Mary Howard Carter

Mary L. Howard Carter, assistant principal of D.M. Smith Middle School has qualified to run for the Ward Alderman seat against Robert Sanders.
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Carter, 62, said that she was approached by friends who urged her to run for city government.

"I had several friends to come to me and thought that it was a good idea that we had a woman on the board of aldermen," said Carter. "I thought that if these people had enough faith in me, then I would give it a try.

"I think that when people come to the board with an issue, they want to feel comfortable and like these people represent them," she continued. "I think that a female voice on the board will help do that."

A Cleveland native, Carter graduated from East Side High School.

After a period at Coahoma Community College, she returned to Cleveland and attended Delta State University where she received a bachelor's of science, a specialist's degree and a master's degree in the educational field.

With over 38 years experience as an educator, Carter said she understands the struggles of Cleveland families and the needs of young people in the community.

"One of the most important things that I see is the need to have jobs in Cleveland for these students once they graduate from high school or leave Delta State," said Carter. "We need to commit to having opportunities for our graduates to stay in the area, rather than having to leave for jobs in other counties or states.

"We need to keep those minds and talents here," she continued.

If elected, Carter said she hopes to strengthen bonds between the Cleveland Board of Aldermen and local schools.

She also noted a desire to push for continued growth in the tourism sector.

"I think that Cleveland is a great place to be and know that others see it too when they come here," said Carter. "I think that we need to continue the work the aldermen have done in the area of tourism for downtown and other areas.

"At the same time, we need to look at areas of town that may still have work to do, such as parts of Ward 2" she said. "When people come to Cleveland, we want them to think the whole town is beautiful."

The candidate explained that if elected she would work for Ward 2 and other sections of Cleveland to develop more affordable housing.

"I was born on South Chrisman Avenue and at that time, the area was not developed," said Carter. "Now you look at the type of houses going up in that area and it is promising. Housing is going to be a big issue for me because there are still sections of Ward 2 that are below par.

"I hope to work with other aldermen on securing grant funds to get people into more houses," she continued.

Carter said that she hopes to play a part in what she sees as continued success in Cleveland.

"I love Cleveland and have grown up here," she continued.