Council candidate: Rayshaun O. Gravely

Rayshaun O. Gravely was born and raised in Martinsville. He is a 2018 graduate of Martinsville High School. He has been employed by the Henry County Sheriff's Office, but has primarily worked in the mental health and community services industry.

"If I didn't believe in community growth, there would be no point in running," said Gravely. "Once I get into office, I'll learn more about the economics, jobs and stuff, and get more educated with what's established."

Gravely said he was a diehard law enforcement proponent and believed in strong public safety programs.

"We need a tighter and closer relationship with citizens and public officials," Gravely said. "We also need to gain trust within the community with our youth. Martinsville is gaining with youth, so we need to promote our youth, but we can't forget the elderly, so I want to enhance senior services. I want to be a voice for the city of Martinsville."

Gravely said he has not missed a council meeting since he decided to run for office.

"Everything revolves around budgets, so I'm steadily gaining knowledge about the finances in the city. The finances are looking good and at one point you couldn't tell," Gravely said. "I went to candidate orientation and the financial statements have improved."

Gravely believes the housing shortage is the biggest immediate challenge facing the city of Martinsville.

"The city is moving in a great direction, but housing is still an issue," said Gravely. "Economics is not going to grow without solving this problem."

Gravely said his grandfather worked at Tultex, and back then, people were "just a big community, and enjoyed what they did."

"There was a strong foundation of community and people didn't mind helping one another," Gravely said. "I want to get back to a community that's together, regardless of your race, background, or what side of town you live on. I want to see the city growing."

Gravely said although he was aware of the concerns of rising electricity rates, but actually, they are quite low.

"When I did my studies, in the county the rate went up about 10% and in the city it went up about 5%," said Gravely. I'm still open to educate myself, but in all reality, the rate is low, but it's still a concern."

Regarding an aging infrastructure, Gravely suggested the city manager be charged with the responsibility to come up with funding to replace what needs fixing.

"I want to make sure the future is in good times," Gravely said. "The city schools can stand some improvement. They are pushing for a new gym and we need one."

Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543

on Twitter

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.