About Kym Olson

About Me

Hi my name is Kym Olson and I am running for Austin City Council District 9. Like many of us, I have had a lifetime of all the fun that Austin has brought over the years and what an amazing heart and soul community this used to be. These days, we find ourselves living in a constant state of overwhelming madness and confusion. I can’t sit by and watch this any longer knowing I have the qualifications, experience,  and resources (Y’ALL) to assist. 

There is absolutely no reason we should have these grandiose plans, still in development phases, that are set to consume the city, change the way we live yet the human toll on our quality of life with dislocation, construction, traffic, air quality, etc. to be taken into consideration. These projects are way over budget, behind schedule and not a single milestone of success to show as a viable measure. As anyone knows this demonstrates first hand the failure of leadership and accountability.  

We have to go back to the basics, bare bones and fix this from the ground up.  Austin, and our so-called leadership, has created a literal house of cards right now and it’s at a critical stage already.  We have to regroup to get us back into shape: rescue, restore, rebuild with awareness, preparedness, & readiness before we find ourselves in another city meltdown.

Awareness

In the process of the poorly planned or thoroughly thought out project chaos, we have put maximum strain on all of our city resources.  

Our current officials are failing Austinites with the basic responsibilities a city is required by statute to provide: health/public safety, help those Austinites that need our assistance and must repair, rebuild, and enhance current utility infrastructure to ensure reliable power/water; just to name just a few things Austin is required by law of cities to provide.

Health and public safety are both in a state of disaster.

Preparedness

Ensure reliable and capable public utilities, water and power in a forward thinking climate changing environment to ensure we don’t find ourselves in dire living conditions ever again.and make sure we don’t find ourselves in the public health crisis we are seeing nationwide.

We need mental health services. (period).  

Yes, providing the homeless a place to live is amazing service, however, it’s not a set up for success without proper coping skills to readjust let alone process the conditions that got them to their current state of affairs.  Let’s prepare those for their next steps prior to the next step.

Of note, people across all socio-economic realities could have used mental health services during the blizzard, pandemic, etc.  We had nor yet have any type of mental health service. Mental health doesn’t address one specific sector, it’s a larger portion of the population that’s not being included.  

I served on the Board for the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) for around 9 years advocating for public policies and priorities to strengthen youth and families, specifically displaced and homeless youth.  I received several legislative successes in receiving the first increase in appropriations for youth services, bed rates, and new policies, also receiving Volunteer of the Year.  I have seen the success made, what works and lessons learned. We need to prioritize homeless youth first and foremost.

Furthermore, why is it we want to get the homeless  into new homes prior to meeting basic needs?  Also, has anyone asked what they want?  What do they need most? Mental health!

Readiness

Let’s take the burden off the dwindling police force.  Let’s initiate a 211, or the like, to direct these calls to the proper mental health facility, and not the prison/justice system.  By sending youth with nowhere to go to prison for not having a home, you're giving a criminal record to a juvenile and unnecessarily ruining the lives of youth. We need a community mental health center well equipped to suit people and youth with a variety of social and mental services. Job resources are not enough to pass out to those without a home and are actually kind of insulting. Basic utilities. Ensure reliable and capable public utilities, water and power in a forward thinking climate changing environment to ensure we don’t find ourselves in harrowing living conditions ever again.

Let’s also make sure we have the water plants, facilities and infrastructure needed so we don’t find ourselves in the public water crisis we are seeing nationwide.

Lastly, let’s then move forward with all these plans but in a responsible manner.  Research: size and scope, risk management, and all stakeholders involved and then, with the will of the public, move forward and test a pilot project before uprooting our streets and homes.  Carte blanche all or nothing revolutionary projects are not successful; tried and true.  Try something new.

Qualifications

Beyond my lifelong association with Austin, I received a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. A professional career with decades of proven success establishing responsible policy.  

I have graciously received many awards, recognitions and Commendations for my leadership through civic service, volunteer service and top fortune 500 companies.  I unquestionably know what I am doing and it has all been accomplished by working , consulting, researching and advocating.

As Captain, Texas State Guard, I honorably serve as Protocol Officer and Deputy Public Affairs Officer. I deployed to the State Operation Command center during the first part of the COVID pandemic.  I got first hand knowledge and experience on incident command management, receiving recognition for service.  My leadership skills are self- evident and in urgent need for Austin.

Let's not be fooled by those keeping our eyes to these bright, shiny stars in the sky of futuristic visuals of a Jetson's family reality. Let's put a foundation down before building up further and before the house of cards falls.

Vote for me, Kym Olson, to rescue, restore, and rebuild our city together.

Bring back the peace, love and soul to our Austin community. All of us for all of us. We can. We will!

Policy Q & A

I think it is not just housing, it’s everything. Our ma/pa businesses are incorporated into this pricing out/ affordability mix. It’s a big picture problem, and recent inflation isn’t helping. This is not just an Austin problem, the state is looking at this as well. Locally, we need to ensure with CoA increasing permits, fees, fines, etc for those still hanging on but barely affording to, we don’t unintentionally create a death spiral of prices some out to bring others in. We must dissect Austin’s permit process. We are by far the most expensive building permits and most in quantity and price on residential permits., yet we can’t pay our city employees? Something's amiss. A full audit is needed immediately.

Crime is at an all time high. Contract negotiations are at a critical 911; the contract is officially over. The police force only stands to deteriorate worse from this point. The lack of leadership from all parties involved is irresponsible putting safety in peril. We really need to look at the blythe areas that have been created in the district and the rapid pace in which they are expanding. This is absolutely not okay.

We need a facility but more of a multi-resource community, suited to serve all different types of social and mental issues. While it may serve as a residence to some, this is for everyone across the community in need of social health / welfare services. Available hotline and resources other than suicide, 911 and 311. Let’s allocate a 211 type number and take some of the burden off our dismal police force.

Infrastructure is critical. Must be upgraded to meet current demand and ensured prior to more density and a part of any major plan moving forward. Project Connect is failing and an Austinite nightmare. I also think a full review of plans , complete transparency and a regroup with all the stakeholders to set a more reasonable process with the least consequence possible. I35 expansion can learn from the mistakes of Project Connect and be handled properly and responsibly.

Full audits and transparency on where our money is going. A full blown money trail report is needed with all details providing full transparency and maintaining such moving forward.

We Can, We Will Rescue ATX!

Restore Heart, Soul & Austin Vibe!
Your support and contributions will enable us to make or voice heard and improve our Austin living conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission to rescue, restore, and revive Austin and our fun, safe, and vibrant  community.

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