The City of Sandwich has an interesting and at times contentious mayoral race taking place this election between long time Mayor Tom (Tommy) Thomas and ex-Sandwich Police Chief Rick Olson.
L to R: Tom Thomas, Rick Olson
Current Sandwich Mayor Tom Thomas’ campaign slogan is ‘Steady and Proven Leadership in Uncertain Times’. Incumbent Tom Thomas, age 66, has served as the Sandwich Mayor for the past 24 years. Thomas points to the financial management he has shown during the past 4 years where, unlike many towns around them, there have been no city lay off’s during this terrible economy. Follow Tom Thomas on Facebook.
Former 16 year Sandwich Police Chief, Rick Olson, 60, is also a candidate for the Mayor of Sandwich. Olson cites his desire to promote a spirit of cooperation between city government and the community’s businesses and organizations as one of his primary platform issues. Prior to moving to Sandwich, Olson was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, served 20 years on the Rochelle police force and worked his way up from a patrolman to a lieutenant.
Olson’s commitment to Sandwich has included serving on the 911 Board, Church Council Member for Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Sandwich, long time volunteer for the Franklin Mall Project, founding member of the D.A.R.E program in Sandwich and assisted many organizations with their fundraising efforts including Sandwich Education Foundation, Fox Valley Older Adult Services, Open Door, Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Individual Advocacy Group, Sandwich Band Association, Freedom Days and Relay For Life among others. For more information about Rick Olson and his mayoral run, call 815-970-0573, visit www.rickolsonformayor.com or “Like” him on Facebook.
The Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce will host “Coffee With The Candidates” on Friday, March 1, 2013, 8-10 a.m at the Timber Creek Inn & Suites, 3300 Drew Ave, in Sandwich. At this March coffee, the Chamber has invited all candidates that are running for office in the Sandwich election, which will take place on April 9th. The coffee is free and the public is encouraged to attend and speak to the candidates about issues that are important to them and their community. For more information about the coffee or the Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce, please call 815-312-4963, “like” them on Facebook or visit them on the web .
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story