Blue Ox Success Series: Running for Office

Description

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run for office?  Have you thought about running for office now or sometime in the future?  If so, it can be a mysterious process.  

We need good leaders to serve and our communities grow stronger because of good leaders.  Are you a leader in your business?  This might be an opportunity to learn more.

We'll discuss filing, deadlines, expectations, campaigning, and hear from those who have served.

Debby Erickson will discuss the requirements for filing, what information is needed to file, and where candidates need to file the information depending on the office they are seeking. She’ll also discuss the filing timelines for different offices and the information that will be provided to candidates when they file.

Mike Franklin will cover the basic mechanics on managing a local campaign, including your campaign’s “kitchen cabinet,” fundraising, campaign literature design, doorknocking, media and social media, basics of the party endorsement process, and more.

You'll also hear from Steve Barrows, Crow Wing County Commissioner, District 3, who will share his experience of serving in office.

Speakers

Deborah A. Erickson -
Administrative Services Director, Crow Wing County

Deborah Erickson is the Administrative Services Director for Crow Wing County, Minnesota where she oversees the elections, finance, information technology, and facilities teams.  Through her nearly 30 years of experience in county government, Debby has honed an expertise in election administration in multiple roles including as an elected auditor prior to her appointment as administrative services director. 

Debby currently serves as the president of the Minnesota Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, 1st Vice-President of the Minnesota Association of County Officers and is the chair of the MACO elections committee for the counties at the state legislature as well as a statewide trainer on election issues. She serves as the Minnesota local government representative on the federal Elections Assistance Commission Standards Board and is the local government Standards Board representative on the Government Coordinating Council for elections critical infrastructure. 

Debby is a certified Minnesota elections administrator and received her BA in management with honors from the College of St. Scholastica. 

Mike Franklin - Partner, WeberJohnson

Mike Franklin is a Minnesota Government Affairs professional and attorney with two decades of experience in building political and Grassroots networks. Mike knows many sides of Government Affairs as he has organized projects for political candidates, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations and Grassroots-level community interests. Having served his employers and clients as an elected official, fundraiser, lobbyist, communications professional, issue expert, researcher and volunteer recruiter, Mike has an perspective to bring to nearly every challenge.

Steve Barrows - Crow Wing County Commissioner, District 3

Steve Barrows is a Crow Wing County Commissioner, former Baxter City Council member, and Field Representative for retired Congressman Rick Nolan. Steve will share his experiences of serving in office.

Employed 28 years with the Mn Department of Human Services

Retired in 2011

Worked on several campaigns from 2002 through 2013.

2013 Enter first race as a candidate for a Baxter City Council seat and prevailed.

Served 1 term (4 years) on the Baxter City Council .

              Served as the Council liaison to the Planning and Zoning Committee

              Served as the liaison to “The Center”

              Involved in the League of Minnesota Cities

In 2018 ran for the Crow Wing County Commissioner seat for District 3

              Prevailed and have served this district for 3+ years.

              Serve on numerous committees

              Voting member of AMC and MICA county organizations

In 2021 Elected Director on the Sourcewell Board.

If you have any questions, send to Paula Chapulis (blueox@brainerdlakeschamber.com) at the Chamber.  

About the Blue Ox Business Academy and Success Series:
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed. By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real-world experience. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and ideas to immediately put into action.