It may seem natural that I would support my son, Jake Marsing, in his campaign for Longmont City Council. But my support goes far beyond being his parent. I’m proud to stand behind him because of the values he represents, the vision he brings, and his deep commitment to serving this community. Even if he were not my son, I would still cast my vote for him. He is exactly the kind of thoughtful, hardworking leader Longmont needs.
It’s difficult to read some of the criticism Jake has faced. His advocacy for a livable wage has understandably created tension with some business owners, but Jake’s perspective comes from lived experience. He’s seen firsthand what it means for a family to scrape by from paycheck to paycheck. His stepfather worked in the trades for more than 25 years, but when COVID hit, he was forced to switch careers and take a job at a retail grocery store — earning just a few dollars above minimum wage. As an educator myself, I know I will never make “big bucks,” and that’s why I admire Jake’s commitment to ensuring people in Longmont can earn enough to truly live here.
Jake understands what it means to face, and overcome, enormous obstacles. What stands out even more is his unwavering optimism, a light in what can often feel like dark and uncertain times. He doesn’t just bring hope; he brings a clear and thoughtful plan to make our community stronger, fairer, and a better place for everyone.
Our family’s roots are planted deep in Longmont. My grandparents chose Longmont to farm, build a home, and raise their children because they saw its beauty and its promise. Jake still believes in that same promise, a community where families can afford to live, where safety is a given, and where his children, and all children, can truly flourish. He will help our council address essential issues that have been ignored including traffic congestion, housing costs and fist time home buyers, childcare costs, and protecting our local immigrants.
As someone who has volunteered and advocated for the unhoused for over a decade, I can say with confidence that Jake’s plan for addressing homelessness in Longmont is exactly what we need. He believes the most effective way to end homelessness is simple but powerful: get people into housing. A “housing first” approach — prioritizing stable, permanent housing as the foundation — creates the stability people need to access mental health care, addiction recovery, employment, and other supports. Without housing, those challenges only grow harder. Jake’s commitment to a real, actionable plan is one of the most important positions he brings to this campaign.
I’ve known Jake longer than anyone — he was born seven weeks early, probably just trying to get a head start on the campaign trail. He has been studying history, policy, and our community since he could read. People sometimes call him a “life-long politician.” But if being a politician means dedicating your life to serving others, working to make the world better, and pouring your heart into this community, then yes, Jake has been that kind of leader his whole life. Watching Jake grow into an inspiring teacher, a devoted father, a loving husband, and a fierce advocate for the marginalized — despite having parents who weren’t always perfect, never ceases to amaze me.
And yes, I’d vote for him, even if he wasn’t my son.
Sincerely,
Amy Mann,
Educator, Longmont Resident
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