Vivian Olson has announced her campaign for Edmonds City Council, Position 5.

“It was love at first sight when we moved here 17 years ago, and Edmonds has been home to my family ever since,” she said.

Councilmember Dave Teitzel holds Position 5. On Saturday, Feb. 9, he announced that he would not seek a second term. The official filing period for the August primary is May 13-17, with the general election Nov. 6.

Olson is the first newcomer to announce for an elected position in Edmonds government.

Councilmember Diane Buckshnis (Position 4) said she will seek another four-year term, as will Councilmember Neil Tibbott (Position 7). Councilmember Mike Nelson (Position 2) previously announced that he will run for mayor, and current Mayor Dave Earling said last week that he will not seek a third term.

Tom Mesaros (Position 6) is the only councilmember up for re-election who has not stated his intention.

Olson, 51, is a long-time volunteer with the Edmonds School District and has held board positions with Friends of the Edmonds Library, is co-chair of the Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board and recently joined the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation Board.

“I attribute our success on these boards to a positive and collaborative style of working,” she said. “I will bring that same respect, civility and optimism to my campaign for City Council.”

In a news release announcing her candidacy, Olson said that Edmonds is facing challenges of population growth, changes in the environment and the need for business development, and that “with thoughtful and responsible planning, we can ensure that the Edmonds of tomorrow addresses the needs of the next generation  without losing its cherished small-town feel.”

Olson, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a contracting officer during active duty, said she has knowledge of and experience with contract negotiations, pricing and fiscal management.

Her decades of business experience government service and community leadership, she said, are enhanced by her sincerity, creativity and a willingness to listen.

She said she is committed to bringing city government to the people and increasing people’s engagement in government decision-making. She plans to host coffee house conversations, neighborhood walks and partake in other collaborative community dialogues.

Olson said she believes that forging a true partnership between Edmonds’ citizens and its government will pay off in higher levels of trust and more effective policy.

“We don’t have to fear a future we help create.”

Olson and her family currently live in the Edmonds Bowl, after four years in the Seaview neighborhood.

She has been an employee at Harbor Square Athletic Club for almost a decade, where she teaches swimming lessons and is a co-coach for the swim team. She also has run a home business for 28 years, selling women’s skin care and makeup.

Several community leaders have pledged support for Olson’s campaign. They include Councilmember Tom Mesaros, Phil Lovell, Julaine Fleetwood, Tana Axtelle, Dawna Lahti, Shubert Ho and Andrew Leckie.

Olson’s websites are vivianolsonforedmonds.com, or VO4E.com.