Stephanie Davis Ladner

District 1 Candidate

Stephanie Davis Ladner




1. Why do you think you’d make a good supervisor?

I will make a good supervisor for my district because I not only know how to listen, but I actually take time to comprehend what is being said. I also know how to develop my own beliefs and ideas, but still fight for what the people, as a whole, want and need. I am one of those ordinary people who just want to do a job – a job that gives me the opportunity to inform my constituents of the on-going business conducted in the county – and to do that job to the best of my abilities.


2. What do you think are the three overall priorities for Hancock County?

The three issues that I consider priorities are the rebuilding, infrastructure and finances of Hancock County.

- Rebuilding for our businesses and residents is crucial to regaining the spirit of our coastal county. Let’s find a way to provide a sense of ease to our evacuees and give them something to come home to.

- Focusing on our infrastructure will not only improve our necessary utilities, but reinstate a sense of pride in our residents. We need to get the jail, county offices, courtrooms and other useful county buildings back in business. The South County Barn, for example, has not been touched in two years. Our roads, as well as drainage systems, are in dire need of repairs. Another vital improvement that is needed and has been extremely slow in coming is that of the sewage and water. Our county needs a complete detailing before we can ever come to a point of return.

- Our county’s financial status is always going to be an important issue. When both the rebuilding of communities and infrastructure of Hancock County come together, our tax base will increase significantly. Increasing our income should get the ball rolling on the improvements I have previously mentioned. We also need to bring our employee pay scales up to par.


3. What are your concerns for infrastructure in the county?

Because I am from the southern part of the county, it would be assumed that I have reservations about the relocation of our county offices and jail. However, I am very supportive of this move and believe that in the tragic event of another hurricane, we will be better able to get back to business. Some of my concerns for the county include costs of insurance and the hassles residents must go through to obtain permits for rebuilding.


4. What are your thoughts on improving communication between the county and city governments for more cooperation and efficiency?

Quarterly meetings of all elected officials would be a good and effective resolution for improving county and city governments. I feel like one hand does not know what the other is doing at this point. Communication is the key!


5. Should consolidation of any services be considered between Hancock county and the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland?

I am really not sure at this point that consolidation would be a good thing – let’s first work on getting services up and running throughout the county. The answer to this question will present itself as our services evolve.


6. The Board of Supervisors is currently considering an Interim Development Ordinance . What’s your opinion of the proposed ordinance?

At this time, after researching this ordinance, I cannot answer this question to the best of my ability due to constant fluctuation of the ordinance plans.


7. What’s your vision for the Bayou Caddy/Lakeshore/Clermont Harbor area?

As a resident of Ansley (which is closest to Lakeshore), I personally do not want to see this area overrun by casinos and condos. We already have a casino and while I’m not totally against condos coming in, I think we need to do a lot of cleanup and expansion to the area before that happens. Let’s work on making the area a place families would like to come to and enjoy. I am an advocate for improvements, but we need to get our ducks in a row first.

8. What are your thoughts on balancing future growth and the quality of life for residents?

This question relates to the others in the sense that clean-up is the key to moving forward. That, to me is the most important and initial step. We then need to work on bringing back businesses in our county. Balancing our infrastructure and budget while keeping our way of life is not going to be an easy job. I am up for the task!