David Erikson

David Erikson was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Erikson's career experience includes working as a carpenter and teacher. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brown University in 1976.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in Weare since 1980. I've worked as a carpenter and public school wood shop, science and social studies teacher. I am involved in town meetings, have volunteered on the Weare Planning Board, joined a volunteer group working to bring energy savings for tax payers, for the Piscataquog Land Conservancy and lived a frugal lifestyle, building my own house, cutting firewood, growing some of our food and wearing things out, repairing them and making do. I value the community I live in and the friendships and cooperation with people of a range of veiws.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Every child in NH deserves a quality education that meetstheir needs.We must adopt energy policies that reduce climate impacts. These changes often also save money.Abortion and other reproductive care must be available, safe and private decisions between a woman and her medical experts. We must also support family planning to reduce unwanted pregnancies

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Environment, Housing and Health Care

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

As I wrote earlier, I admire Rene Cushing for his hard work, directness, warmth and tenacity heading up the repeal of the death penalty, legislation that required years to build agreement of many in both parties.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Democracy Awakening by Heather CoxRichardson and her daily blog, "Letters from an American".

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

We must listen to our constituents needs and advice and also the experts on the subject and work with all parties to craft and support legislation that leads to reasonable, effective and caring action. Compromise is necessary. Stating what I believe to be true and standing up for all people in my district is the way I want to be thought of.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I like and understand a variety of people. I work hard to understand issues and processes and stick with it when I think it's important and the goal has a chance to be reached someday.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Put in the time to know the background on legislation, show up in Concord to learn and vote and communicate with the voters of my district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I like to be remembered as one who worked hard for what Ithought was important, while respecting all, even those I disagreed with.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in the hall of my elementary school when the principal, a well respected black man in a very white town, announced that President Kenedy had been shot and all should follow their teachers to the cafatorium.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in maintenance (repairs) at an old factory for a summer at age 19.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Hannah Coulter" by Wendell Berry. As I read it, I feel the life of a woman my grandmother's age at the transition from horse powered farming to mechanized and during the transition of the US to an integrated world power during WWII when our country had a unified purpose.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Only You by the Platters. I was in a doowop group for a few years and I enjoy sappy memorable melodies.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Balancing earning enough to keep a roof over the family and food on the table with volunteer work, fun and education. I feel good about my choices in hind sight, but it was not easy or clear as a younger man and father of three.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Cooperation as often as possible and clear communication about intentions and goals.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Public education funding, lowering the reliance on property taxes. Energy and transportation infrastructure and fair and equitable health care.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but willingness to do the work is more important.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. We have to understand why we disagree when we do and find compromises that get done what needs doing.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Rene Cushing

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

In 2022, spoke with a man in his driveway for a good twenty minutes about gun policy. He said he and his daughter were going deer hunting that day. He said he wouldn't bring his assault rifle because he didn't want to scare anyone with the ilitary look, though he did value the weapon. He pointed out that he was not allowed to use a high capacity magazine for hunting. I asked whether he would support legislation to ban those magazines. He said no, because it was a slippery slope that could lead to other restrictions. I pointed out that I was a gun owner as well and hoped to find compromises that could reduce the mass shootings and suicides. He thought we should focus on availability of mental health treatment. We could agree on that and could agree to disagree on the high capacity magazine policy and we parted knowing we could discuss dificult issues again.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

In a crisis, it might be necessary, because the legislature might take too long to assemble and act, but the emergency powers should short term. This also highlights why we need well informed, caring executives.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

It would depend on what was likely to be passed, but a priority would be the right of a woman to reproductive health care including abortion. Another priority would be energy policy bills to make it less cumbersome to build local clean energy.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I was endosed by NEA in in 2022 and will likely be again. I may not be endorsed by NH350.org, a climate action group with whom I agree on most questions, but I support woodchip plants to generate renewable energy and perhaps they don't.

What committees interest you?

Energy and Education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Don't hide and don't do anything you'd be reluctant to expose.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Since I believe the magority of voters are usually more on the right track than the more extreme views that are itroduced by legislators, I believe ballot initiatives which garner enough support to make onto the ballot, are helpful, but I have a lot to learn.

David Erikson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.