Meet the Candidate: Marty Gearheart for House of Delegates – 37th District

– Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience/accomplishments:

I have been a resident of Bluefield, WV for most of my life. I graduated from Bluefield High School and have a degree in Education from Concord University. Most of my work career has been in the “sign” business. I was with Acken Signs for 23 years leaving as senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. I also worked with Acken subsidiary companies Outdoor East and Tammy Lynn Outdoor.

For the last 16 years I have been Managing Member of Gearheart Enterprises, LLC. I have been on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce twice, President of the Sales Executive Club, Vice President of the South Bluefield Merchants Association, trustee of the Identity Management Conference, and Chairman of the Bluefield West Virginia Championship Football Games Committee. As a side occupation (service) I officiate High School Football and Basketball. In 2008 I was the Republican general election candidate for the 3rd Congressional seat. I was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2010 and have served as the Chairman of the Roads and Transportation committee, Pensions committee, and I serve as the House Majority Whip.

⁃ What motivated you to run for House of Delegates, or if you’re an incumbent, what made you seek reelection?

I believe I have the ideas and values that West Virginia wants and needs and the ability to move them forward.

⁃ What are some issues affecting West Virginia currently that you would like to see addressed and resolved? How would you fix those issues?

Constant monitoring of Government spending and taxation, solidifying the prison system, assuring delivery of proper education, re developing the system of children that are currently under our control, building needed roads and maintaining those we have, maintaining personal rights without extending special rights, assuring all children are protected, making progress toward keeping the promise of a toll-free turnpike.

⁃ What makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates, what do you bring to the table that they don’t?

I think my body of work stands out. I passed the resolution to make Country Roads the state song! Our major marketing tool, the first bill passed by a Republican legislature I authored, eliminating WV’s cap and trade law, I was part of the negotiating team that delivered the largest tax cut in WV history, etc. I am experienced, value based but with the ability to get along and communicate with others. I also have the ability and experience to get things accomplished.

⁃ Is there anything else voters should know about you and your campaign?

Voters know exactly what they get with me. I am consistent and there is a long voting record, and issue record that can be found in newsprint all around the state. I am consistently conservative, and value based.