2023 Candidate Questionnaire: David Martin For Havre De Grace City Council

HAVRE DE GRACE - The Havre de Grace Patch spoke to incumbent David Martin about his history, why he is running for reelection, and his positions on local issues.

Below are Martin's answers to our candidate questionnaire.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

"I want to continue working on the downtown revitalization plans, continue to improve our municipal water system, and continue to represent our city down in Annapolis."

"I'm a member of the Maryland Municipal League on the legislative and bylaws committees. When we go down to Annapolis to represent the City of Havre de Grace, I advocate for our people and livelihood."

"Local politics are where the rubber meets the road. When you're a higher-up elected official, you lose your connection to your constituents. I run into my constituents at the grocery store, the drugstore, and all the local events. They know me, and I know them."

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

"My single most important priority is our city's water and sewer system. I am on the Water and Sewer Commission and work to ensure that we have clean city water that is drinkable, readily accessible, and cost-effective.”

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

"My heart and my dedication to the city. I moved here to retire like many city residents. I looked all over the state for a place to retire, and I always came back to Havre de Grace."

Where do you work, and what is your job title?

"I'm retired. My last job was as a plant manager for Anchor and Old Capital Company. I was in charge of 100+ people at a plant that operated 24 hours per day, seven days a week."

"I've held many jobs in my life, including working at Procter and Gamble, CoverGirl, First USA Bank, Estee Lauder, and Home Depot Supply"

"I retired honorably with 20 years of service from the Maryland State Police as a police corporal. My prior training included hostage negotiation, advance highway collision investigation, commercial motor vehicle accident reconstruction, criminal conspiracy training, drug interdiction, railroad emergencies involving hazardous material, drug detection, and motor carrier safety enforcement and compliance."

What is your age and birthplace? Other family information you'd like to share?

"I just turned 68, and I was born in the Baltimore area, growing up in Sparrows Point. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 44 years. I have one son, Christopher, a daughter-in-law, Jessica, and three grandchildren."

"I'm also a member of the Joseph L. Davis American Legion, and Havre de Grace United Methodist is my church."

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and when.

"I only graduated from high school. I attended Baltimore County Community College in Catonsville but never picked up a degree. While I was there, I studied law enforcement and political science. I also have obtained my certification as a 6-Sigma Greenbelt from Vilanova.”

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?

"All of my signs are from my previous campaigns, so I haven't spent much this year. All told, I'll probably have spent around $500."

How long have you lived in Havre de Grace?

"I moved to Havre de Grace in 2012 from Jarrettsville, where I had lived for 25 years. I moved to Bulle Rock and got involved in ensuring that the Bulle Rock community is included in city decision-making."

What's your favorite thing about Havre de Grace?

"The easy choice is the holidays: It's a hallmark town. On the fourth of July, residents share their pride in being Americans; on Christmas, the town is beautifully decorated. I also love the Candle Light Tour, where you can visit some of the historic homes around Havre de Grace."

"The second thing I love about this city is its diversity. A little while ago, a group said they would hold a gay pride event in Havre de Grace. I was like, "Fantastic." People here are friendly and non-judgemental; our residents just want everyone to be themselves."

What is the biggest issue facing Havre de Grace?

"Number one is making sure that the downtown revitalization doesn't interfere too much with our local business's income. The revitalization may be disruptive, but it will ensure that our businesses can remain in this town."

"The second biggest issue is our water and sewer system. We're talking about a system running from the late 1700s - early 1800s to today. We have already removed nearly all of the lead pipe from the city, but terracotta and other old pipes remain."

“The drinking water is totally safe, but we are dealing with lots of sediment coming down the Susquehanna that has to be filtered out. There is also lots of talk from the federal government around PFAS and how much should be permitted in drinking water, and I want to look further into that. Growing up in Sparrows Point, I know what it is like to have unreliable drinking water, and I want to ensure that our residents never have to worry about what is coming out of their tap."