West Hollywood Planning Commissioner John Erickson has officially announced he’s in the running for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council.
Erickson, 33, is the director of public affairs at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. He has lived in West Hollywood for 10 years and served as a City Council intern and as deputy to former Councilmember Abbe Land. He then became the city’s community affairs technician, where he worked putting on producing events for the city.
“With his experience at City Hall, and strong working relationships with civic leaders, and organizations across Southern California, Erickson will bring a new era of leadership to the city,” says the announcement of his candidacy.
Council seats currently occupied by John Duran and John Heilman are up for election on Nov. 3. Both Duran and Heilman have filed statements indicating their intent to run for re-election.
Erickson had long been rumored to be planning to run for election to the Council, although some people close to him say he wavered back and forth out of concern that his candidacy might hurt the re-election campaign of Heilman, who appointed him to the Planning Commission.
Erickson serves as president of the board for the ACLU of Southern California and president of the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women. He is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University with a Doctor of Philosophy degree focused on American religious history with an emphasis on women, gender, and sexuality studies. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
Erickson’s announcement contains a long list of endorsements from state and local politicians and 34 member of various West Hollywood board and commissions. The full list can be found on his campaign website – erickson4weho.com.
Among them are former U.S. Congresswoman Katie Hill, Los Angeles City Council members David Ryu and Monica Rodriguez, LA Unified School District board member, and Nick Melvoin. He also is endorsed by WeHo Mayor Lindsey Horvath and 11 prominent members of city boards and commissions.
In addition to Duran and Heilman, candidates in the running include Sepi Shyne, an attorney and member of the city’s Business License Commission; Noemi Torres, a real estate agent and member of the city’s Public Facilities Commission; Larry Block, owner of the Block Party store and chair of the Public Facilities Commission, and Jack Cline, a nurse who is campaigning under the drag name “Jackie Oh My Goodness.”
Erickson’s website lists various issues and his stand on them, including protecting renters’ rights, traffic congestion, reducing homelessness, environmental sustainability and public safety.
Moving the City Council election date to Nov. 3, 2020, the date on which state and federal elections will take place is likely to mean a much larger voter turnout, not least because one of the federal candidates will be the controversial Donald Trump. The City Council election date is being moved to the general state and federal election date of Nov. 3 to comply with a state law that applies to cities like West Hollywood that have a traditionally low voter turn-out. The Nov. 6, 2018, mid-term general election attracted 67.46% of West Hollywood’s 27,653 registered voters.
Candidates for the Nov. 3 City Council election can begin officially registering on July 13, 2020. The deadline for registering is Aug. 7, 2020. Candidates must contact the City Clerk’s office to begin the registration process. To register, a candidate must obtain the signatures of 20 West Hollywood registered voters on a nomination form that will be verified by the L.A. County Registrar Recorder.
John Erickson @JErickson85 “Proud Rainbow #WeHo Resident, advocate for all, candidate for City Council” #CENSORED blocked me from @Hollywood_NOW #zoom webinar & fb mtg: “Oh, Phyllis!” The Real Mrs. America, to which I was legit invited via email as I’m on his list. I was the ONLY person present who actually knew Phyllis Schlafly and her children and friends and relatives as I worked out of her home as her Executive director in the 90s. My comments were respectful, informative, yet unwelcome by Mr Erickson. I even shared a pleasant story about Bella Abzug with whom I was acquainted. Erickson… Read more »
It’s not an easy thing to put yourself on the line and run for office. But without challengers Each election would just be a coronation of the incumbents. This is a coronation of a different sort but I’m glad to run with John to move West Hollywood forward. Just remember 3 Johns can’t fit in 2 seats! Elect two something news and put fresh ideas and fresh blood on the council.
So Mr. Erickson, can you please state the most pressing issues, where you have expertise, that you would prioritize and how would they be different from current policy?
John is an amazing candidate!!! He has my 100% support. The City Council and the entire city of West Hollywood would be lucky to have him in office.
I am so excited that John Erickson is running for council! With his background, expertise, compassion and education, he is exactly the person I’m proud to endorse (and I’ll announce my other endorsement later on…hint hint, his name is also John) for council. I’ve known John since he was Abbe Land’s interim deputy and saw firsthand his commitment to our residents and businesses, how he rolled up his sleeves to get things done. His service on our Planning Commission has been insightful, thoughtful and grounded in fact. His core values mirror those of West Hollywood–he is a leader in a… Read more »
Doctor of Philosophy degree focused on American religious history with an emphasis on women, gender, and sexuality studies?? The perfect choice? LOL
I am thrilled to see John Erickson run for City Council. No one is more prepared, experienced and civically engaged to join the more seasoned Council Members than John. Furthermore, John is grounded in the City’s founding priorities as a home predominantly for Renters and the LGBTQ community. He has demonstrated leadership as a great Commissioner and Board Member for the City, as well as his tireless and effective work with Hollywood NOW, the ACLU Los Angeles, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and the Women’s March Foundation. And damn, he works hard. John Erickson has my vote, and I’m looking forward… Read more »
Did you forget to mention that you are a colleague and this recommendation is not exactly impartial or does that matter? Effective work can and should speak for itself. As far as the Planning Commission, it would be good if he could crack the book entitled Planning 101 instead of jokes.
I wish the best and very good luck to John Erickson. John Duran and John Heilman have got to go.
More of the same.
I didn’t realize that Duran and Heilman could run again. Would these be their final term if they’re re-elected?