Billy Martin seeks re-election as Republican candidate for Blue Ridge Supervisor

Board of Supervisors Chairman Billy Martin seeks re-election as Blue Ridge Supervisor. Here is a brief bio he prepared. Martin writes:

I was born and raised in Roanoke. I graduated from Jefferson High School in 1961 and joined the U. S. Air Force three days after graduation. After serving four year in the military, I went to work for a private company for three years and then to the N & W Railway. I worked at night and went to school during the day. During the six years working for the N & W, I earned my degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1973, I went to the work for the U. S. Postal Service as a part-time city letter carrier. I carried mail for nine years and decided I wanted to be in management. I was promoted to a management trainee program that lasted for 1 ½ years. On completion of this program, I was promoted to a Supervisor position. One year later, I was promoted to a Manager position. I held that position for three years and was promoted to a Director of Field Operations managing 227 offices.  I held that position for five years at which time I was promoted to Postmaster of Roanoke where I remained in that position for another ten years until I retired.

I have been a resident of Botetourt County for 39 years. I am married to wife Becky (formerly Becky Bott) for 43 years. I have one son, Billy Jr. and two granddaughters, Alexis and Jaylynn.

I am a member of Faith Life Baptist Church, serve as Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee, teach the teenage Sunday school and ten through twelve year olds on Wednesday evenings.

I have been in public service for many years, serving on the Roanoke Life Saving Crew for ten years, the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad for ten years and seven months on the Chilhowie Rescue Squad.  I have a life membership on the Roanoke and Blue Ridge Squads. I have currently served twelve years on the Board of Supervisors.

I have been trained as a Certified Mediator through the Justice Center in Atlanta. I have served on many Boards and Committees while on the Board of Supervisors and I am currently serving on 15 Committees and Boards. I asked to be placed on these so I could learn all about the localities, the region and the State as well as the different organizations I serve on. This also gives me an opportunity to meet many others in local and state Government. This gives opportunities to learn from the many contacts I’ve made.

In 2003 I became interested in running for the Board of Supervisors but due to family problems, I decided to wait until the next term of office in 2007.  I ran for the Board of Supervisors for the Blue Ridge District and was successful in this bid. Since that time, I have been re-elected for three consecutive terms.

When I first ran for office I promised my constituents:

• That you would be my only special interest
• To commit myself full time in serving you
• To have no hidden agenda
• To be responsible for how your tax dollars are managed and spent

I have never wavered from these promises. In fact, I have fought hard to keep your Real Estate taxes and Personal Property taxes from being raised. You pay enough taxes already. I am the ONLY SUPERVISOR that has consistently voted against raising taxes in the past twelve years.

I am very thankful for already having been elected for three terms as your Supervisor.  I am asking once again for your support as I place my name on the ballot for re-election. I appreciate your trust in me and promise that you will again receive my best representation.

Qualifications and Boards I have served on:

• 12 year member of the Board of Supervisors
• Currently serving as Chairman of the Board and also served in 2011
• Served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Allegheny Regional Commission
• Served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Transportation Organization – currently Vice Chairman
• Member, Roanoke Regional Partnership
• Serving on General Fund Committee
• Member of CLEO (Chief Local Elected Official)
• Current Chairman of the Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee
• Member, Public Officials and Lakes Committee
• Served as President and Vice President of the Virginia Association of Planning  District Commission across the Commonwealth
• Member, Board of Directors for TAP
• Served on Planning Commission
• Served om Transportation Safety Committee
• Served on Parks and Recreation Committee
• Chairman of the Human Resources Committee for TAP
• Member, Botetourt County Social Services Board
• Member, Child Fatality Review Team
• Member, Fire/EMS Commission of Botetourt County
• Member, Virginia Association of Counties
• Member, Agricultural and Environmental Committee with VACO
• Member, Botetourt County Republican Committee
• Taught Junior Achievement to fifth graders both in Roanoke City and Botetourt County

I am committed to attending every committee I am assigned to. I asked to be placed on these committees so I could meet more people with different backgrounds. I believe the more people you meet, the more you learn and the more resources you have when you need information or help.

I have fought Aqua Water Company continually for the twelve years I’ve been on the board against the unreasonable proposed water bill increases. I have testified before the State Corporation at least seven or eight times fighting against these proposed increases of 15% to 69%.

I am a Public Servant. I have returned EVERY call or contact I’ve received from the citizens of Botetourt County. I feel that I should be an advocate for the people to help resolve problems they may encounter with the county, VDOT or utilities. I have been very careful on fiscal issues and try to spend taxpayer money as if it were my on.  I think the thing I have enjoyed the most is helping the citizens resolve problems or issues they encounter.

I would like to continue to serve on the Board of Supervisors to make Botetourt County the best County in the Commonwealth to visit or live.  Therefore, I am asking for your support for another term as your representative of the Blue Ridge District.

Submitted by Billy Martin; Photo by Cathy Benson