David Martin

David Martin was born in Detroit, Michigan. Martin served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979 to 1999. He earned an associate degree from Keiser University in 2012. Martin's career experience includes working as a veteran services coordinator with Mott Community College, the director of contract security services with the Pontiac Silverdome, and an executive.[1] He has been affiliated with the Davison American Legion Post #267, the Michigan Masons, the Master Davison/Fellowship Lodge, the King Solomon Club, the Air Force Association, and the National Rifle Association.[2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a lifelong Davison resident, Genesee County Commissioner and active member of his community, David Martin knows the issues impacting us. After a career spent in public service, Dave has experience representing our community and working across the aisle to deliver results.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We must encourage skilled trades training programs that prepare workers for today’s new careers. As vice-chair of the Workforce, Trades & Talent Committee, Dave advocates for Genesee County jobs, and has introduced legislation to ensure high school students are informed of the numerous career options available in Michigan (HB 4953).Dave has been a strong advocate for the unborn, and has voted for a fetal tissue research ban (HB 5558 & 5559). He also supported a state income tax exemption for expectant mothers (HB 4644).Dave is also an outdoorsman who supports an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. He voted in support of making sure concealed pistol licenses are still processed during declared emergencies (SB 11).

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our vote is our voice, and ensuring our vote counts is a crucial part of having confidence in our elections. That’s why Dave voted for strengthening ID requirements when voting in-person or by absentee ballot (SB 285).

Dave supported legislation to prohibit the Secretary of State from sending unrequested absentee ballot applications (SB 310) and voted for legislation to require a physical signature when requesting an absentee ballot (HB 5288).

It is a problem that non-government groups can give money to specific government entities for elections. Dave voted for a bill that would ban the use of third-party money for conducting elections (HB 5253).

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Proven leader, steady record of service-before-self. Retired Air Force senior non-commissioned officer, former councilman and mayor pro tem for City of Davison, current Genesee County Commissioner (9th District). Post Commander, Davison American Legion, Past Master, Davison Masonic Lodge. Current Command Sergeant Major, 6th Battalion, Camp Grayling, State of Michigan Volunteer Defense Force and certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train-the-Trainer.

Employed at Mott Community College as Veteran Services Coordinator and School Certifying Official for the GI Bill. County Commission board assignments include, President, Economic Development Corporation of Genesee County, member of Metropolitan Planning and Parks and Recreation commissions. First county commissioner to achieve Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) designation, recognized with Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce 2019 Art of Achievement Award as CTA of the Year.

Married to Grace, a US Army Reserve veteran with two Iraq combat tours, four adult step-children and a plethora of grandchildren.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

FIGHTING FOR JOBS, end job-killing taxes and regulations in order to bring better-paying jobs to Genesee County. Encourage skilled trades training programs that prepare workers for today's new careers. Our high schools, community colleges and tech centers should have the tools to give these opportunities to our students. Finally, supports the job-creating efforts to further protect Enbridge Line 5 to provide reliable job creating energy to Michigan.SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS, as a US Air Force veteran and Veteran Services Coordinator at Mott Community College, efforts awarded Mott as a veteran-friendly school. Strong advocate of our veterans continuing to ensure our service members and their families get access to benefits that recognize their dedication to our country.DEFENDING OUR SHARED VALUES, a leader in the fight to protect life and defend our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Guided by established and practiced conservative values to apply limited government policies for lower taxes and to support local units of government:

Public Safety, encouraging personal responsibility and adherence to constitutional rule of law.

Commerce, providing a business friendly tax structure to provide quality job creation which in turn increases property values and supports a robust service industry, school funding and government services.

Infrastructure, taxes collected at the pump should go to roads. Reliable and cheap energy to fuel manufacturing, agriculture, travel/shipping and home utilities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father has been my consistent answer, you'll see my middle initial used on the ballot and in my signature blocks to honor him. I contribute my first election to Davison City council to him, I was away in the Air Force for 20-years and I believe his character led to neighbors hoping the "apple didn't fall far from the tree." My parents are celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and fortitude of character to stand against fads and peer pressure. The ability to listen, filter and follow through to have an impact on the common good. Knowing, trusting, believing and practicing your foundational core values to understand how decisions will impact people and communities.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Record of success. Practicing and being true to my core values has allowed me to survive a recall election on city council (4 of 5 targeted officials recalled) and then become the first Republican 9th District county commissioner-and win re-election!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

1968 Detroit Tigers World Series Championship-7.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Reid Drug Store downtown Davison-stock boy at 15. Quickly followed by Archie's restaurant in Davison through my high school years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (and the Hobbit), J.R.R. Tolkien, and writings by his contemporaries C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton, have validated for me the value of the four Cardinal Virtues, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. I'd like to add The Law, Frédéric Bastiat, the best arguments against socialism and is as relevant today as it was 150 years ago.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Population represented and length of tenure. A greater representation by senators tends to smooth out specific local issues to better benefit the entire state. Senate's two additional years in office should increase their proficiency in lawmaking before forwarding bills to the governor.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

As a member of Michigan Association of Counties' Judicial and Public Safety committee, I know my municipal and county experience benefited me in recognizing potential burdensome mandates being proposed on local units. Local government experience introduces a candidate to constituent care, line item budgets, open meetings act and other transparency ethics critical to good public service.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a loss of revenue and unemployment that must be addressed to return to what was an emerging boom economy. Aging infrastructure issues will continue to deteriorate as budgets are stretched tight. Bridges, dams, and roads must be maintained for safety and to provide a quality distribution system. Public pensions and healthcare benefit costs continue to rise and many agencies are woefully underfunded.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Rarely is there a clear mandate following an election, the executive's strategic goals are filtered through the house of the people and senate to establish realistic budgets and priorities for the common good.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

As a very small minority on a county board, I know the value of building relationships. Knowing what motivates another member, personal interactions and empathy go a long way in hearing all sides of an issue and presenting potential compromises.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Elections have consequences, if the majority party's lines appear too partisan then you can vote for the opposing party in the future. You cannot hold an un-elected commission to the same standard.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Military, Veterans and Homeland Security

Commerce and Tourism

Local Government and Municipal Finance

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not interested, I'd have to receive an epiphany and see the handwriting on the wall to continue hold office into traditional retirement age.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Does debate on a motion have much impact? A Millionaire Party gaming license application, by a local Passion Play group, came to city council for approval . Usually a mere formality step in the process. I had to stick to a principle and asked the group's representative some probing questions. Is the centerpiece of your play the Crucifixion of Christ? Yes. Did the Roman executioners gamble for Christ's clothes at the foot of the Cross? Yes. And yet your group wants to raise money to promote the Passion Play with a gambling license? Yes. I was the only dissenting vote. I later learned the group never used their gambling license.