Who is Carrie Olinski, Republican Charlotte City Council at-large candidate?
Carrie Olinski
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 38
Campaign website: www.carrieolinski.com
Email: carrieforcharlotte@gmail.com
Occupation: Physician Assistant
Education: Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
The last several years I have spent the majority of my civic involvement with church. The following are some of the highlights: I co-lead a small group with my husband, created the First Responders Team, and participated in “Serve CLT” weeks (serving local organizations & schools to provide a desire or need. Lastly, I had the pleasure of visiting Togo, West Africa to understand how to utilize medical and volunteer teams in the future.
Should the City Council limit the number of new parking garages in and near uptown to encourage the use of public transportation?
There needs to be a balance. Limiting parking may hinder long-term marketability of an area and could put a site at a disadvantage. Without an efficient transportation system to handle the population growth of Charlotte we will limit economic growth in Uptown. Keep in mind limitations in one area doesn’t necessarily mean less environmental impact city-wide if people need to park to catch a bus or train. We need considerations for improved accessibility, safety, and availability.
Describe your views on using public money to help build or improve private sports facilities or stadiums.
There are pros and cons. I would require more information and assurances of the proposed economic return to the city. I understand both capital improvements and builds could bring in additional income to the city which I would focus on local, small businesses for the projects themselves and for other small, local businesses to occupy the retail/food spaces the facility may offer. However, if increased tax is the only way to accomplish this, then I am not in favor of it.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
Not at this time.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have several medical-based certifications but the most significant one is through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) - Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) (2014) and I was the first Physician Assistant in NC to receive this certification.
What separates you from your opponents?
One way I differ is my medical background. In my current position, patients come to our office to either better their health because of chronic symptoms or try to promote overall wellness. Both of which require me to be investigative in my approach by seeking out root issues. Those skills would lend itself well in council. Many don’t know that the City of Charlotte is its own insurer. I think it’s important that there is someone medical to be able to understand and guide such an important benefit to the city’s employees. Plus, it would be in the best interest of the city if both the city and county were working together in health matters — a pandemic, mental health, especially with homelessness and more. There is timing and efficiency in these matters that could be expedited with a medical professional on the council.
In addition, I know I am not the only parent of the group; however, I am the only one that entered into politics because of my child. I couldn’t wait for my daughter to be older to get involved. I had to do it now because I only could foresee things further progressing downward. Since living in Charlotte, crime has worsened. All of it but one year has been under the current council’s leadership; two of which are my opponents. There is a large movement of moms (and dads) that are taking steps to see policy changes in various ways on behalf of the children. I want my daughter to enjoy Charlotte like I have but in a safe, healthy and balanced city.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.