Jasper Martus

Jasper Martus was born in Flushing, Michigan. Martus earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 2021. His career experience includes working as a communications advisor for the Michigan House Democrats and as a caseworker for Congressman Dan Kildee. Martus has been affiliated with the Genessee County Democratic Party, the Flushing Historical Society, the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, and the Euphrates Institute.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My family has lived in our community for over a century. Whether it was the factory floor, the classroom, or the wide open fields, each generation of my family has worked hard to make our community a better place. I'm running for state representative to be our community's voice in Lansing. I've seen what the government can do well and how the government can do better. Whether it was connecting veterans to the medical care they needed for Congressman Dan Kildee or crafting legislation in our state's capital, I have reminded myself of a universal truth: every person has a story. As state representative, I will take the stories of my community to Lansing and fight for the issues that matter most.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am young enough to offer a fresh perspective while experienced enough to get the job done on behalf of my community.Having worked for Congressman Dan Kildee and the Michigan House Democrats, I understand what the government can do well and what the government must do better.The only way a community like mine gets the resources and respect it deserves is if we have an advocate in the room in Lansing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The American Rescue Plan Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Package have sent tens of billions of dollars to Lansing. The question is not whether that money will be spent, but where and how will it be spent. I want to make sure that money gets back to Genesee County to rebuild our infrastructure, increasing funding for our schools, and create good paying jobs. For decades, our community has suffered from a lack of resources and respect. Years of underinvestment cannot be reversed overnight, but funds from ARPA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package provide a once in a generation opportunity to invest in our community.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My biggest influences are my parents Karianne and David Martus, Congressman Dan Kildee, Senator Jim Ananich, Jon Stewart, Barack Obama, and Abraham Lincoln.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro, and Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Hard work, transparency, and the ability to work well with others.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state representative must have an understand of both the workings of Lansing and the needs of their community. They should be well grounded in their community and aware of the issues folks face so that when they go to Lansing, they will be able to advocate for the changes that will most benefit the people they represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The goal of all people should be to leave the world a little better off than how they found it. Each person tries to serve others in their own way. For me, that has always been through government work. I hope to leave a legacy of inspiring others to believe in and get involved with the political process and fight for a government that is truly representative and serves those most in need.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was eight years old when Barack Obama was elected president. I vividly recall watching his speeches on the tv, wearing my "Barack Obama for President" everywhere I went, and going door to door with my mom to persuade people to vote for change.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

At a young age, Congressman Dan Kildee took me under his wing and showed me what it means to truly be a representative of the people. Working on both the government and campaign sides of Team Kildee, I learned firsthand from him how to be a public servant. While working as a caseworker in his office, I often listened to folks during their darkest hours as they struggled to make ends meet and get the services they needed. I learned that every person has a story and every person deserves to have that story heard.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Working Class Hero" by John Lennon

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Michigan's greatest challenge is reversing the decades' long problem of underinvestment in communities across the state. Factories have shut down and small businesses have bordered up. That means folks move away, families are broken up, and we are all made worse off. Reversing the trend of losses in jobs and population is critical to making sure Michigan has a bright future.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I hope to serve my community in a way similar to the work accomplished by Congressman Dan Kildee and Senator Jim Ananich.