Rounsaville Campaign Email

Dear Friends,

Our campaign has entered a new phase – we’re now just two months away from Election Day.

We have worked hard over the past few months to build a strong grassroots campaign and reach out to voters throughout the Third Congressional District, and we’re ready for the sprint that lies ahead. On January 2nd, we became the first campaign to qualify for the primary election ballot. Since then, we’ve continued traveling all over the district to meet voters, and most importantly, hear what they have to say. No matter which part of the district we go to, voters are clear that economic development is a top priority for Mississippi. It’s a positive sign that so much attention is focused on economic development. It means that local communities are taking responsibility for their economies and looking for ways to grow and create jobs. Over the last four years, Mississippi has turned a corner. We have changed from a state where companies wouldn’t consider locating, to a state that welcomes businesses and the jobs they bring to our economy.

Throughout my career, I’ve been working for more economic opportunities for the Third District and for Mississippi. As Policy Advisor to Governor Barbour, I worked to develop the workforce training reforms that gave community colleges a greater franchise in training people for jobs in the new economy. These reforms also allowed businesses to have more input on what workforce training programs are needed in our state. Later, as State Director for USDA Rural Development, my mission was to work with counties, municipalities, and businesses across Mississippi on economic development projects.

We’ve made solid progress here in Mississippi, but there remains a great deal to do. And to keep moving forward, we need a Congressman who understands how economic development works and what roles the federal government can play in the process. One of the foundations of economic development is an educated workforce. This starts by making sure students in our elementary and secondary schools are making progress toward goals, and that our education system is held accountable. We need to make sure each child reaches his or her potential. It also includes strengthening our vocational education programs, and offering students who will not attend college the opportunity to learn a trade. Another foundation for communities is having the infrastructure in place to attract new businesses and allow existing businesses to expand.

During my time as an advisor to Congressman Pickering and Governor Barbour, I worked with communities to identify infrastructure needs and to find a funding source for them. And at USDA Rural Development, I helped communities fund other critical infrastructure needs such as hospital expansions, gas and sewer systems, and emergency response resources.

Finally, a Congressman needs to work with local leaders and elected officials in every area of the district to develop and execute economic development plans. Over the past decade, I have worked with economic developers, mayors, supervisors, and community leaders on this type of planning, and I understand how the federal government can assist communities in our district. Voters that I have met have told me they’re looking for someone with actual experience who can get the job done from day one, and not have to rely on staff to learn how Congress works. They have also told me that they want a Congressman who can stay there long enough to build up the seniority that Mississippians have come to expect. With me, voters will not only get a consistent conservative vote, but I have the experience actually working in Congress, and I understand how to deliver for our district.

The next two months will go by quickly, and we need your help to make this campaign a success. Please take a moment to visit our website, www.johnrounsaville.com, and sign up to volunteer or make a contribution. Your support and friendship are greatly appreciated.

Yours Truly,
John Rounsaville