Mike Erickson
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Mike Erickson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District 35A. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Erickson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Erickson was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota in 1979, a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota in 1980, and a master's degree from the College of St. Thomas in 1990. His career experience includes working as the senior manager for global sustainment in the Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems Division. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 2011 where he received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He was mobilized in 2002 and served a year as the Director for Logistics/Commander Joint Logistics Support Group for JTF GTMO.[1]
Erickson has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Metro North Grief Support Group
- Board member of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
- Board of Finance, First Congregational Church United Church of Christ
- Life member of the Association of the United States Navy
- Life member of the Reserve Officers Association|American Legion
Elections
2020
See also: Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Mike Erickson advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 35A.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent John Heinrich advanced from the Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 35A.
Campaign finance
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mike Erickson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Erickson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Lived in the district for over 30 years Husband, father, grandfather. Retired Navy Captain after 30 years combined active/reserve. Retired Senior Leader Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems Division.
- People focused - all legislation should improve the lives of real people
- The world is not binary - we can have responsible gun control legislation AND honor the 2nd amendment. We can have responsible business growth AND protect the environment
- Close the opportunity equity gap. That means universal healthcare, fully funded public education, and recognizing the value of all people
First is public education. The public school system has been slammed with unfunded mandates for too long and then, criticized for only being average. No public funding should be syphoned off to subsidize private school tuition or other costs. Einstein once said; "the problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them. Developing the next generation of critical thinkers is the best legacy we can leave for the future.
Universal Healthcare - it is, or should be, a point of national embarrassment that the richest country in the world has some of the worst health care outcomes and the most profitable care providers. Minnesota doesn't have to wait while Trump tries to destroy healthcare and local republicans tinker at the margins of an ineffective system. We can adopt Senator John Marty's Minnesota Healthcare Plan now and get on the path to better health
Returning civility to politics and restoring dignity and respect for all regardless of race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identification. Restore the concept that people are people and companies are not. "Religious freedom" and "original intent" should not be allowed to provide a thin veneer of nobility to discrimination My parents. My parents were working class people who worked hard and sacrificed to provide me with the opportunities I have enjoyed in my life. They taught me that if I couldn't effectively argue both sides of an argument I didn't really know the argument. They also taught me that just because I had something to say, I didn't necessarily have to say it. To date, I think I largely have lived up to their example but I am concerned that some of the extreme conservative rhetoric coming out on the other side of the aisle will limit the opportunities that my granddaughter and her generation will be able to pursue. I couldn't just slide into retirement without doing everything I could to prevent that
Perhaps in todays environment it would be the first Republican Presidents address at Gettysburg - that tis nation should have a new brith of freedom that the government of the People, by the People, and for the People shall not perish from the earth
Character, authenticity, civility, integrity, transparency
The drill instructor in my commissioning program instilled in me the belief that if something is worth saying, it's worth taking credit for
Leadership, analytical ability, seek collaboration over conflict, commitment
Listening to your constituents and acting in their best interests
I would like to leave a public education system in place that has eliminated the opportunity gap and provides every student to grow into their own true selves
The suicide death of my son
Minnesota is the only state that has a split legislature - the House is led by Democrats, and the Senate b y Republicans. Sadly, the differences are very evident - the Senate is using their leverage to try and retain or increase their power. They dallied for two special session and failed to pass a bonding bill that would have supported as many as 27,000 jobs. It is unimaginable to me that would take that path in the middle of an economic crisis
Yes, and no. while it's nice to know how the process works previous experience can sometimes lead to complacency and/or partisan behavior. Unprecedented has become the most over used word in the English language but we truly reliving in unprecedented times. Blind adherence to ideological pillars on either side will lead at best to suboptimal solutions.
Bridging the "out state" metro gap and fully realizing the "One Minnesota" concept prompted by the Governor. For a state that is known for "Minnesota Nice" it is inexplicable to me that we could have some of the biggest racial inequities in the country. We need to work on that
The Governorship is a statewide office. It is his/her job to provide a unifying vision and strategy for the whole state. Legislators, as local representatives need to look out for the best interests of their districts as the operationalize the strategy. Both the executive and the legislative branches need to be willing to compromise for the good of the whole state.
It's critical. Nothing of significance can be achieved without the help of your peers. That is why one of my points of campaign emphasis is to return civility to politics.
I prefer an nonpartisan independent commission appointed by the executive branch and approved by the legislative branch
Small business is not only the lifeblood but the character of my district so I would like to be on the commerce committee. Education is my highest priority so I would like to serve on the education policy committee. And finally, my district is rich with parks and environmental recreational opportunity so I would like to serve on the environment committee
I would be in any role that I could be effective in promoting my values
Jerry Newton - he is a Senator from a neighboring district. He's well respected, level headed, and open to collaboration
I facilitate a Suicide Survivors Support group every Monday night. I have heard stories about the mental healthcare system that are both infuriating and heart wrenching and I have seen incredible acts of compassion by people who are hurting towards those they know are hurting more. I believe in people and that's why my campaign is about people
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 26, 2020.
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Lisa Demuth
Majority Leader:Harry Niska
Representatives
Republican Party (67)
Democratic Party (66)
Vacancies (1)
