Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Through action and leadership Grier Martin has dedicated himself to his community, his state and his country. He attended the North Carolina public schools and then paid much of his way through Davidson College with an ROTC scholarship. He then graduated from the UNC School of Law, going on to use his law degree helping small businesses and non-profits grow and prosper. He also married fellow North Carolina native Louise Porter Martin and became the proud father of a daughter, Sara, now seven.

In his military service Grier graduated from Airborne School (paratrooper), Air Assault School, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, and the Judge Advocate General's Graduate Course. After our country was attacked on September 11, 2001 Grier volunteered for active duty, serving with XVIII Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg and in the war in Afghanistan in 2002-2003.

After two years of active duty, Grier again answered the call to serve and was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he has been called "an energetic, imaginative legislator not afraid to break with the partisan status quo" (N&O, 10/01/2006) and "a straight-shooter with an independent voice" (N&O 10/10/2008).

Grier has served on the board of directors of Preservation North Carolina, Camp Oak Hill, and the Afro-American Cultural Center. He is also a former Sunday school teacher at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. In the Army Reserve, he currently serves in an airborne unit at Ft. Bragg. He, Louise, and Sara have a dog, two cats, and a fish.

Grier has received the Disabled American Veterans of NC Legislator of the Year award, the Brain Injury Association of NC's "Our Hero" award, the Conservation Council of NC's "Defender of the Environment" award, and the National Guard Association of the US's Charles Dick Medal of Merit.

A public servant must never forget that he or she does not serve a political party or any special interest. Instead, a public servant must only work for the people of their district. Independence is critical if we are to lead North Carolina out of the recession and provide jobs for our people. In my short time in the legislature, I have been an independent advocate for my district, standing up to leadership of both parties on crucial votes. I've fought to enact tough new ethics laws, and from my first day on the job refused to accept gifts, meals, or anything from lobbyists. I will never forget who I serve.