About this Site

Scroll down or see menu to right for candidates running in your district. We're getting lots more comments in, most are posted under individual participants' "pages." Check them out and add your own!

This site is a free community service provided by Coastal Community Watch

Vote on August 7th!
Click here for a Sun Herald article about this forum
Click here for a link to a Sea Coast Echo story on the live forums held July 30th and 31st

Why is this race so important?

According to one local municipal official:

"The Supervisors decide Hancock zoning - which impacts the quality of life for the entire county - including the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland. They decide which recovery grants to apply for and what projects the funds will be spent on. They set the county budget and the property tax millage.

On a state level, the Mississippi Association of Supervisors has been called the most powerful organization in the state, influencing policy, law and state budget expenditures.

At this critical time we need leadership that is proactive and selfless to make extremely significant decisions."

How this Site Works

If you scroll down this main page, you'll find:

1. Where and when to vote.

2. How to figure out what district you're in.

3. Instructions for absentee voting and registration

You'll also find information on the Supervisors race, listed by district. Participants who answered a list of questions have their own "page." Beneath their bio, there's a link that will take you to that page to read their answers.

This site is interactive, so you can post comments and questions here and the candidates will be able to respond. We screen all comments before allowing them to appear on-line, so no comments or questions that we deem personally negative or accusatory will be posted.

How This Site Came Together

All candidates below were sent a letter, explaining the rules and offering participation in this free non-partisan forum. If they chose to participate, we posted their photograph and a short statement from them.

On May 24th, we e-mailed a list of questions to all the participating candidates. The candidates had four weeks to answer the questions. None of the answers were posted on-line until the deadline had passed, in order to be fair.

After the election, the site will remain active - the winner's info will remain on-line permanently, as a community service.

We gave this system a "dry-run" for the Waveland race in November 2006 and it was met with enthusiasm by candidates and voters alike. It even received national attention. We're also pleased that some other communities across the country are now interested in starting their own similar sites. Using information instead of advertising to make voting decisions is a growing trend.

A healthy democracy requires active, informed citizens and candidates who want to serve their communities. Our hope is that this site will make both jobs a little easier.

District Map

One of our volunteers color coded this map of the county voting districts - the original was very difficult to read, so we're not guaranteeing the accuracy of this one. Call the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office at 467.5265 if you want to be sure of what district you're in. You can double -lick on this map to enlarge it and see a basic overview of how our Hancock County districts look:

Supervisor, District 1

Incumbent:

David Yarborough - Democrat - chose not to participate

Qualifying:

Tyrone A. Fountain - Democrat - chose not to participate

Guy W. Graham, Sr. - Democrat - chose not to participate

Mark Kidd - Republican - chose not to participate

Christopher "Packer" Ladner - Democrat - chose not to participate


Stephanie Davis Ladner - Democrat

I am a lifelong native of Hancock County. I am the daughter of Ruth Bennett Davis and the late H.G. “Red” Davis Jr. of Pearlington, the wife of Russell C. Ladner of Lakeshore, the mother of Betsy, Bubba, and the late Ashley Holden, and the grandmother of Princetta and Gracie also of Pearlington.

As Supervisor of District 1, I will be a strong, energetic, and enthusiastic voice for my voters. I am committed to making it easier for our voters to understand the way the Board’s decisions affect their lives, to have an impact on the positions taken by the Supervisors, and to hold their representatives accountable.

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE! District 1 needs a strong, independent leader who will have continuing contact with the voters affected by Board actions. Working together we can assure a brighter more prosperous future for District 1.

Click here to read the answers to forum questions by
Stephanie Davis Ladner

Ralph L. West, Jr. - Republican - chose not to participate

Supervisor - District 2

Incumbent:

Roderick (Rocky) Pullman - Democrat - chose not to participate

Qualifying:

Norman Ferguson - Democrat - chose not to participate


Guy Fricke - Republican

I am a life-long resident of Hancock County. I am also the owner of GDF Construction. My wife Yolanda and I have been married for 27 years, we have three children and one grandchild.

