Experience • Expertise • Commitment
Hello, I’m Katelin!
As a parent of five children in our local schools, a small business owner, and a dedicated educator, I understand the everyday challenges Ulysses households face. This town is where I’ve raised my children, built a successful family business, and dedicated myself to making our community safer, healthier, and more accessible for all. With a track record of proven accomplishments and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, I am deeply invested in our community's success, with a commitment to serve every resident of Ulysses.
I believe in…
+ collaborative leadership that brings people together to find practical solutions to our very real challenges
+ listening and learning from others
+ fiscal responsibility
+ prioritizing the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents
+ thoughtfully planning to meet 21st century climate change challenges
+ service over self
Experience Matters
2022-Present: Ulysses Town Supervisor
2020-2022: Ulysses Town Board Member, Ulysses Deputy Town Supervisor
2019: Ulysses Planning Board Chair
2018: Ulysses Planning Board Member
2018: Ph.D. In City and Regional Planning, Cornell University
2013-Present: Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission Member (preservation planning expert)
Katelin’s accomplishments
with the Town Board
• Supported fiscally responsible high-quality ambulance and fire services
• Secured $2.8+ million in grants for critical bridge and culvert infrastructure
• Consistently maintained the lowest town tax rate in Tompkins, Schuyler, & Seneca Counties
• Built partnerships to protect Camp Barton from development and helped it become the newest New York State Park
• Restructured developer fees to lessen the burden on taxpayers
• Built cooperative, healthy relationships with the Village of Trumansburg, the Trumansburg Central School District, Tompkins County, New York State and surrounding towns to address critical issues
Focusing on the future,
Katelin will…
• Maintain transparency & inclusivity in all town decisions
• Improve accessibility at the Ulysses Town Hall
• Pursue infrastructure grants to meet challenges caused by climate change
• Prioritize environmental sustainability and fiscally responsible choices
• Expand accessible public spaces, including creating the first Ulysses Town Park, without burdening the tax payer
• Increase the number of summer camp openings to make sure families have the care they need
• Spearhead the permanent protection of Smith Woods
Anna Kelles, Ph.D.
New York State Assemblymember
“Whether it’s working collaboratively with Tompkins County and the surrounding towns to address critical issues, mitigating climate change effects on Ulysses by securing grants for critical bridge and culvert infrastructure, building partnerships to protect Camp Barton from development, or prioritizing environmental sustainability, Supervisor Olson’s experience, expertise and commitment is what my hometown of Ulysses needs.”
Annie Koreman
Tompkins County Legislator & Ulysses resident
“I am proud to endorse Katelin Olson in her re-election campaign for Ulysses Town Supervisor. We need compassionate local leaders who listen to what families and all the residents of Ulysses want and need. We need skilled leaders who have experience building coalitions with community organizations and other municipalities. We need forward thinking leaders who build a sustainable future for all us. We need Katelin.”
Scott Stewart
Ulysses Highway Superintendent/DPW Director
“I fully endorse Katelin Olsen for Ulysses Town Supervisor. Katelin has similar views for the town as we both strive to keep taxes down while providing high standards to residents of the town of Ulysses. Katelin has worked with the Highway/DPW to secure funds from grants for bridges and culverts and has worked with the union, signing two contracts. I hope to continue working with Katelin in the future.”
Mary Bouchard
Town of Ulysses Council Member
“Having worked at the town for five years and then serving on the Town Board for another nearly-five years, I know that town supervisor is not an entry-level position. Experience with the town is a must. Over the next few years, Ulysses will be facing critical decisions around the development of recreation land, the completion of the comprehensive plan, as well as inflationary pressures on the budget. Experience matters. Katelin Olson has the knowledge to bring about positive change for the town, and I support her re-election.”
Ben Darfler
Trustee, Village of Trumansburg
“As a Village Trustee, I've had a front-row seat to Katelin's collaborative leadership on Village-Town initiatives. From the successful partnership that protected Camp Barton to her thoughtful approach in creating Ulysses' first public park, she consistently brings stakeholders together, listens to all voices, and finds solutions that serve our broader community's interests.”
Nancy Zahler
Former Ulysses Town Supervisor
“Katelin is smart, dedicated, and inclusive. She cares about our environment and the future of our farms, businesses, children, seniors and local services. As Supervisor, Katelin has tackled long overdue projects and pursued grant funding to secure our Town’s infrastructure. Culverts aren’t sexy, but public safety and preparing our roads and farms for more intense weather events are crucial. Working with others, she is helping to expand lake access at Camp Barton and green spaces in the Town. Katelin has served the Town of Ulysses well and has earned my respect and endorsement for a second term.”
Deb Nottke
Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Covert
“I’m pleased to endorse Katelin Olson for reelection as Ulysses Town Supervisor. As Covert Deputy Supervisor I have worked closely with Katelin Olson on the creation of the newest State Park located in the Finger Lakes Region, formerly Camp Barton. Katelin is a community-oriented and knowledgeable leader who understands how to build a coalition. I support Katelin in her official capacity as the Town of Ulysses Supervisor.”
Your support matters!
Every conversation, every sign, and every helping hand makes a difference in this campaign. If you’d like to show your support with a yard sign or are interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep Ulysses moving forward.