Contributed

Terry Martin recently announced his candidacy after qualifying with the Republican Party seeking to serve as State Representative for House District 81, which includes parts of Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa Counties.

Martin is a lifelong resident of Tallapoosa County with many experiences in the area. He recently retired with 32 years of service from the Department of Transportation so that he can devote his time to serving the people of District 81.

Actively involved with agriculture and the environment, Martin has served on the Tallapoosa County Farmers’ Federation Board of Directors for 27 years and held several leadership positions during that time. He currently serves as the Bee and Honey Committee Chairman for Tallapoosa County and on the State Bee and Honey Commodity Committee.

He serves on the Tallapoosa County District IV Soil and Water Conservation Board, an at-large member of the Coosa Valley Resource, Conservation and Development Committee (CVRC&D), and the Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors.

“I have been afforded the opportunity to serve in a governmental advisory position in several of the organizations to which I belong,” he said.

Martin has served as an Elect Advisor for the Tallapoosa County Farmers’ Federation, as the Governmental Affairs Chairman for the Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association, the Tallapoosa County Treasure Forest Governmental Affairs Chairman, and the Tallapoosa County Conservation District Legislative Liaison.

He currently serves on Congressman Mike Rogers’ Agricultural Advisory Board. He is a member of the Tallapoosa County Republican Party Executive Committee and the Alabama State GOP Executive Committee.

Community involvement is an important facet in Martin’s life. He is a graduate of Leadership Lake Martin and has served on their Board of Directors, the Alumni Board, as well as the Board of Junior Leadership Lake Martin.

He has served as the District Chairman for the Horseshoe Bend Council of the Boy Scouts of America and works on the Friends of Scouting Fundraising Committee. Martin is a member of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, a Red Feather member of the Lake Martin Area United Way and a patron of the Alexander City Arts.

“My faith in God is my guiding light,” Martin said.

Martin is an active member of the First United Methodist Church, the Path Finder’s small group and participates in the Feast of Sharing with the Pilot Lights. He is a past chairman of the Youth Board.

Martin has been married 30 years to the former Ellen Green of Kellyton, who is the Director of Elementary Schools for the Alexander City School System. They have two children. Their daughter Marci Pearson and her husband Terry live in Johnson City, Tennessee. Their son, Jedd, is engaged to Katie Marsh from Elmore County in April. They also have two grandchildren: Dakota who is 8, and Anna Grace who is 6.

The Martin’s family farm is located in the northern part of Tallapoosa County in the small community of Kellyton. They harvest fruits, vegetables, and honey, which is sold in the community and at the local farmer’s market. They also have timberland where they host mixed bag hunts during hunting season.

“I believe that actions speak louder than political promises and campaign slogans,” martin said. “As you can see from my actions in my community, I will actively be your representative for District 81. I respectively ask for your prayers, your support and your vote on June 5th. I am prepared for the challenges and dedication that is required in serving the people of District 81.”