Words of Support

I wholeheartedly endorse Susan Gutowsky for reelection as Councilwoman for District 1. Susan is a principled leader who makes informed decisions, even when standing alone. She votes with conviction, guided by facts and independent thinking, not swayed by majority opinion or special interests.

Susan’s commitment to our community shines through her active engagement. She regularly attends public events, connecting one-on-one with residents, listening to their concerns, and tackling tough questions head-on. If she doesn’t have an answer, she diligently seeks out experts to provide accurate solutions.

Her tenacity ensures she holds staff and differing viewpoints accountable, always grounding her decisions in data and truth. Susan embodies the common-sense leadership we need—rooted in American values, unwavering in integrity, and dedicated to serving our community.

Vote for Susan Gutowsky for District 1 Councilwoman.

I am pleased to endorse Susan Gutowsky for continued service on the Fort Collins City Council. I had the honor of working alongside Susan on the Poudre School District Board from 2014 to 2019, and I witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to our community, our children, and public service.

Susan is a thoughtful and engaged leader. On the school board, she tackled difficult issues head-on and brought people together to find practical, long-term solutions. She played a key role in strengthening ties between the district and the business community, championed workforce readiness for students, and prioritized inclusive community engagement.

Since joining the City Council, Susan has brought that same steady, collaborative approach to city governance. She listens carefully, does her homework, and makes informed decisions that reflect the values and needs of Fort Collins residents. One standout example is her support for the partnership between the City and PSD to develop a swimming facility that benefits both students and the broader community.

Fort Collins deserves leaders who are experienced, trustworthy, and committed to public good. Susan Gutowsky is all of those things—and more. I fully support her candidacy and look forward to her continued leadership on the City Council.

Susan has had a long time familiarity with the community as a teacher, School Board member and on City Council. All these provide a unique perspective to understanding needs and possibilities for our city.I have enjoyed collaborating with her over the years.

Susan Gutowsky was instrumental in helping get the non-profit Project Smile started in the Poudre School District.  She was one of the original Project Smile board members and volunteered at the dental/vision screenings, putting together "goodie bags" of dental supplies for the students and organizing our annual fundraising luncheon.  I believe that Susan's service is her passion.  She Cares." 

Jeannie Craft, Former Project Coordinator for Project Smile

It is with great pride and wholehearted enthusiasm that I write this letter of support for Susan Gutowsky, who has once again stepped forward to serve as a candidate for District One. Our community is truly fortunate to have someone of Susan’s stature, heart, and experience seeking to continue her service. Her love for this community is not only evident—it is a driving force behind every action she takes and every initiative she supports.

Vote for Susan.

Susan Gutowsky has earned my support for re-election. I have worked with Susan for many years in our community. She cares about the people of Fort Collins. We need public servants like Susan. She takes the time to listen to her constituents and serves her whole district with compassion and well-thought-out decisions. I know she is the right person to continue to represent us on Fort Collins City Council. This is a rank choice election.

Make Susan your first choice!

Susan is a champion for all and a passionate advocate for diverse constituents. She looks at broad community needs to weave a strong government.

I have known Susan for many years and have watched her in leadership positions, passionately and tirelessly working for people across our community in multiple neighborhoods and multiple zip codes. Susan will, once again, bring this passion to her role on City Council and will continue to serve our community well.

Jan Borman, Executive Director of Student Achievement at PSD-Retired

I enthusiastically support Susan Gutowsky’s reelection to Fort Collins City Council. Susan has the experience, values, and leadership we need on city council.  Susan cares deeply about how her work will affect people, believes that transparency is paramount to good governance, and treats everyone with respect.  Susan works tirelessly to ensure all citizen voices are heard and that City Council truly reflects neighborhood issues. Susan believes that public participation is based on the principle that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process. She won’t be swayed by the special interests whose goals are economic gain for a few at the expense of the many. Please join me in voting for Susan.

Susan Gutowsky brings a governing philosophy based on seeking pragmatic solutions to issues over political ideology. She is thoughtful in deliberations, diligent on her research and careful to consider unintended consequences in her responsible decision making.

Tom Balchak, Former President of the Poudre School District Board of Education

I have worked with Susan Gutowsky over the years in many different capacities, and I believe she is an excellent public servant for District 1. Susan is pragmatic and down to earth. She listens well and cares deeply about our community, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively for the common good.

John Kefalas, Former Colorado State Senator and current Larimer County Commissioner.

We are living in unprecedented times — a world increasingly shaped by instability, polarization, and rapid change. In the midst of all this uncertainty, what communities need most are leaders who are grounded, compassionate, and consistent — leaders who show up with authenticity, humility, and a deep commitment to people, not just platforms. That’s why I believe leaders like Susan are not just important — they are essential.

I first met Susan in the fall of 2018, when she was running for the District 1 Council seat. She and her running mate were speaking at an event at the Downtown Public Library. At the time, I was in my second year with Outreach Fort Collins — one of the original three members to launch the street-based outreach program in 2016, focused on serving those experiencing homelessness. What struck me most about Susan wasn’t just her platform or policy position, but her authenticity and warmness. She didn’t come across as someone with all the answers — she came with curiosity, humility, and a sincere desire to understand.

