mark Olson of the Minnesota State House. And yes, there are fifty other guys named “Mark Olson” in the Minnesota State House, but this is the crazy-eyed one.

Showing typical midwestern politeness, he waited until after the elections to beat up on his wife, bruising her on Sunday and appearing in court this morning to not answer the charges. Olson refused to enter a plea, because he did it, but it would inappropriate to say as much.

Olson’s wife says he “pushed her to the ground three times,” while Olson admits only to “placing her to the ground.” As we said, they’re very polite up there.

Yes, we as posting this mostly for the crazy eyes.

Like his pal Michele Bachmann, Mark Olson is making Minnesota look bad.

Patience....

I'm just catching up with all the news.

More Local Television News Cover Rep. Mark Olson's Arrest

News reports said that Mark Olson will appear before in court today... I hope to have a lot more about that after 5 PM.

Several local television news programs covered the arrest of Mark Olson. The local Fox station's report had a brief shot of a Dump Mark Olson video posted on You Tube.



You can find all three videos on my You Tube site.

Here's more screenshots from the Fox 9 broadcast. You can watch that segment on the My Fox Twin Cities Site.

Rep. Mark Olson Arrested

Here are the mug shots:



The Pioneer Press has the story:

ELK RIVER, Minn. - State Rep. Mark Olson has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic abuse, a Sherburne County sheriff's official said Monday.

Chief Deputy Scott Gudmundson said on Monday that Olson, R-Big Lake, would remain in the county jail until he makes his first court appearance, possibly Tuesday.

The arrest was made at a private school in Blaine at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, almost three hours after authorities were called to the Big Lake home Olson shares with his wife, Heidi. The couple has five children.

Blaine Police Chief Dave Johnson said two officers checked Calvin Christian School as a possible location for Olson. He was arrested without incident, handcuffed and transferred to Sherburne County authorities.

Olson is being held on allegations of fifth-degree domestic assault. Gudmundson wouldn't release details of the incident.

The St. Cloud Times first reported the arrest on its Web site.

Here's a few comments on that Saint Cloud Times story:

------

boatman from St. Cloud
Posted: Nov. 13, at 2:39 PM

Is this the guy that worked closely with Representative Elect Mrs. Marcus Bachmann on the Personal Transit System, which I believe is currently being investigated ?

------

John Ellenbecker from St. Cloud
Posted: Nov. 13, at 5:15 PM

If convicted he will lose his right to bear arms for the rest of his life - by federal law. I wonder if the NRA will still endorse him?

------
sciguy from Happyland
Posted: Nov. 13, at 5:18 PM

This story was just on the 5:00 news. They showed a clip of him speaking out against gay marriage. My wife wondered if the reason he was against gay marriage was because he wouldn't be able to smack around another man quite as easily!
------

KARE 11 video HERE

Stay tuned.

Beard Contest and PRT Cram Highlight WVU's Mountaineer Week

This news from Morgantown, West Virginia:

MORGANTOWN - West Virginia University's celebrated Mountaineer Week with the annual PRT cram and beard shaving competition.

In the PRT cram, students had 5 minutes to get as many people as they could in the car from the university's Personal Rapid Transit monorail system.

A final tally for the winning team was not available, but the previous record was set back in 2000 with 97 students.

In the beard growing contest, the guys had three weeks to grow their beards.

The winner was senior Jason Gross. He said before this competition, he's never even grown a beard before.

A source tells me Sherburne County's most prominent PRT promoter may be in the process of losing his beard too.

Larry Fabian Says He Isn't Gloating...

Larry Fabian, the Treasurer for ATRA, a group that promotes Personal Rapid Transit sent me another e-mail;

Who's gloating?

I simply pity your dismal attitude that is so determined to block progress. Do you somehow think the current urban transport situation is sustainable? Your intelligence and talent shouldn't allow such obvious short-sightedness.

Larry Fabian

Happy that a 30-year cycle of technological stagnation -- spanning both of our main political parties -- is over.

Although Olson sponsored a PRT amendment in the last legislative session, it is unlikely that he will mention PRT again at the legislature. The House leader, Margaret Keliher spoke against PRT in 2004 and she won't allow a PRT bill to go anywhere as long as she's in charge.

In Minnesota, it's all over for PRT... 'nuff said.

Look Who is Gloating About Bachmann and Olson Winning

Just received this e-mail:

How is that you haven't posted the results of Tuesday's elections yet?

Bucking the Democrat thumping, Minnesota's two PRTistias were reelected, I see. Wouldn't honesty urge you to post that on your lovely website?

Larry Fabian
The One Who You So Kindly Told to %#$@ Off

Larry Fabian is Treasurer for ATRA, a group that promotes Personal Rapid Transit.

It's a shame that the media never asked Mark Olson why he and Gary Dean Zimmermann's sponsored legislation for PRT and promoted their PRT boondoggle in the media.

UPDATE: Also gloating, Seattle PRT promoter David Gow.

Better Luck Next time!

Have You Had Enough of the "Crazy Cooter"?

Steve Sviggum has a letter in support for Rep. Mark Olson in the Sherburne County Citizen. Sviggum strains to think of a way to praise Mark Olson:

Yes, the State Legislature needs a whole lot more people like Mark Olson. At times his standards and expectations are difficult to meet, but Mark's makes me, the Legislature, and the State of Minnesota so much better.

Flashback to 2005.... Minnesota Politics:

Even though nothing is getting done, the legislature continues to meet to fulfill its obligations under the state constitution. Usually, they meet for a few minutes, staying just long enough to adjourn until the next meeting three days hence. Lately, crazy cooter Mark Olson has tried repeatedly to take up budget issues, but he is rebuffed.

A couple of Mark Olson's political pals give two thumbs up to Olson's fantasy-based PRT while knocking reality-based transit:

Perhaps people have forgotten that the much-praised light rail between downtown Minneapolis and the MOA is kept viable by subsidies.

LRT is much-praised... even by Republicans Tim Pawlenty and Steve Sviggum. Few legislators have patience anymore for Olson's PRT shennanigans.

A year ago, the good citizens of the 6th Ward of Minneapolis voted Gary Dean Zimmermann out of office. Tomorrow, I hope the good citizens of Sherburne County will vote Zimmmermann's PRT pod pal Mark Olson out of office too.

Learn more about the PRT scam at the PRT is a Joke web site.