Protecting the County’s Surface Water
We do not often hear about the Olmsted’s Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) function; however, even though they do not make a lot of news they are a vital function of controlling erosion, silting…
Articles by greggwright
Affordable Housing in Olmsted County
On December 21, the Rochester Area Foundation announced the creation of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. This is a group of public and and private organizations that want to create affordable housing in the…
Truth in Taxation Meeting – December 7th
There will be a Truth in Taxation meeting on December 7th at 7:00PM at the Government Center Board room.
Helping Solve Affordable Housing Availability
I have supported partnering with non-profit agencies that have a record of benefiting the community as one alternative to solving the availability of low-cost housing. I have also supported the county’s ability to re-possess vacant…
Opioid Updates – Suing Opioid Manufacturers
Olmsted County will join other counties in Minnesota and other states in a lawsuit claiming damages caused by opioid makers and distributors. The opioid epidemic is growing public health problem across the nation. The damages…
Keeping Prescription Drugs Secure
It is always a good idea to keep your drugs safe and tamper proof. The Sheriff’s department stated that people should secure their pharmaceuticals and drugs in a safe place away from children and house…
Service and Life Saving Awards For Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department
I was honored to attend and congratulate the new Olmsted County Deputies and those who received service and life saving awards at the October 30th ceremony.
Our Aging Population
At an open meeting on November 7, the County Board discussed the current and future needs of the County’s aging population. (Read the Post Bulletin article, “Are we ready for growing senior needs?” http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/county-keep-sights-on-growing-senior-needs/article_d99886d5-b68c-51f8-a833-89f996b459e1.html I…
Affordable Housing in Olmsted County
At an open meeting on October 31 the County HRA Board discussed affordable housing and what the county can do to provide housing. You can read the Post Bulletin’s article on the Board’s discussion. http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/what-s-the-right-path-for-hra/article_d1b5adb2-382d-563a-8a1d-3facdb1310f9.html…
Richard Devlin Retiring after 49 Years of Service
I have enjoyed working with Richard Devlin in my short tenure in office. His administrative skills will remain legendary. Hear his comments about his accomplishments and regrets. Go to: https://www.youtube.com/embed/KMQQELt88YU?rel=0
The Safe Way to Dispose of Unwanted or No Longer Needed Prescription Pills
Olmsted County Residences can take their unwanted prescription pills to the collection box at the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department at the Government Center on 4th Street SE. There is also a collection box at the…
Demographics (Population Statistics) Rule the Future
Keep in mind the following: The number of Minnesotan turning 65 in this decade will be greater than the past 40 years combined. In a few years (around 2020) Minnesota’s 65+ population will be greater…
Keeping Us Safe
Olmsted County licenses and inspects approximately 1,000 restaurants, public swimming pools, hotels/motels, manufactured home parks and campgrounds. The recovery of the costs for inspections are collected through the licensing and inspections fees. Olmsted uses a…
Walking My District
Thank you to all the folks of Olmsted County District 3 who greeted me as I walked the district in June, July, August and September. I made an effort to visit every house and many…