Prince George’s County Council District 3

What’s the job: The legislative branch of Maryland’s county governments. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving county spending and providing oversight of county operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Eric C. Olson

Age: 56

Personal: Married with two children.

Education: M.A., American Studies, University of Maryland

B.A., History, Elmira College

Experience: Prince George’s County Council, 2006-2014, 2022-present

Executive Director, College Park City-University Partnership, 2014-2022College Park City Council, 1997-2006Director, Sierra Club Healthy Communities Campaign 2003-2006Deputy Director, FairVote, 1999-2002Legislative Aide, Hon. Bernie Sanders, 1995-1999

Questionnaire

Q: As a council member, what will be your primary focus to help improve the lives of Prince George’s County residents?

Q: The county faces competing fiscal pressures, especially when it comes to funding county public schools. What should the county’s funding commitment to the school system look like?

Q: Prince George’s County has made major investments in its schools, yet academic outcomes have remained a persistent challenge. How would you hold the school system accountable?

Q: With tens of thousands of county residents employed by the federal government, how should the county work to diversify its economy and support residents affected by federal layoffs?

Q: The county council recently passed legislation to limit ICE activity in county spaces. Do you support this approach? What more should the county do to protect immigrant residents?

Q: The county has convened a task force on data center development. How should the council use that work to shape future development decisions?

Q: Do data centers have a role to play in the county’s economic development?

Q: Housing costs continue to strain residents across the county. What specific policies would you champion on the council to increase the supply of affordable housing?