Page 113 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

Representing district two, Angel Kibler-Middleton doesn’t consider herself a career politician. She’s from Gulfport and has lived in district two her entire life. After graduating from Harrison Central High School, she studied nursing at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. She’s the former hospital supervisor at Select Medical and currently the owner of Angel’s Auto.
Her approach to issues is a realistic one, understanding that she may be enthusiastic about a project but someone else may disagree with the idea. “It’s a balancing act, really,” she said. “I’m thrifty by nature and a negotiator by trade, so I treat tax payers’ money just as I would my own.”
As a business owner, Kibler-Middleton has been dismayed by a lack
of transparency in the politics of local government. “I’d like it to be a little easier for new businesses and development to do business with
the county so our tax base could grow in a good way,” she said. “I’d like to expand the amenities at the Harrison County Fairgrounds to boost usage, and I’d like to improve roads that are in need of repair.”
Beverly Martin, a life-long resident of Harrison County, is the district one supervisor and has had a career concentrating
on promoting tourism and economic growth. “I have always been involved with the political process and my community,” she said. “With my son graduating from college, I felt the time was right for me to get more directly involved. So, I made the decision to run for supervisor.”
Martin’s background includes serving as executive director of the Mississippi Restaurant and Hospitality Association Gulf Coast Chapter and of the Coast Casino Operators Association, along with serving on the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Commission.
A work week can vary, but every day is filled, especially now that Martin is president of the Board of Supervisors. “Being elected president immediately following the swearing-in ceremony probably makes my position somewhat unique,” she said. “I work closely with the county administrator and attorney. I set the agenda of each board meeting and sign off on everything the board votes on.”
The supervisors touch all forms of government — judicial, executive and legislative. They hear appeals for everything from zoning to tax assessments to providing buildings and supplies for detention centers. They work with state and local officials for joint projects involving any type of economic development from road and bridge repairs to providing services for seniors.
The board meets the first Monday of each month in Gulfport at 1801 23rd Ave., (228.214.1405) and the second Monday in Biloxi at 730 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (228.435.8272) | www.co.harrison.ms.us
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