Name as it Appears on the Ballot: Grier Martin
Party: Democratic
Date of Birth: October 21, 1968
Campaign Web Site: www.griermartin.com
Occupation & Employer: lawyer/self
Years lived in North Carolina: 41
Without a doubt, the most important issue facing our state is the need to get North Carolinians back to work. An important part of making this happen will be to keep our state a good place to do business. Equally important is the need to continue to invest in education in order to provide our citizens with the skills they need to compete for work. We must also help our small businesses create jobs. I am pleased that last year we created tax incentives for small businesses that hire new employees.
We must also continue to make government more ethical. From my first day on the job in the General Assembly, I refused to accept any gifts or meals from lobbyists. I am pleased that the General Assembly adopted this approach for the whole body when we passed a gift ban. We’ve also created a Legislative Ethics Commission that serves to enforce ethical standards in the Legislature. More work needs to be done, but we’re making progress.
I am honored that my efforts during my short time in the House have earned some recognition. The Disabled American Veterans, NC Department, named me their Legislator of the Year in 2007. The Conservation Council of North Carolina honored me with their “Defender of the Environment” award this year for my work in protecting our air quality and the safety of our drinking water. In 2009, I was one of the recipients of Democracy NC’s “Sunshine Award” for my work in campaign finance transparency. Additionally, the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina gave me their “Our Hero” award in 2009 for my work helping victims of traumatic brain injuries.
I believe my record speaks for itself. I hope you will visit http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=House&nUserID=487 where you can find how I’ve voted on every single bill before the House and also what bills I’ve sponsored.