Daphne City Councilman Steve Olen Announces Re-Election Bid

Daphne, AL (BuzzReport) – Daphne City Councilman Steve Olen has announced his candidacy for re-election to the City Council, seeking another four-year term to represent District 2. Olen is currently completing a five-year tenure, which included serving as Council President for one year.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of District 2 and work alongside others who care deeply about the future of Daphne,” Olen stated. “We have made major progress on public safety, parks, and long-term planning, and I want to continue building on that momentum with steady, thoughtful leadership.”

During his time on the Council, Olen has played a key role in several significant projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Daphne residents. Notably, he was instrumental in securing a state-of-the-art animal shelter for the city, a facility designed to serve the community for years to come.

Bayfront Park has undergone substantial improvements under Olen’s leadership. Construction is slated to begin soon on a new amphitheater capable of accommodating over 2,000 people, paving the way for concerts, theater productions, and a variety of community events.

Beyond Bayfront Park, the city has seen widespread upgrades to its parks and recreation facilities. Centennial Park in downtown Daphne, the Daphne Sports Complex, Lott Park, Joe Louis Patrick Park, and Trione Park have all benefited from recent renovations and improvements designed to enhance access and the overall experience for Daphne residents.

Olen has been a staunch advocate for public safety, prioritizing the needs of the police and fire departments. Under his tenure, the city opened a new fire station and invested over $3 million in new fire trucks. Furthermore, a new police patrol officer facility was developed, and the municipal courtroom was expanded to better serve the community.

On the planning and development front, Olen spearheaded the adoption of stronger land use ordinances for developers and builders, aiming to ensure responsible growth. He also worked to implement impact fees to better manage the city’s evolving infrastructure needs. The City Council, under his guidance, also approved a new 20-year comprehensive plan designed to shape the city’s long-term vision.

A resident of Olde Towne Daphne since 2010, Olen is a graduate of Princeton University and the Cumberland School of Law. He is married to Sharon Olen, and they have three children, four grandchildren, and are expecting a fifth grandchild in October. The Olens are active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Olen’s re-election bid promises to focus on continuing the momentum achieved during his current term, emphasizing responsible growth, enhanced public safety, and continued investment in the city’s parks and recreational facilities.