NEWBERRY — Rick Martin wants to be the new voice of Newberry County as your Republican candidate vying to fill the seat of SC State House of Representative District 40 on Nov. 8.

Martin has lived in Newberry all of his life. He and his wife Fran, also of Newberry, have been married for 27 years and together they have five children: Jessica, Breanna, Maddison, Spirit and “Tink.” Martin and his wife have adopted two of their children and are currently fostering another.

“We gave our daughter the nickname Tink because of her love for Tinkerbell. When we first adopted her, she was scared to death. My daughter asked her if she wanted to hold her Tinkerbell doll, and she has loved her ever since.”

He graduated from Mid-Carolina High School in 1986 and went straight into the workforce after graduating to work alongside his father, Richard Sr. at Bulldog Battery, located at 9345 SC Highway 34. Martin has two sisters, Donna Bowden and Debra Shealy and is a member of Cannon Creek A.R.P. where he currently serves as an Elder.

Martin first became involved in politics in 2014 after seeing the need for more industry in Newberry County.

“There are more people graduating from our three high schools graduating, than there are jobs. I want my kids to have jobs and a life here. We need to bring in brand new industries here so our people won’t have to leave because of the lack of jobs.”

Since November, Martin has been going door to door campaigning and has been to over 15,000 houses. Along with going door to door, Martin and his campaign team also have mailers going out to voters, getting his name out in the community.

“After a while, we lost count of all the houses I’ve visited. I want to hear what the people have to say and listen to their issues and concerns,” he said.

If elected, Martin said his main goals are bringing in industry, sustainable sources of income, repairing roads and infrastructure and improving education as well as promoting foster care and adoption.

“I will push extremely hard to bring in more industries in Newberry County,” he said. “I know what the people are going through. I’ve lived in Newberry all my life. I know what hard work is. I’ve put a roof over my children’s heads. I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve dealt with State Representatives for years. I’ve got that experience and life experience. I care about the people in Newberry. I will be available to the community. If you need me, you call me.”

Martin has received endorsements by the NRA, The National Federation of Independent Business. Congressmen Joe Wilson, Mick Mulvaney and Jeff Duncan have all endorsed Martin in this election.

Another endorsement that Martin has received was from the South Carolina Education Association Endorsement, which was an endorsement that was centered around education concerns.

Martin credits his dad for inspiring him to serve the public.

“My dad has always said stand up for the little man, because the big man can stand up for himself. My dad said if you want something done, don’t depend on others, do it yourself,” he said.

Visit https://rickmartinforhouse.com/ for more information.

“If I’m elected, I will work hard to make the people proud. We’re all in this boat together, and I’m going to work for everybody and give the best constituent service possible. I know Newberry County and hopefully the public thinks so, too.”

Martin
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Martin.jpgMartin

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.