Reintsma memo challenges Olsen residency

Libby City Attorney James Reintsma is using Allen Olsen’s own testimony from a child-custody case as ammunition against him as a sitting councilman and candidate for mayor. The election is Nov. 5.

Olsen, who owns Antler Tree Nursery, Gifts and Irrigation, has been challenged about his residency almost since he took office nearly two years ago. During a City Council meeting more than a year ago, admitted there are nights when he stayed at his business, located at 33692 Highway 2, just south of Libby.

“My business is located about 330 feet outside the city limits,” Olsen said. “There are nights  instead of going home, I stay at the nursery.”

Olsen rents a home at 703 Louisiana Ave. from Dr. Laura Tindall and much of that has been contested but not formally challenged. At least not until now.

In a memo dated Friday, Oct. 18, Reintsma writes “Mr. Olsen is adamant that he maintains a residence in the city, in spite of substantial circumstantial evidence to the contrary.”

Reintsma, quoting transcripts from Olsen’s Oct. 3 testimony during a child-custody hearing, writes Olsen told the court that his residence is 33692 Highway 2 in Libby. For the purpose of serving on the City Council, Olsen has maintained he lives at 703 Lousiana Ave., which is in city limits.

“My mailing address is at my business,” Olsen said. “When (the clerk) asked me for my address, I asked her if she wanted my residence or my mailing address. She said she wanted my mailing address.”

Reached Monday evening via his cell phone, Olsen was asked his location.

“I’m at my home, 703 Louisiana,” Olsen said.

Olsen sounded confident.

“I’ve talked to my attorney, and she tells me I have nothing to worry about,” Olsen said. “I gave them my mailing address, and that’s what (the clerk) asked for.”

Reintsma said Olsen has two options: He has lied either about his residence or he perjured himself during testimony.

“Allen Olsen has to choose,” Reintsma said.

Olsen said while he has been known to spend a night at his business, he lives on Louisiana Avenue in Libby for most of the year.

“During my busy time of the year, I may just stay out there,” Olsen said. “The summer days are long. I have a place to stay there. Show me a businessman who has not spent a night at their office.”

For his part, Olsen said is resolute.

“I’m not resigning,” Olsen said. “They’ve tried this now four times. This is all political, aided by a scorned woman. I think the mayor is concerned because people are getting tired of  him.”

For his part, Mayor Doug Roll said he has had no part in the memo.

“Absolutely not. I swear on a stack of Bibles,” Roll said.

Olsen said if the mayor is not behind the memo thenReintsma is acting unilaterally.

“If the mayor or council is not behind this then Jim is doing this without consent,” Olsen said. “He doesn’t live in the city.”