(EDITOR’S NOTE: Janic Stevens has announced her candidacy and released this statement.)

My name is Janice Miller Stevens, candidate for City Council, Precinct 3, and I am asking for your vote and support for City Council, May 7. A life-long resident of Picayune, I attended West Side Elementary, Picayune Junior and Senior High Schools. I am married to Richard A. Stevens of Picayune and have two children: Hayley Wells and Heath Stevens. I have three grandchildren: Presley, Peyton and Trey Wells who attend Roseland Park Elementary School. I am the daughter of Katherine Mitchell Miller and the late Hilbert H. Miller. We are members of First Baptist Church of Picayune.

I have been an instructor at Pearl River Community College for the past 22 years teaching medical billing, coding, and transcription. I have a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Business Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Teachers are the catalyst that help provide students the ability to become productive citizens. Our school system must select the most qualified teachers and evaluate the teachers to ensure our students are prepared for the next grade level.

The City Council has a responsibility to our public schools by selecting a dedicated school board that oversees teachers and administration. As an educator, I have the knowledge and background to work with the present City Council to ensure that the most qualified citizens are selected to the school board.

Goals and improvements I would like to address about the city are as follows: Flooding-maintaining city ditches to improve drainage; Economic Development-creating jobs which are essential for our city’s growth; Opportunities for Youth-providing entertainment and employment opportunities; Capital Improvement Plan-establishing a capital improvement plan such as replacing old water and gas lines; Cultural and Civic Support-encouraging neighborhoods to implement neighborhood watch programs.

One person can try to make a difference, but it takes a City Council working together to accomplish many of these goals and improvements.

Many of you I have visited have told me your concerns with the city and what you feel would be necessary improvements. If you give me the opportunity on May 7, I will strive to accomplish my goals and make improvements you have suggested.

Registered voters in Precinct 3, please go vote for Janice Miller Stevens at the National Guard Armory on May 7.

Thank you for your support.