 Olson previously served on the Monticello-Big Lake Hospital Ethics committee and was active in volunteer youth work, Boy Scouts, and as a youth camp wilderness guide.He was a volunteer for the developmentally disabled.Olson was originally elected to serve House District 19A in 1992, defeating Rep. Bob McEachem 51% to 46%.He won re-election against Bonnie Walters in 1994 60% to 30%, in 1996 against Cliff "Kip" Wold 60% to 40% and against Greg Hansen in 1998 and 2000, 61% to 39% and 63% to 37% respectively.