100 People to Remember
 

Personal
Martin is now a law partner with his son John.
Professional
His law career began as a prosecutor with the district attorney's office. But most of it has been spent as a defense lawyer, representing scores of high-profile defendants.
Prominence
Martin was elected mayor in 1990, beginning a busy but controversial four years. He called detractors "Neanderthals." He fussed with his successor, Bobby Peters, over files that had been destroyed. Nevertheless, he will be remembered as a mayor who got things done -- most of it made possible by a 1 percent sales tax he helped pass. It was Martin, after talking to a law school friend, who came up with the idea of the city seeking an Olympic venue. Without the facilities built by the tax, the city could not have been part of the 1996 Olympic 

Don Coker/Ledger-Enquirer

Games. His administration built the Columbus Civic Center after other mayors had tried for decades. Also under his watch, The Chattahoochee Riverwalk began, Golden Park and Memorial Stadium were renovated and ground was broken for the Public Safety Building. History will not overlook his contributions or demeanor.

Richard Hyatt

THE MARTIN FIRM, LLP
The Corporate Center    223 Twelfth Street    Suite 809    P.O. Box 1436    Columbus, Georgia 31902
Telephone: 706-324-7371    Fax: 706-321-9501
Email lawyer@themartinfirm.com