Richard Olson

Richard Elmer Olson (August 3, 1929 – August 5, 2014) was an American politician and insurance executive who served as the Mayor of Des Moines, Iowa, for two consecutive terms from 1972 until 1979.

Olson is widely credited with spearheading the ongoing redevelopment and rebirth of downtown Des Moines during his tenure as the city's mayor. Downtown Des Moines, the capital and largest city in Iowa, had suffered from neglect and blight by the 1970s. Olson oversaw much of the "first wave" of the downtown's redevelopment. He next graduated from Drake University in 1951, where he was a member Drake Bulldogs football team.

Olson was a member of the Republican Party, but eschewed partisan politics. He served for two, consecutive four-year terms.

He was once approached by the Democratic Party, who tried to persuade him to switch parties and run for Governor of Iowa as a Democrat. had a blood alcohol content of 0.14, nearly twice the legal limit, and was driving 76 miles per hour, 21 miles per hour over the speed limit. Olson was survived by his wife, Cleojean, and four children. Philip Carter was survived by a young daughter. Roxanne had had her wedding planned in a few weeks.