I am running for a position on the Rexburg City Council. I am dedicated to helping keep Rexburg a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family.
We are facing some challenges as our City grows and I feel that I can help bridge the gap between our traditional values and the growth that is certain in our future.
Answers to your questions
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Tell us about yourself -- include information about your family, career, education, volunteer work and any prior experience in public office.
I am a retired, long-term resident of Rexburg. Together with my brother and father, we operated Erickson Pontiac-GMC for over 53 years. During that time, I did everything from washing cars to completing multi-million-dollar finance deals.
I am a graduate of Madison High School (class of ‘75), Ricks College, and am an alum of Utah State University (bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance).
My wife, Tami, and I raised our family of 5 children here in Rexburg and together produced 5 more graduates of Madison High.
Much of my experience in dealing with others has been connected with my opportunities in church service. I served as a young missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Paris, France mission and together with my wife, recently returned from serving in the mission office of the Lyon, France Mission. I have served as a bishop and stake president here in Rexburg and have had wonderful opportunities to interact one-on-one with some of the very best people on the planet in those capacities.
I am currently serving on the Rexburg Planning and Zoning commission and the Engage Rexburg committee and have served as the President of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. I have served on various association boards and commissions including as president of the Idaho Auto Dealers Association and as a governor-appointed member of the Dealer Advisory Board of the Idaho Transportation Department.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family is hands-down my proudest accomplishment. There is nothing to compare to seeing your children making good choices and seeing them raising exceptional children of their own. Rexburg has provided the quality of life to raise our family in safety and security. As a member of the Rexburg City Council, I hope to be able to help maintain that quality of life as we, as a city, face growth that seems inevitable in our future.
Why are you seeking political office within your community? Briefly explain your political platform.
The reality of it is that I am approaching this opportunity to serve without a personal agenda. My motivation in seeking a position on the City Council is to give back some of what I and my family have received over the years living in Rexburg. I feel that my experience and ability to work with people will be an asset to the city as difficult decisions come before the council.
Since this is a non-partisan position, I hope to be able to avoid some of the divisiveness that is occurring in party politics and focus on the needs and concerns of the city.
What are the greatest challenges facing people in your community? What is your plan to meet those challenges?
Growth of the community continues to be one of the major challenges facing Rexburg and its citizens. Infrastructure issues such as building and maintaining roads and providing clean water and adequate sewer services will always be issues as we grow. Public safety in the form of police and fire services will continue to feel pressure. There is a growing effort focused on the city providing more amenities such as parks and recreation facilities.
All these issues will take more and more resources to build and maintain.
I am dedicated to working with the various department heads to identify areas where resources are needed and areas of waste that can allow resources to be re-directed to those areas of most need. Fiscal responsibility will be my approach to the budgeting process.
How will you best represent the views of your constituents – even those with differing political views? How will you communicate directly with constituents?
Listening, with the intent to understand and learn, is essential in the decision-making process. I believe that understanding all points of view and then acting decisively for the benefit of the city as a whole, should govern all that the city council does. I also understand that not everyone will agree with every decision. Good communication with all stakeholders is the duty of the council and I will do everything possible to assure that the communication channels remain open and accessible. I have created a website, erickson4rexburg.com, where citizens can learn more about me and interact directly with me if they have any questions or concerns about city issues.
What areas in your community need immediate improvement? What actions will you take to address those needs?
I am concerned that we only have one road (2nd East) connecting the city from North to South and only two roads crossing Highway 20. This effectively creates three major sections of the city with limited access between them. I will involve myself in studying additional connections between these sections of the city and develop a plan so that as we grow to the North and to the West, we will have better access.
There is constant need to improve our existing roads. I will work with the road and bridge department to assure that there is a consistent plan in place to maintain and improve them.
What parts of the city budget could use more funding? Where are places in the budget that cuts could be made?
The budgeting process is one of the most important jobs for the city council. My experience in setting and working within budgets will help me to identify areas where funding is needed and where waste can be eliminated. I feel that I can work closely with the department heads in the process and will scrutinize each budget carefully to assure our tax dollars are being used efficiently.
What is the role of local media in your community? How can city officials work to have a better relationship with the media?
The media plays an important role in communicating city issues and can be effective in holding city employees and elected officials accountable to the public. I believe the city has a good working relationship with the media and I will work to continue that relationship.
It is important that city business remain the business of the citizens and will assure that our meetings are open to all and comply with the rules of the Idaho Open Meeting Laws.