Staff Report

Martin
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_bwmar.jpgMartin

NEWBERRY — Newberry Republican businessman Rick Martin will file financial documents with the State Ethics Commission today in order to begin his campaign for House District 40 in Newberry. He is challenging 19 year incumbent Democrat Walt McLeod.

“Like most voters, I am tired of nothing getting done by our elected officials. Our education system needs improvement, our roads need fixing, and our tax burden needs to be reduced,” said Martin. “It’s time to stop talking and roll up our sleeves and start doing.”

Martin is the co-owner of a successful family company that has been in business in Newberry for 29 years.

“I am not a professional politician, I am a small business owner who is concerned about my children’s and grandchildren’s future,” Martin said

While the official candidate filing period does not open until the middle of March of next year, any candidate that raises or spends over $500 is required to file a disclosure with the State Ethics Commission. Martin has reached that threshold and has already begun discussing the important issues now facing our county and our state with voters all across Newberry.

“I want Newberry’s next State Representative to work hard attracting and recruiting industry that will build our economy and bring good high-paying jobs to Newberry,” Martin said.

Martin, a lifelong resident of Newberry, is married to his wife Fran of 26 years and has four daughters and one foster child. He is a member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.