John Brandon Olsen announces candidacy for Fletcher Town Council

On December 1, John Brandon Olsen announced his candidacy for Fletcher Town Council, emphasizing a commitment to fair representation, transparent government, and ensuring town policy serves the people who live in our neighborhoods.

Olsen previously ran for council in 2021, losing by only 71 votes. Since then, all but one council seat have been filled by appointment, underscoring ongoing concerns about voter choice and the town’s uneven district structure.

“Right now, Fletcher isn’t always hearing from the full range of people who live in our neighborhoods, pay taxes, and raise their families here,” Olsen said. “Unbalanced districts and repeated appointments limit voter choice, and that’s something we can fix. Fletcher deserves a system that gives every resident a real voice.”

Although Fletcher’s elections are at-large, candidates must reside within specific districts. When district populations are significantly imbalanced, entire neighborhoods effectively lose the opportunity to field their own candidates. Olsen draws a parallel between the town’s district structure and the broader statewide issue of partisan gerrymandering in North Carolina. “When a system is designed so only a select few are eligible to run, and those few are often appointed without opposition, the result is the same: the public is shut out. Fletcher deserves better.”

Olsen has lived in Fletcher since 2005. He and his wife are raising their three children there and his dedication to community service spans over a decade. He has served five years on the Fletcher Youth Baseball and Softball board, three years on the Fletcher ABC Board, and has served as a member of the New Fletcher Library Partners, advocating for expanded educational resources and public spaces.

Long before seeking office, Olsen was known for his steadfast advocacy at Town Hall. After witnessing lapses in transparency and limited public access to information about council decision-making, he took it upon himself to record, edit, and publish town meetings so residents could see their government at work. His efforts led the town to install permanent recording equipment and begin livestreaming meetings.

“Every resident deserves to know what their local government is doing,” Olsen said. “Sunlight leads to better decisions, and I’ll always support open meetings, clear communication, and accessible information.”

Olsen also highlighted his support for Fletcher Connects, the town’s mobility plan that would create safer, practical connections between Fletcher’s many neighborhoods. “We have fantastic parks, great local businesses, and wonderful community amenities, but neighborhoods remain isolated because you can’t safely walk or bike between them. Fletcher Connects would change that. It would strengthen our small-town identity and make our community healthier, more accessible, and more vibrant.”

Professionally, Olsen brings experience in land-use and development from years spent in infrastructure project development. That background, he says, gives him insight into how towns can negotiate with developers from a position of strength. “Growth is coming; the question is whether it happens to us or with us. I want to ensure Fletcher doesn’t get taken advantage of, and that new development truly benefits the people who live here.”

A local community member offered their endorsement of Olsen’s campaign:

“Brandon has been showing up for Fletcher for years. He listens, he does the work, and he cares about the people who don’t usually get a seat at the table. Our town needs that kind of leadership.”- Dave Massie, Wildwood Neighborhood

If elected, Olsen pledges to focus on prioritizing public trust, ensuring fair representation across all neighborhoods, improving town mobility and connectivity, supporting youth sports and families, and promoting responsible, transparent development.

“I’m running because I believe in this town, and I believe every resident deserves a voice in our future,” Olsen said. “I’ve been fighting for this community for many years. I’m ready to keep doing the work from town hall.”

ABOUT JOHN BRANDON OLSEN

John Brandon Olsen is a 21-year resident of Fletcher, a father of three, and a longtime community advocate. He has served on multiple local boards, including the Fletcher Youth Baseball and Softball, the Fletcher ABC Board, and the New Fletcher Library Partners. Olsen has been active in promoting government transparency and community engagement, and previously worked in infrastructure project development, giving him valuable insight into responsible growth and land-use planning. He is running for Fletcher Town Council to ensure fair representation, strengthen community connections, and bring practical, transparent leadership to Fletcher’s future.