Allen I. Olson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allen I. Olson
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Allen Olson in 1981
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| 28th Governor of North Dakota | |
| In office January 6, 1981 – January 1, 1985 |
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| Lieutenant | Ernest Sands |
| Preceded by | Art Link |
| Succeeded by | George Sinner |
| 25th Attorney General of North Dakota | |
| In office 1973–1980 |
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| Governor | Art Link |
| Preceded by | Helgi Johanneson |
| Succeeded by | Robert Wefald |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Allen Ingvar Olson
November 5, 1938 Rolla, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Barbara Benner Olson |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1963-1967 |
| Unit | Judge Advocate General's Corps |
Allen Ingvar Olson was born on November 5, 1938. He is an American politician and lawyer from the Republican Party. He served as the 28th governor of North Dakota from 1981 to 1985. Before becoming governor, he was the Attorney General of North Dakota.
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Early Life and Career
Allen Olson was born in Rolla, North Dakota. He went to the University of North Dakota and earned a law degree. After law school, he joined the United States Army. He worked as a lawyer in the Army, specifically in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. This group provides legal services to the military.
In 1967, he worked in Munich, West Germany. He was the Chief of Military Justice there. From 1967 to 1969, he helped with state studies. These studies looked at things like strip mining and land reclamation. In 1969, he started working as a private lawyer.
Becoming Attorney General
In 1972, Allen Olson decided to run for Attorney General. He won the election and served two terms in this important role. The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. They represent the state in legal matters.
Governor of North Dakota
In 1980, Allen Olson ran for governor. He won the election, defeating the person who was governor at the time, Art Link. Olson served one term as governor, from 1981 to 1985.
Key Achievements as Governor
During his time as governor, Olson worked on several important projects:
- He helped create the Department of Human Services. This department helps people in North Dakota with various needs.
- He also helped turn the Cross-Ranch into a state park. State parks are places where people can enjoy nature.
- During his time, a lawsuit was filed by an organization that helped people with disabilities.
Reelection Attempt
In 1984, Allen Olson ran for governor again. However, he was not reelected. George Sinner won the election that year.
After Being Governor
After leaving the governor's office in 1985, Allen Olson went back to being a lawyer. He worked in Bismarck for a year. Then, he moved to Minneapolis to join a different law firm.
In 1987, he became a co-owner of a company. This company made special metal parts. He also led a group for community banks for many years.
Later Public Service
Allen Olson continued to serve the public. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed him to a special group. This group is called the International Joint Commission of Canada and the United States. This commission helps manage shared waters between the two countries.
In 2010, Olson publicly supported Tom Horner. Horner was a candidate for governor in Minnesota.
