Former Mayor Honored

The Inter-Mountain photos by Brad Johnson
Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco reads a proclamation declaring Joe Martin III Day in the city as Martin’s daughter, Abbey Martin, stands to the left, with Elkins First Lady Paula Marco at the right. Former state senator Mike Ross, a longtime friend of Joe Martin, watches from the City Hall steps, surrounded by flowers.

ELKINS — A celebration of Joe Martin’s life at Elkins City Hall Saturday was attended by his family, friends and many who had worked alongside him in city and state government.

Martin served as Elkins’ youngest city council member and mayor, and West Virginia’s first Homeland Security advisor. Martin passed away Feb. 22 at his home in Charleston. Saturday would have been his 76th birthday.

The City of Elkins dedicated a new flagpole Saturday to mark Martin’s legacy. His daughter, Abbey Martin of Brooklyn, New York, was assisted by Elkins Fire Chief Steve Himes in running the U.S. and West Virginia flags up the pole.

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco read a proclamation declaring Saturday Joe Martin III Day in the City of Elkins.

“Joe served the City of Elkins with distinction as a member of the City Council, providing steadfast leadership and working tirelessly to improve the lives of its residents,” Marco read.

“Joe was esteemed as mayor of the City of Elkins, and championed numerous initiatives that fostered community growth, economic development and civic

engagement.

“His dedication to public service extended beyond the local level to the state legislature, where he served honorably as a member of the House of Delegates, advocating for policies that benefitted all citizens of West Virginia,” Marco continued. “His service was not just a job, but a source of inspiration for all, showing the power of one individual to make a significant difference.

“Joe made history as the state’s first Homeland Security Advisor. Throughout his career, he played a crucial role in enhancing the safety and security of the state, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to the protection and well-being of his fellow citizens. He exemplified the values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, constituents, and community members.”

Lynn Phillips, Gov. Jim Justice’s regional representative, read a statement from Justice praising Martin’s accomplishments. Phillips also shared his own memories of Martin, saying in an earlier decade the two of them sometimes started the day together with breakfast at Scottie’s, then met later at 5 p.m. to play Pac-Man at the Queen’s Head Pub.

Former Governor Bob Wise was on hand to pay tribute to Martin, as well.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Elkins, and I’m very glad to be here to honor Joe Martin,” Wise told The Inter-Mountain. “You could always depend on Joe. He was a hard worker and a good man. It was an honor to serve in government with him.”

Also attending the ceremony were former state senator Mike Ross, former Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Earl Maxwell, former Elkins Mayor Van Broughton, and former Elkins Fire Chief Tom Meader.

“I enjoyed serving in the state legislature with Joe, and he always worked very hard to represent the local residents,” Ross told The Inter-Mountain. “He loved Elkins and the people here. He always tried to do his best for them.”

During the ceremony, Abbey Martin said her father always kept the town of Elkins and its residents close to his heart.

While serving as Elkins mayor from 1977 to 1989, Martin also represented residents of Randolph and Pocahontas counties in the West Virginia House of Delegates. First appointed to the House in 1978, he was elected again every two years through 1998.

During his tenure in the House, Martin was instrumental in securing the majority of funds the Randolph County Development Authority needed to purchase 20-plus acres of the former CSX railyard for redevelopment. In gratitude, Martin Street was named in his honor.

Martin is also credited with securing funding to purchase land for Elkins’ Riverbend Park and re-energizing the Corridor H project. 

When Martin decided not to seek re-election to the House, he was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety – now the Department of Homeland Security. In 2003, he accepted the position of legislative director under then-Gov. Wise. 

In 2005, then-Gov. Joe Manchin appointed Martin deputy chief of staff. He later worked as legislative director of West Virginia Policy and Legislative Affairs.