Todd Martin was the top vote-getter in Yadkin County’s Board of Commissioners Republican primary. The newcomer will join two incumbents on the commission since there are no Democratic challengers.
Ricky Oliver and Frank Zachary took second and third place. Oliver is a former county sheriff, first elected in 2022, and Zachary is an attorney who’s served six terms. Cliff Collins, also an incumbent, trails Zachary by only nine votes.
But it was the newcomer, Todd Martin, a retired Yadkin County Schools superintendent, who took the top spot. He says on the campaign trail, residents expressed their desire to preserve the small-town character of the region. But, he adds, another message came through loud and clear.
"People were ready for some change," says Martin. "They want to see some growth that's right for Yadkin County. They want to see some more businesses and industry located in Yadkin County to bring good-paying jobs, and jobs that fit with who we are."
Martin says his past work with area school districts focused on workforce training. He calls those student programs critical for local job recruitment and retention. He says as commissioner, he will continue to support them.