This just in from an article by the Mitchell Daily Republic’s Seth Tupper - Mel Olson has officially thrown his hat in the ring for a seat on Mitchell’s City Council. He will challenge incumbent Allen Lepke. Olson is responsible for one of my all-time favorite legislative quotes: “I’m tired, I’m cranky, my wife has paid the ransom and I want to go home.” These immortal words were uttered during a 1:30 a.m. (or later) debate on the opportunity scholarship program. It was the last hurdle to overcome before we were all released to our own separate freedoms.

After he announced he wouldn’t seek legislative re-election, I asked Olson what he would do instead. “What,” he responded. “You think I can’t stay up late all by myself?” Olson led the Democrats in each house during his tenure but seemed to have less patience than most with the at-times rambling nature of the process. I’ve been wondering since he left the Capitol where he in politics he might pop up next. Regardless of what you might think of his politics, Olson will spice up the meetings if he gains a Council seat.

That Council stands to resemble a District 20 cracker barrel if both Olson and current Mayor Lou Sebert win their races. Sebert wants to continue as the city’s mayor. He represented Mitchell in the Legislature at the same time as Olson.

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