Jacobs, Lawrence R.2020-09-212020-09-212008-10-14https://hdl.handle.net/11299/216261Why We Need Forward Thinking Leaders to Solve the Economic Crisis The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance hosted a series of public forums with the major party candidates for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District seat to foster informed and substantive discussion of important matters of public policy. The forums created an opportunity for the candidates to rise above the talking points and fractious back-and-forth of the campaign to address the substantive policy challenges facing Minnesota and the country. It also created a forum for students and citizens to listen and raise questions with their elected officials. Erik Paulsen grew up in Chanhassen and currently resides in Eden Prairie. He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College. Paulsen began his career in marketing at Cable Value Network (CVN). After CVN, Paulsen began working for Senator Rudy Boschwitz and later went to Washington, D.C. to work for Congressman Jim Ramstad. He currently works as a business analyst for Target Corporation. In 1994, Erik was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving Edina and Eden Prairie, whom he continues to serve as his constituency. At the State Capitol, Erik was elected House Majority Leader. He currently serves on the Ways and Means, Taxes, Commerce and Rules committees. Paulsen has participated in several distinguished leadership programs and fellowships, including: The Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership, The German Marshall Memorial Fellowship, The Young Leaders Forum of the National Committee on U.S.-China relations, and American Council of Young Political Leaders. Erik also serves as a Board Trustee on the Minneapolis Institute of Arts as well as a board member of the Southdale YMCA and the Eden Prairie A Better Chance Foundation.enErik PaulsenPresentation