D3 commissioner-elect offers appreciation

First, I want to thank the voters of District 3 for placing your trust in me by overwhelmingly electing me as your next county commissioner. I promise to always be your advocate and listen to your voices to protect our families, property values, and our rural character.

As your commissioner, I will work diligently to manage traffic congestion and ensure that future commercial and residential development merge gracefully while following the comprehensive plan — smart development that is thoughtful and infrastructure-ready.

Secondly, I recently met with our interim county manager, and I truly believe he is exactly what Putnam County needs at this pivotal time. We had a productive exchange of ideas and concerns, and it is incredibly refreshing to have a manager who listens. This is a major step forward for our community.

Finally, Putnam County has a very real opportunity for positive change and progress this November. Jennifer Ray, running in the 4th District, is completely dedicated to helping make Putnam County the absolute best place to live in the state. No one works harder than Jennifer; she is a powerhouse of energy whom any county would be envious of having on their board.

Steve Hersey, who is running for chairman, is quite simply one of the sharpest minds I have encountered. His unsurpassed knowledge and experience are exactly what our board needs. This will be especially vital as we transition to a permanent county manager in the new year; Steve’s background will be crucial in guiding that leadership transition.

Working in tandem with our two sitting commissioners, Jennifer, Steve, and I will be uniquely positioned to hit the ground running and move Putnam County forward.

Sincerely, Erin Olson Putnam County Commissioner-Elect, District 3