Above / David Olsen takes his oath of office as Illinois’ new State Representative for the 81st Legislative House District as his grandmother, Beverly Olsen of Glenview holds the Bible and Associate Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh of the 18th Judicial Circuit administers the oath. (Photo courtesy Cheryl Meyer)
Standing in front of his former high school before family, friends and colleagues, David Olsen of Downers Grove was sworn into office Wednesday as the new State Representative for Illinois’ 81st Legislative House District. Olsen, 27, was selected to fulfill the unexpired term of Ron Sandack, who resigned from the seat last week.
Downers Grove South High School Principal Edward H. Schwartz welcomed guests to the ceremony and Associate Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh of the 18th Judicial Circuit administered the oath of office.
In his personal remarks, Olsen said he is excited to begin this new chapter as the voice of the people of District 81.
“It’s particularly appropriate that I am sworn in at my own former high school, which provided the foundation for my successes and public service,” said Olsen in a written statement. “Education is the foundation of opportunity for all Illinoisans, and I intend to fight for local control and full funding for our vitally-important schools.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) also spoke at the ceremony and wished their new colleague well as he joins the Republican caucus in Springfield.
A long-time resident of Downers Grove, Olsen grew up in the 81st District and attended local public schools. He later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned degrees in Finance and Management. At the University of Illinois, he was an honors student, served as Student Body President, and was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
He was appointed in February to serve as a College of DuPage Trustee and Board Vice Chairman, and will remain in that role until his term expires in Spring of 2017.
Olsen also served as a member of the Downers Grove Village Council from 2013 until earlier today, when he resigned that position in anticipation of taking his oath of office for the General Assembly.
Olsen works as an ethics and compliance officer and volunteers in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the District 58 Education Foundation and as an active member of the local chamber of commerce. He is a member of Friendship United Methodist Church of Bolingbrook, where he has served as co-leader of the eighth grade confirmation class and as a member of the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir. He also serves as a committee chairman for local Boy Scout Troop 35.
Olsen’s district office will be located at 633 Rogers Street, Suite 108, in Downers Grove. The phone number will be (630) 737-0504.
9AM-Noon Sat., Aug. 6 ‘Shredding & Sharing’
State Rep. David Olsen will partner with AT&T and Sharing Connections for “Shredding & Sharing,” a combined document shredding event and collection drive, from 9AM to noon, Sat., Aug. 6, at the Sharing Connections property at 5111 Chase Avenue, Downers Grove.
Residents can drive up and watch volunteers unload up to two bags or boxes of paper documents per vehicle. A nearby parking area will be available for individuals who want to watch their documents as they are fed into the shredding machine. The cost of the truck is being underwritten by AT&T.
In addition, Sharing Connections will be accepting new cleaning and personal care supplies and new or gently-used silverware, glassware, pots and pans, dishes and clothing for all seasons.
For the shred truck, each vehicle will be limited to two bags or boxes of paper documents.
“The shred truck provides citizens with a safe and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents like old bank statements, tax documents and receipts,” Olsen said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to a large turnout so I can begin meeting my new constituents.”
For additional information about this event, call (630)737-0504.
News items and photo submitted by Cheryl Meyer, Senior Communications Analyst, Office of the Republican Leader, IL House of Representatives.
