First-time candidates run to represent Highlands Ranch, Douglas County

Marshall, who has a background in law and finance, as well as 28 years of service in the US Marine Corps, said he decided to run to restore responsible leadership and represent the interests of Highlands Ranch and Douglas County.

“I have quite a few big ideas that I want to do, but the biggest thing is just having some integrity and sanity in government,” he said. “If Douglas County and Highlands Ranch don’t have someone in the Democratic Caucus room looking out for their interests, their interests won’t be looked out for.”

Marshall said he would focus on education, public safety and environmental policies. He said more could be done to support teachers, such as classroom supply stipends and higher pay, as well as invest in vocational training. Additionally, Marshall supports expanding mental health care programs, including in jails. Marshall sees mental health care as part of the larger public safety conversation and freeing up police to focus on crime.

“Our jails and law enforcement have become the de facto mental health systems in the state … so taking it off their plate would just be a gigantic boost in their ability to go after criminals and it would help everyone else,” he said.

He also noted he’s more moderate than other Colorado Democrats and thinks the current bond system is too lenient. His moderate views extend partially to addressing climate change, he said, since he would like to research more alternative energy sources. He also supports investing in fire mitigation, public transportation and protecting water.

Marshall said as a representative he would be willing to work with anyone and everyone to make positive progress.

“I’m a big believer in incrementalism,” he said. “If you can move the ball forward, that’s fantastic. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”