After leaving the legislature in 2010 due to term limits,[2] he campaigned to serve as an El Paso County Commissioner in District 5, but lost.

[3] In 2011, he campaigned for a seat on the Colorado Springs City Council, but was defeated by Lisa Czelatdko.

[8] 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.

He received the Crystal Apple award in 2000 as one of Colorado Springs School District 11's finest educators.

While serving on the House Transportation and Energy Committee, Merriifield worked to alleviate congestion on Colorado's roadways while also taking steps to combat climate change.