My goal as Supervisor of District 2 is to ensure that the citizens will be able to rebuild their homes as fast as possible and will not be hindered by the politics of the county. Also, that they will have a better understanding of the progression of their community. It is important to me that you and I in our own community will not be without knowledge of the rebuilding process that is continuing to move forward.

My only political agenda is that the county will be run the way the people of the county want it to be run.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your vote.

no response before deadline

Cedric Ladner - Democrat - chose not to participate

Tommy McArthur - Democrat - chose not to participate



Larry B. Smith - Democrat

My name is Larry B. Smith and I am running for Supervisor, District 2. I am the son of Pinkie and Pasty Smith and a lifelong resident of Necaise Crossing. I am a 1968 Graduate of Hancock North Central and attended Pearl River Community College and received a Vocational Degree in Pipe Welding.

Currently, I am a Partner in Smith Gravel & Trucking and an active member of Steep Hollow Baptist Church. My family is a very important part of my life. I have two sons, two daughter-in laws, and a granddaughter.

I am running for Supervisor because I believe I can work with and for the people of District 2 so that everyone in the entire district is represented.

no response before deadline

Blake Werner - Republican - chose not to participate



Wayne Whitney - Republican

My main objective for running for county supervisor is simple. Because our county has been through a lot lately,
as we all know, we are faced with many new decisions. I would like to help the people of our county with these decisions - to seek out my neighbors' needs, opinions, questions and wants. To bring them the necessary point of answers. If elected, it will be my first time holding a political office. Maybe this is the approach we need for a better county.

I'm a plain man who is not afraid of challenge and is willing to learn what is needed of me. I'm here to stay and just want a chance to work for my county and its' people.

Thank you and I'll see you at the polls.

Feel free to call 228-304-0217

Click here to read the answers to forum questions by
Wayne Whitney

Supervisor - District 3

Incumbent:

Lisa Cowand - Republican

I have 17 years experience working as your elected official. I’m proud of the things we’ve accomplished during my tenure and am eager to continue serving the people of Hancock County, especially in this time of great need.

During this time of crisis, my experience has special value. I have established good working relationships with local, state and federal officials and agencies. I possess in-depth knowledge of the complex problems facing us now and I’m committed to working closely with constituents and seeking their input on issues. My vision and leadership has me seek new solutions to problems, as well as working towards completion of current projects. My motivation is to see Hancock County prosper and be managed efficiently.

This is the place where my family and I will spend the rest of our lives. This is our home and I want to help make it a great one. Working together with vision, experience and knowledge, the people of Hancock County have a bright future. I ask for your support and your vote.

Click here to read the answers to forum questions by
Lisa Cowand

Qualifying:

Louie M. Ladner - Republican

I am Louie M. Ladner, life long resident of Hancock County. The fifth son of 12 children born to Clifton and Mazie Ladner. The father of Arlette Bates and Rhett Ladner, and a grandfather of five. A graduate of Hancock North Central H.S., and attended Pearl River Community College, majoring in Electrical Tech. Also, four years JATC electrical training. In my 36 year career I have worked in a supervisory capacity for 26 of those years. I have been employed by Fountain Construction Company of Jackson, MS for the past 18 years as Supervisor of General Construction and Electrical for commercial and industrial projects.

As a former member of the Hancock County School Board for six years, Parish Council member, head of the South Mississippi Bird Hunters Assoc., and a founding member of the Harrison-Hancock Little League, I look forward to bringing a new aggressive leadership with fresh ideas, equal representation for districts, promotion of smart economic growth, a better hurricane preparedness, faster response to disasters, and accountability and efficiency of County Commissions.

Click here to read the answers to forum questions by
Louie Ladner

Julius A. Martin - Democrat - chose not to participate

Mike Weems - Republican - chose not to participate

Supervisor - District 4

Incumbent:

Steve Seymour - Democrat - chose not to participate


Qualifying:

Kevin Ladner - Democrat

A native of Bay St. Louis, I am married to the former Nanette Gaddis of Raleigh, Mississippi and the father of three children. My parents are Frank and Beverly (Schindler) Ladner. I reside in Kiln and attend First Baptist Church in Bay St. Louis.

