Harrison Co. Board Appoints Interim to Serve for Martin

The Harrison County Board of Supervisors has appointed an interim to serve out the rest of the term left by former Supervisor, William Martin, who killed himself the day he was set to appear in federal court. Monday, was not John Johnson’s first time taking an oath. Thirty two years ago, Johnson was sworn in as the first black man elected to serve in county government.

In 1983, voters cast their ballots, electing him to serve in the District 4 spot on the Harrison County School Board. Now, he’ll serve as the District 4 Supervisor of Harrison County until the end of 2015. Johnson tells News 25 he believes his experience serving on the school board, as well as the history surrounding his election, makes him more than qualified to serve this interim term. Johnson says, "I didn’t want to run for supervisor, but I did want to fill the interim term here and thank God he made a way for me to do that."

Similar to when the board appointed Joe Meadows to fill the District 2 seat, supervisors say it was important for them to find someone who would not seek election in November. District 3 Supervisor, Marlin Ladner, nominated Johnson for the position. Ladner says, "I know Mr. Johnson. I think he’ll serve well for the board. He comes on without an agenda and I know he will do well."

Scandal has plagued the board twice since December. Kim Savant resigned prior to being federally charged with conspiracy and Martin was set to appear in federal court on bribery and obstruction of justice charges before he was found dead in his home. Johnson closes, "The time has come to turn the page, restore the public’s trust, move forward, and work together as a team for the economic growth of Harrison County."

All supervisors’ terms are up at the end of 2015, and each incumbent faces an opponent in the November general election.