Local Politics Episode 6: Interview with Robb Erickson

“We’re gonna build a wall around Garden Ridge and have Schertz pay for
it!”. That’s the rumor going around the Northeastern Partnership Towns at the
moment, but is it true? On this episode of Local Politics, Jason and Kevin talk to
Garden Ridge Mayor Robb Erickson about becoming mayor, being an Air Force
pilot, and of course, that city wall.
Robb details his background and his journey from local resident to city council to
mayor, sprinkling in his political philosophy and his plans for the city. He explains
why he loves elections despite the grind and what he’s learned about Garden
Ridge since he became the mayor. He also talks about why he started the city’s
popular First Friday tradition, where locals meet their elected officials over a drink.
You’ll hear Robb’s biggest political mistake, what happened to him in his military
Poopy Suit and the real facts on voter turnout in the city. Don’t forget to listen out
for the proposal to turn Garden Ridge into a Home Rule city which is going to be
on your voting ballot this May.
Should Garden Ridge become a Home Rule city? What should Mayor Erickson do
to stop other cities’ noise and traffic from entering Garden Ridge? Tell us your
thoughts by joining the podcast’s Facebook page. And if you enjoyed the episode,
don’t forget to subscribe so that you can catch more interviews with your local
politicians!

Timestamps
[1:50] Robb Erickson tells Kevin and Jason how he became the mayor of Garden Ridge
[5:55] Moving from Utah to Texas via Mississippi, Arizona, Japan, and Las Vegas
[10:07] If we have drones, do we still need pilots?
[13:07] The origins of Garden Ridge’s First Fridays
[16:21] Why Robb actually loves elections
[20:58] Do you need political experience to run for mayor?
[26:36] It’s time for the… Lightning Round!!
[43:13] “A little more of the history of Garden Ridge”: What Robb wishes he’d known
before becoming the mayor
[45:26] Robb’s biggest mistake as mayor
[47:47] What’s the best advice that Robb has ever received?
[50:59] “What have we done to make life better in Garden Ridge?”
[51:34] Home Rule vs General Law cities: Which is better?
[57:13] Garden Ridge’s draft Home Rule charter
[1:00:03] Robb discusses voter turnout in Garden Ridge
[1:01:37] Addressing the rumors on the wall around Garden Ridge

Highlight Quote
“Elections accentuate the true nature of somebody… If someone is thinking
“I’m not really sure about them, I’m not really sure that they’ll run a clean
campaign, that they’re a really good person”, that can come out in an
election.”
Mayor Robb Erickson, Local Politics podcast (19:02)

People Referenced in This Episode
● Kelly Smith
● Larry Thompson
● Mary Dennis
● Mayor Ralph Gutierrez
● Mayor Stosh Boyle
● Mayor Tom Daley
● Nancy Cain
● Paul Duke
● Todd and Virginia Arvidson

Links
https://txlocaltalent.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/txlocaltalent/
https://www.facebook.com/txlocaltalent
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1tzUASELeq89GBm1yeHIkw/featured
https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1EFqBxTHi7oHUAWEqCOE