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Walker enters council contest

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: July 9, 2009

Gary Walker wants to help Marion grow and prosper like other communities have done.
Walker, 45, filed Thursday as a candidate for the Marion City Council.
"The main reason I want to get involved is I think Marion is at the point in time where it has the potential for great growth," he said.
Although he is making his first attempt at seeking elected office, Walker said he's got experience with both city government and running a business in Marion.
For several years, he's served as a member of the city's Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. The Planning Board makes recommendations to the City Council about planning and zoning matters. The Board of Adjustment is a "quasi-judicial" body that interprets the city's zoning rules already in place and hears appeals from property owners. The same members sit on both boards.
A native of Marion, Walker graduated from McDowell High. He worked and lived in different communities before returning to his hometown 17 to 18 years ago. Since then, he has worked as the manager for the Attic store on U.S. 70 East and later operated a computer business. For the past eight years, he's worked as an insurance agent in Marion.
When he lived in other cities and towns, Walker said he noticed what they did to help their communities grow.
"I have seen some of the things they have done, right and wrong," he said. "That experience, along with my local experience in Marion as well as owning several businesses in Marion, really gives me a unique perspective and ability to make good decisions for our future."
Walker said he's not running against the incumbent councilmen but thinks new people should be given a chance to lead. He said many of the councilmen have been in office for a long time.
"I like every single member of the City Council," he said. "I think it is time to let a few other people who are forward thinking take the helm."
A resident of 72 N. Madison St., Walker is married with two children.