Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1930-05-01
FL. CANDIDATE
FILES FOR GOVERNOR


most discussed political figure in the
state this year. filed Wednesday OF
last week for the governOrship on the
Farmer-Labor ticket.
In making his entry, Mr.. Olson
pledged himself to fearless, sound,
constructive and practical admin
stration of state affairs if elected,
lust as he has devoted himself to his
duties as county attorney of Hennepin
county. His record as prosecutor
during the ten years he has held this
important post has gained him the
reputation of being one of the cOun-
try's outstanding men engaged in law
enforcement.
Mr.. Olson is regarded by the pub
lie spirited citizens of all groups as
another Minnesotan possessing those
qualities of tolerance and liberalism
expressed in the personality Of Sen
ator Henrik Shipstead.
Mr. Olson's candidacy is based on
a platform designed to meet the needs
of the entire state. Due to Mr.. OIL
sons efforts, the state Farmer-Labor
association, which gave him its unani-
nous endorsement, swept its pedestal
of principles clean of unique and I'M
tried economic theories. In their
stead were placed declarations favor
ing lower taxes, support for the in
dependent merchant and banker, con-
servation of the states natural re-
sources, adequate farm relief, rem
lnfn ~ hn oil
bureau, efficient planning of public
work to give employment to idle
workers, a thorough reorganization of
the securities commission" to rid the
state of dishonest stock promoters,
and establishment of "pay-as-you-
co. system of public expenditure to
abolish interest-la laden longtime bonds.
Mr. Olson was born in Minneapolis
on November 10, 1891, the son of
Norwegian and Swedish parents. AS
a boy, he toiled alongside of his
father to help with the support of the
family Nevertheless he managed to
snatch an education in the public
schools of Minneapolis. He was grad
uated from high school in 1909 and
went to work Feeling the urge to
enter the law profession, he attended
a day law school for two years, at the
end of which his funds gave out.
Back to work he went, as miner and
stevedore in Alaska. He returned to
law school. and was admitted to the
bar in 1915.
His abilities were soon recognized,
and he was appointed special
prosecutor for Hennepin county, and
in 1920 was made county attorney.
His vigorous pursuit of his duties won
approval from the people of Mime
apolis and he was reelected in 1922
and 1926 by large majorities. Mr.. Oh
son is president of the State County
Attorneys association, being the only
member of the body to serve two sue
cessive terms. He is chairman of
law enforcement committee, compOs-
ed of representatives from the county
attorneys, sheriffs and police associa-
lions of the state.
Although he has prosecuted sue
cessfully 10000 cases during his ten
ure of office, the outstanding achieve
ment of his career as Hennepin
county attorney. was his vigorous
prosecution Of the Minneapolis city
council graft cases. In the face OF
almost unsurmountable difficulties,
digging through the veil of secrecy
cloaking the grafter's activities, Mr..
Olson ferreted out the facts and
brought a number of councilmen and
business men to trial, winning con-
victions that were upheld by the su
preme court. Three of the aldermen
are now in Saltwater.
Before accepting the Farmer-Labor
endorsement, Mr.. Olson demanded a
free hand, if elected. in making APP
pointments to state offices. By this
he purposes to select state officials on
the basis of merit-their ability to
perform the tasks to which they will
be ssigned-irrespective of party af-
filations.
Mr.. Olson is a forceful and con-
vincing speaker, and an energetic
campaigner. He plans to place his
program before all the people of Min
nesota by thorough campaign COW
ering all parts of the state.