A graduate of Bay High School and Pearl River Community College, I also attended Mississippi State University. I am a member of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the 2005-2006 Hancock County Leadership class.

I own and operate L&L Homes. In addition, I hold a U.S.Coast Guard Captain’s license and operate a fishing guide service.

As an active volunteer in my community, I have been involved with the O.L.G. Crab Festival, St. Clare Church Fair, Cancer Society Red Beans & Rice Cook-off, Pearl River Community College Hancock County Alumni Fish Fry, Kaboom Kids Playground Projects, and The Gulf Coast Sportsman’s Club’s annual Take a Kid Fishing Rodeo. Double-click here to go to my official website.

Click here to read the answers to forum questions by
Kevin Ladner

Albert J. Necaise - Republican - chose not to participate

Supervisor - District 5

Incumbent:

Jay Cuevas - Republican - chose not to participate


Qualifying:

"Kojack" Carl Ladner - Democrat

I am a life-long citizen of Hancock County. I've been married to my wife for twenty-five years and have one son that is attending Hancock High School.

After graduating from Hancock High, I went to work for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for twenty-nine years, eight of which I spent as the Supervisor over Hancock County and another five years spent being Superintendent over Pearl River, Harrison, and Hancock counties.

I've had to maintain the state's roads, bridges, and highways to keep them safe for public use and keep traveling safe. I've also tried my best to satisfy the public and attend to their needs by keeping track and solving complaints by them. It is my wish that I could have the same chance to serve the public by being elected Board of Supervisor from the voters of Hancock County that I did at the Mississippi Department of Transportation. If elected I'm going to be fair, honest, and willing to help and serve the public to the best of my abilities.

no response before deadline

Tony Wayne Ladner - Democrat

Hello, my name is Tony Wayne Ladner. I am seeking the seat of Hancock County Supervisor District 5. I am a practicing Catholic, a life-long resident of Hancock County, and a graduate of Hancock High School. I am married to Yolanda Ladner. I have three beautiful children. I am the former owner of Rockin L Trucking.

I am very committed to being a part of helping establish, create and provide a better and brighter future for Hancock County.

If elected as your Supervisor, I will try to accomplish to the best of my abilities the following concerns of our county:

Management of the County Budget
Promotion of our Economic Growth
Campaigning for State and Federal Funds
Coordinating with all Department Heads
Assisting in Senior Citizen and Youth Programs
Promoting and Managing Recreation
Promoting our Volunteer Services

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 228-669-7031.

no response before deadline

Wanda Ladner - Democrat

“Remember the past, look forward to the future.”

I would like you to know a little about myself. I am a wife of 25 years, a mother, and grandmother. I have worked in banking for 8 years, which will help with any financial and payroll issues that are voted on. I consider myself to be dependable, and hard working.

I have also worked for Hancock County School District in the Transportation Department for 5 years, where I established the bus routes and created maps for drivers. In doing this, I became aware of road conditions in Hancock County. If elected I will see to it that our roads are kept maintained for our children, our vehicles, and our school buses.

I would like to see our Supervisors united and working together to make our county the best it can be. We may have five districts, but we are only one county!

Click here to read answers to the forum questions by
Wanda Ladner

Wesley Lossett - Democrat

I am a graduate of PRC High School and attended Pearl River Junior College. I have worked in law enforcement for 20 years serving the public and performing Administrative capabilities while working with Local Governments.

I have listened to and witnessed the needs and frustrations of the people regarding; lack of improvements, slow recovery process, the red-tape of rebuilding and basic needs not being met in our county.

There is no excuse for our county being so far behind other counties in the process of progression.

I strongly believe all meetings should be publicly announced so that all county residents have the opportunity to attend and be made aware of decisions being made concerning our county, and their communities. I stand firm in my belief of accountability and accessibility of an elected official by their constituents.”

I reside in Kiln with my wife Susan and our four children.

Click here to read the answers to the forum questions by
Wesley Lossett

Voter Registration Info

The League of Women Voters has a website full of general voter information, including registration info. The deadline for registration is July 9th, 2007, 7pm.

Their link to the county clerk's office doesn't work, so here's the number: 228.467.5404