I, Mitch Magee, wish to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the office of Supervisor, District Two.

The reason I am running for supervisor is to make a positive change in our county government. I believe that the citizens of Pearl River County need elected officials who are responsive to their needs and will involve them in finding solutions to the challenges we are facing in the wake of an increasing population. I feel that local government is growing at an alarming rate and is out of control. The citizens of our county get caught in a maze of bureaucracy that is affecting their quality of life. It is my opinion that the citizens of Pearl River County are over regulated and burdened with excessive building code fees in order to build or renovate their homes. Other issues our county is facing are how we deal with the Utility Authority, the disposal of garbage, controlling litter, subdivision regulations and the concept of “Smart Growth”.

I am 55 years old and have resided in the Whitesand community of Pearl River County for 30 years. I have been married for 34 years to Beth Wood Magee and am the proud father of Jacob Magee and his wife, Jennifer, Lauren Magee of Flowood and John Magee. I have one grandson, Evan Mitchell Magee. My wife and I are active members of First Baptist Church of Poplarville.

I graduated from LSU with a BS degree in horticulture in 1974 and moved to Poplarville in 1977 as part of a family farming operation. I am a third generation nurseryman and in the early ’80s began Evergreen Nursery, which I continue to operate with my brother Scott Magee and my son Jacob. I have been self employed all of my working life and I feel I have sound business and management skills. In my business, Evergreen Nursery, Inc., I deal with demanding customers, employees, mechanical problems, unpredictable weather and a changing market. I am persistent and a hard worker. There are times and situations in my work life that I have to go “over, under or through” to find a solution. I see the issues facing our county as challenges that demand practical solutions. We need supervisors with the knowledge and life experience to find solutions that are workable. The citizens of Pearl River County deserve public officials who have their best interests at heart.

I believe my maturity and experience will allow me to use sound judgment and common sense to enact policies that benefit families and do not hinder them from prospering and improving their lives.

In all honesty, I have to state that I never envisioned myself running for public office. However, I fervently believe that I can make a difference in making policy decisions that affect your daily lives and your future. I am committed to protecting the rights of the citizens of Pearl River County. I commit to you that I will never knowingly deceive you or misrepresent the truth. This is the place I and my family call “home” and I am proud of that fact.

I would be honored to have your vote in this election. I will be running as a Republican.