EDITOR’S NOTE: The News Tribune asked the same five questions to each of 10 finalists for the open Duluth City Council seat. We’ll run one set of responses each day going alphabetically. Today we have the responses of Elizabeth Olson, the associate director of the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault.

Q: The city is facing another budget shortfall next year. How would you handle it?

A: The city has a responsibility to address the needs of citizens while imposing as little hardship and intrusion into the citizens’ own priorities as possible. Limited resources indicate smarter spending. I would suggest a balanced allocation of resources supporting citizens’ priorities, critical basics of public safety and infrastructure, and protection of Duluth’s most valued assets.

Q: How would you have voted on the 14 percent levy increase?

A: When the unimaginable happens — as with our loss of some police officers, firefighters and other services — citizens expect and deserve a swift and effective response. That in mind, public safety is a primary city function and funding needs to be prioritized accordingly. I would have been compelled to vote yes.

Q: How would you have voted on the monthly fee for street lighting?

A: I don’t envy the council the deliberation on the street lighting issue. I personally would want more information — information from city experts, research from other communities and input from Duluth citizens — to guide this and any other decision placing financial responsibility for city function on Duluth citizens.

Q: What do you believe are the most cuttable city expenditures?

A: We must prioritize services that have the greatest quality-of-life impact on all Duluth citizens. We need to re-evaluate what services the community can provide on its own, without taxpayer dollars. Simply put, we need to look to Duluth’s citizens to determine what is best for Duluth citizens.

Q: If appointed, would you run for election in the fall? Why/why not?

A: I believe my skills in problem-solving, negotiation and budgeting will help me serve my community well. If appointed in this special term, I intend to prove myself to be a reliable asset to the important and immediate work needed by the city of Duluth.