Harrison Co. Board Has First Meeting Since Martin’s Death

The mood was somber as the Harrison County Board of Supervisors met for the first time since William Martin took his own life last week. Federal charges of public corruption have plagued the board twice in the past few months and Monday, News 25 spoke with two remaining board members on how they move on from here.

Heads were bowed and hearts were heavy as Monday morning’s board meeting opened with a prayer and a moment of silence for Martin. His chair was empty after 16 years of serving as Harrison County’s District 4 Supervisor. Joe Meadows, District 2 Supervisor, offered some words about the man he considered a friend: "I was not trying to justify what he may or may not have done, but I did want to mention him and his service and to wish his family the very best in this time of stress."

Martin took his life last Thursday, just hours before he was scheduled to appear in federal court on bribery and obstruction of justice charges. Connie Rockco, District 5 Supervisor and Board President, says, "Words cannot describe the shock that we have all gone through. I don’t think any board member knew of any charges that were going to come down for any other board member."

With Martin’s being the second set of federal charges to come down on a supervisor in just three months, remaining members of the board tell News 25 regaining the public’s trust is a top priority. Rockco closes, “We’re trying to move forward as quickly as possible and ensure that people know that the remaining board, the board members now, will be serving to the upmost of their ability with integrity and honesty."

All of the board members’ terms are up at the end of the year, and each supervisor will face opponents in November’s elections.