We talked after the event. She asked meaningful questions about my work and took time to learn about the complexities surrounding homelessness in our city. She didn’t just offer support from afar — she walked the streets with our Executive Director, listening deeply to the real stories behind the statistics. She wanted to see what we saw, hear what we heard, and understand the layered human experience behind the issue.

When I transitioned from OFC after five years to work as a Shelter Case Manager for Family Housing Network, supporting families with children experiencing homelessness, Susan's care didn’t stop. She was curious. She sought to understand the additional barriers facing families — especially the lack of shelter, affordable housing, and age-appropriate resources for children. She didn’t just express concern — she took action, eventually joining the Family Housing Network board, where she continues to serve today.

Over the years, through all these shared efforts and values, Susan and I have also become fast friends. That friendship has only deepened my respect for her — not just as a leader, but as a human being. She leads the same way she connects with people: honestly, humbly, and heart-first. Her longevity and dedication to Fort Collins have given her a rare and valuable perspective: she understands our history, honors our complexity, and is deeply invested in shaping a future that works for everyone.

In a time when so many people feel disconnected and disillusioned, Susan brings stability, perspective, and a reminder of what public service should look like. She listens. She learns. She leads with courage and care.

And most importantly — she shows up. Again and again.

As a 30-year resident of Fort Collins, I proudly endorse Susan Gutowsky for District 1 City Council in November 2025. Susan’s extensive experience as a teacher, Poudre School District Board member, and City Council member since 2019 makes her the clear choice. She champions affordable housing, climate action, and equitable growth, always putting District 1 first. Her dedication shines through in her work with the Museo de Las Tres Colonias, Rotary, Larimer Humane Society, and the Project Smile Board, where she helped provide free dental care for vulnerable children. Susan’s collaborative leadership and deep community ties ensure a brighter future for Fort Collins. Vote for Susan Gutowsky!

It was my pleasure and honor to serve with Susan on the Poudre School Board of Education. Her support and work on both the 2019 and the 2024 Mill levy is invaluable. Susan is a wonderful asset to the public education and Poudre School District. 

Kristen Draper, Chair, PSD Board of Education

I am a member of the Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board (the SAB) where for several years I have had the honor to serve with Councilmember Susan Gutowsky.

While Councilmembers are not required by Municipal Code or practice to attend City Board and Commission meetings, Councilmember Gutowsky’s presence at the SAB have been consistent

punctual and energizing for our meetings. She has provided exceptionally helpful non-partisan factual insights concerning Council business matters and city developments pertaining to issues impacting older adults for which the SAB serves in an advisory capacity to Council.

As an individual resident (not in any board member capacity whatsoever), I endorse and fully support Councilmember Gutowsky’s candidacy for re-election. I am personally grateful for the wonderful contributions she has made to Fort Collins both from her many years service on the PSD school board as well as on City Council.

Thank you for your service Councilmember Gutowsky and here’s personally wishing you all continued success.

Myles Crane, Resident of Ft. Collins

Dear Constitutes,

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Susan as a co-worker for several years at Lesher Junior High, now Lesher Middle School. Mrs. Gutowsky taught students Social Studies. We worked closely together for several years making and carrying out accommodations identified in my student's Individual Education Program. Mrs. Gutowsky was always approachable and willing to carry out whatever a student's needs required.

Mrs. Gutowsky went the extra mile to ensure that each student in her classes understood the material. She was willing to modify her curriculum so that every student understood the important highlights necessary to their own lives. I would like to say that not every teacher was as accommodating as Susan when it came to including students in everyday lessons. Exams were modified with emphasis on those imperative topics every student should know. Mrs. Gutowsky never singled out any struggling student. She would encourage them in her safe environment to share what they knew and become an integral member in class discussions. Mrs. Gutowsky made learning Social Studies fun.

Mrs. Gutowsky's passion for education not only centered on subject matter. After leaving the classroom, Susan became a School Board member and carried out her care for students and parents keeping their needs in mind at all times. She took into consideration various issues that affected families in the Poudre School District. Students and parents alike were better for the work she put into the issues and concerns of that time.

Susan brings the same skill set to her passion for current issues affecting the lives of Ft. Collins residents. Mrs. Gutowsky is not afraid to speak up and share her beliefs on topics concerning the everyday lives of people living in Ft. Collins. I have personally seen her attend many cultural events in Fort Collins. She is supportive of all residents regardless of financial status. She has a welcoming heart and is very approachable. She makes herself available to speak to any constituents through her town hall meetings as well as her more personal encounters on weekend mornings oftentimes sitting outside on the warm benches of Sprouts ready to help a resident understand an issue or share an opinion.

It is without hesitation that I recommend Mrs. Susan Gutowsky for Fort Collins City Council. Her passion and care as well as her deep roots in Fort Collins make her an excellent candidate to continue her good works for all of Fort Collins not simply to the area she represents. I highly recommend this passionate candidate to be able to continue her good works on behalf of the citizens of Ft. Collins.

Most sincerely,

Susan S. Colvin