PICKENS COUNTY — Sen. Larry Martin of the Pickens County Legislative Delegation filed his intent to run for re-election March 11 and said he is looking to continue his work alongside other members of the delegation for another term.

“It has been a great honor to represent the people of Pickens County in the General Assembly. I truly appreciate the confidence that has been placed in me to serve and to hopefully make our county and state a better place,” Martin said. “I don’t take for granted the upcoming primary campaign and humbly ask for the continued support of the citizens in Pickens County on June 14.”

First elected in 1992, Martin has been the only non-attorney to serve as chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Among what he considers his list of achievements, Martin cited the recent coal ash bill as a significant achievement during his tenure to this point.

“Pushing that bill through the Legislature in a very short period of time did not just happen because it was a good idea. I utilized every resource at my disposal to draft a workable bill and prepare it for introduction,” Martin said. “Then it became a team effort as each member of the Pickens Delegation did his part in getting it through both houses and to the Governor’s desk.”

Martin also reflected on the reform for criminal domestic violence legislation.

“Also, I am extremely proud of the domestic violence reform legislation that was enacted last session,” the Senator stated. “For much too long our state has led the nation in domestic violence deaths, and that important legislation is just the beginning of a much larger effort to reverse that awful statistic.”

The legislator also had other reform-minded work to point to as well.

“I used the influence of the Judiciary chairmanship to work closely with Governor Haley and other reform minded legislators to build on the late Governor Carroll Campbell’s cabinet initiative,” Martin said. “We also formalized legislative oversight of state agencies so that the General Assembly has an ongoing responsibility to closely examine every state agency over a seven year cycle.”

With those efforts in the past Martin was also motivated on issues at the forefront as of today for South Carolinians, especially residents of his district.

“The Senate just passed a significant reform of the Department of Transportation that also dedicates $400 million of existing general fund revenues toward repairing our roads without raising taxes,” he said. “Very soon, I intend to make another run at meaningful ethics reform. The bill would require independent investigations of ethics violations by members of the Legislature and disclose sources of private incomes.”

Martin and his wife, Susan, have three children, one grandchild, and are longtime Pickens residents. The Martins are active members of Pickens First Baptist Church where he serves as a Sunday School teacher and church moderator. Martin has been associated with Alice Manufacturing Company in Easley for nearly thirty-five years.

Even in the seriousness of the moment, Martin was able to find a point of levity.

“I’m proud that all three of our children went through our local public schools, graduated from Clemson University, and are gainfully employed.”

Sen. Larry Martin announced his intention to run for re-election as part of the Pickens County Legislative Delegation. Martin will be on the ballot during the June 14 primary to be held across the Palmetto State.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_larrymartin-2.jpgSen. Larry Martin announced his intention to run for re-election as part of the Pickens County Legislative Delegation. Martin will be on the ballot during the June 14 primary to be held across the Palmetto State. Courtesy photo

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.