Erickson to retire after 37 years in politics
By Jolene Farley
When asked about the greatest accomplishment in his life, Wendell Erickson replies, with a smile, that it was meeting and marrying his wife, Kathryn.
That is high praise from a man who is retiring from a political career that spans 37 years.
He also says that his career wouldn't have been possible without the help and 100-percent support of his family all those years.
The couple has five children: Margaret, Kirsten, Charles, Anna and Hans. Family and more free time are the reasons Erickson decided not to seek reelection as a Rock County Commissioner.
"We've got five grandchildren I want to get better acquainted with ... and a sixth one on the way," he said.
Erickson is now known by local residents for his seat as District 2 commissioner on the Rock County Board. But Erickson's political career began long before that with a bid for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1964. He was working as a vocational agriculture instructor at Hills-Beaver Creek High School at the time of his election.
"I was talked into it by Rep. Roy Cummings, who had been in the legislature for a number of years," he said. Cummings is from Beaver Creek.
In 1965, he took office and continued to serve until his only political defeat in 1986.
"I've only lost one election," he said. "That gives me a 97 percent to 98 percent success rate."
He said he just doesn't like to lose.
Kathryn said the fact that he always helped people was the key to his success.
"When they called and needed some assistance, he worked at it until it was solved," she said.
Erickson attributes the desire to enter politics to his mother and a wish to find a way to help people.
"I think my mother would have liked me to be a pastor, but she introduced me to politics," he said.
Erickson authored over 100 bills during his time in the legislature.
Some of the more significant bills include the post secondary enrollment option, which allows juniors and seniors in high school to attend college instead of high school; open enrollment, which allows students to attend school in another district with state support, and the handicap license and parking bill, that enables handicap parking in the state.
During his career, Erickson chaired the Education committee, the Education Division of Appropriations, and the Labor-Management Committee, as well as numerous subcommittees. He also served on many commissions.
Erickson served in the minority for 11 years and the majority for 11 years.
"Majority was a lot more work, with chairmanships. When you are minority you can be irresponsible," he joked.
The legislature was also non-partisan until 1971. "Certainly, there was more working together than there has been recently."
At one point, Erickson was asked to run for Congress. He declined, realizing it would take more time and money than his family and he were willing to commit.
After he lost his bid for reelection to the legislature, Erickson served on the Hills-Beaver Creek School board for six years beginning in 1987.
He ran for Rock County Commissioner and won, taking office on January 1, 1995.
After eight years as commissioner, he has decided not to seek reelection. His term expires at the end of this year.
Erickson notes many changes throughout his years in Minnesota politics.
"Farmers are getting bigger, he said. "There are probably more regulations and restrictions than there were when I was in the legislature. Probably some are needed, but it does make it more expensive and difficult to comply."
Erickson thinks population will continue to decrease in southwest Minnesota unless more job opportunities are found.
He attributes the current economic downturn in the state to revenues generated by prosperity taxes. The sales tax, the corporate tax and individual income tax all fall in that category.
"When we hit an economy where people are laid off. They are just buying necessities so they aren't paying either sales or income tax."
People tend to blame whoever is in power for the bad economy, according to Erickson.
Political theories, such as that one, were formed as he added items to an extensive resume.
It lists many other accomplishments. He served from 1944-1946 in the Army Infantry, Pacific Theater and the Korean liberation and occupation during World War II. Later he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education.
After many years in politics, he was named an adjunct professor in state and local government and American national government at Southwest State University.
Even though his politics and other involvements took him elsewhere, Erickson's loyalties are close to home.
"It's been a great pleasure working with the people of this area," said Erickson. "I think they are some of the finest people you will find anywhere. They have been good to me and my family and very supportive over the years."
Thinking back about his life Erickson is content with the way things have gone and is not afraid to say so.
"If I had to do it all over I wouldn't change much," he said.