Susan Martinez

Susan Martinez was born in Miami, Florida. Her professional experience includes being a parent CNA and an office manager for a technical testing company. Martinez has been affiliated with the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name’s Susan Martinez and I’m running for the House of Representatives as a Democrat for Colorado’s 3rd District. I am a wife, mother, former military spouse and community activist. I’ve organized care packages for wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and deployed service members. I have lived in Florida, Germany, and D.C. before moving to Colorado and buying my home in Pueblo with my husband and children. My unique experiences, both professionally and personally, have shaped my vision of what our communities can become and what Colorado can bring to the national stage.

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?

Community involvementCommon ground solutionsExpanding what works in Colorado to the national stage.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

One is the Parent CNA/Family Caregiver program, which is what brought me to Colorado in the first place. It allows for family members to become certified and to care for their loved ones in home. Our State is one of only twelve that allow for families to get compensated for the time and work that goes into home health care. I will write legislation to make this program federal so parents with children that have special needs can stay home, without the added strain of finding a job flexible enough for any unexpected health complication.

We know that the marijuana industry has brought in a lot of tax dollars that help our local schools and that medical marijuana has helped many of our citizens deal with chronic pain. This is unfortunately something that our veterans cannot utilize. I will fight for veterans to be able to manage their pain with marijuana and therapies, not opiates and benzodiazepines.

Colorado has done very well with COVID-19 restrictions. Our neighbors have shown great personal responsibility when wearing masks and while reopening businesses. There is more that we can do in our efforts to grow Colorado’s local economy and I will legislate accordingly.

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

My parents, my husband and my closest friends have the biggest impact in my life. My parents were successful graphic designers that were small business owners.

My husband taught me to see different perspectives with calm and resiliency.

My dearest friends of 21 years, who I met on a military installation in Germany, taught me to have a grave respect for the military and how to listen, even when you don't agree.

I stand on the shoulders of all the women who have run before me and cannot leave their accomplishments out. Thank you.

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

Langston Hughes

Robert Frost

Stephen Ambrose

David and Leigh Eddings

Maya Angelou

Band of Brothers (HBO)

The Newsroom (HBO)

Last Week Tonight (HBO)

Patriot Act (Netflix)

Freedom Writers: Stories From The Heart (PBS)

On The Basis Of Sex (Ruth Bader Ginsburg/Docu-drama )

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

Honesty and transparency.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am intelligent, a mediator at heart, and strong in the ways that matter most. I enjoy creature comforts, so I will have no problem with disclosing my finances throughout my time in office. I believe that right matters and that the people in the 3rd District want a sane, rational representative that speaks for them.

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

Clear communication with those being represented in Colorado's 3rd District is paramount to building public trust. Passing legislation that benefits the nation would be my primary focus, with the support of my constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Happy and healthy communities for our children.

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

I was in Kindergarten when the space shuttle Challenger exploded. Living on the east coast of Florida, we went outside to view that historic moment. I remember my teacher crying. It was hard for our teachers, seeing that hope disappear in an instant. This is why I strongly support the STEM fields. May we always learn from our mistakes, yet still strive to reach the stars.

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

I worked at a coffee shop when I was a teenager in South Florida. I worked there a year before working for Gymboree, a children's clothing store. I love costumer service because it's connecting with people, one of my greatest passions.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Giver by Lois Lowry. It puts the reason pain and our differences are vital to a vibrant life. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah was so powerful. It focused on the bond between family for a French family during WWII.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Lady Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing or King Margo from The Magicians.

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

Paper Planes by M.I.A.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Congress drafts legislation that affects every aspect of our lives. They determine what our wages are, what incentives are given to which industries and income ranges, and determines how we move forward as a society.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not believe that to be a prerequisite. I look at this as a job; One that I am competent and qualified to perform. My unique life experiences put me in a position to connect with, and influence, those of all ideological backgrounds. There is common ground to be found, but it will take a peacemaker to find that and turn it into real legislation.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Bridging the divide we have within our communities. I believe in decency, basic human kindness, and insuring every community is safe and healthy. The only way we can move forward is to listen to a variety of voices to make sure that everyone feels heard. Then we can find common ground and the best possible outcome to any challenge.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

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

Representative Katie Porter and her white board are a huge influence for me.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I will vote in the best interests of my District, after having a remote town hall on the legislation. Everything will be decided based on that, after I have made my case to my constituents.

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