Will County Gazette

David Olsen is officially the newest member of the Illinois State Assembly. 

The 81st Representative District Committee officially announced that they have appointed Olsen, previously a member of the Downers Grove Village Council, as a State Representative for the 81st Legislative District of Illinois. Olsen was sworn in Wednesday, Aug. 3. 

Olsen, a Republican, replaces former State Representative Ron Sandack, a top leader for the Republican Assembly minority who resigned in late July. 

Olsen was a member of the Downers Grove Village Council, but resigned in order to fill out the remainder of Sandack’s term. 

Olsen grew up in Downers Grove and graduated from Downers Grove South High School and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as student body president. Olsen, who works as a compliance analyst with BP in Chicago, was elected to the Downers Grove Village Council in 2013. He also serves as vice chairman on the board of the College of DuPage. 

The committee that appointed Olsen consisted of DuPage GOP Chairman Brian Krajewski and Will County GOP Chairman Kathy Havel. 

“In his service as Village Commissioner and as College Trustee, David has focused on the needs and interests of individuals, families and businesses in those communities, many of which are also in the 81st Representative District,” Havel told the Will County Gazette. “He has strived to get to know everyone he meets, to listen, to understand, and to seek solutions. As Representative in the 81st district, David will serve his constituents with respect and responsibility. I am also confident that he will emerge as a leader in the General Assembly in his support of good government for the people of Illinois.”

Krajewski added his support. "David is an exceptional public servant and he'll be a great State Representative for us," Krajewski said in the announcement of Olsen’s appointment. "As Downers Grove Commissioner and recently as COD Trustee, David fights for taxpayers and brings people together for commonsense solutions."

Olsen’s suburban district consists of DuPage and Will counties, containing such municipalities as Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Woodridge, Darien, Westmont, Bolingbrook, and unincorporated areas. 

"I am honored to have been selected for this position," Olsen said. "It's a great privilege to serve the Downers Grove community and I look forward to serving the entire 81st District in this new capacity."

A replacement is being sought for Olsen’s seat on the Downers Grove Village Council.