Michael Merrifield
Michael Merrifield is an American politician from Colorado. He served four terms as a Representative in House District 18. He was chairman of the House Education Committee and also served on the House Transportation and Energy Committee. After leaving the legislature in 2010 due to term limits, he campaigned to serve as an El Paso County Commissioner in District 5, but lost. In 2011, he campaigned for a seat on the Colorado Springs City Council, but was defeated by Lisa Czelatdko. Following his unsuccessful campaigns, he became Colorado state coordinator for Mayors Against Illegal Guns. In 2014, Merrifield was elected to the Colorado State Senate for District 11. He served until the end of his term in 2019 to which he retired from politics.
Merrifield was mentioned as a possible candidate for the office of the Governor of Colorado in the 2018 election, however, he declined a candidacy and endorsed Cary Kennedy for Governor.
Biography
Michael taught music in Arizona, California, and Colorado for over 30 years and has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership in the field of education. Prior to serving in the Colorado House, Michael served on the Manitou Springs City Council. He received a MA and a BA in music education from the University of Arizona. Michael is active in the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and the Colorado Education Association. He received the Crystal Apple award in 2000 as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators.Merrifield is an avid mountain biker and backcountry skier. He wrote Colorado Gonzo Rides, a well-known mountain bike guidebook. He has a son and a daughter. He lives in Colorado Springs.