Rounsaville in Brookhaven

Daily Leader - Candidates getting briefing on economic development needs - Third Congressional District candidate John Rounsaville, a Republican from Madison, met with Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cliff Brumfield Thursday for a brief discussion on the area's economic development options. As he has previously done from behind the microphone at the ongoing debates sponsored by Mississippi State University's John C. Stennis Institute of Government, Rounsaville explored further options for utilizing, and creating new businesses out of one of the state's leading, existing industries - forestry.

"It's no secret that forestry has been the bread and butter for Southwest Mississippi for a long time," Rounsaville said. "It's still a big industry, and we must look for new uses and alternatives."

One of the alternatives Rounsaville discussed with Brumfield was the development of wood-based fuels, specifically cellulose-based ethanol. "Instead of using corn for ethanol, you can ferment wood waste," Rounsaville said. "A lot of people believe that corn-based ethanol will be economically viable to produce, but ethanol made from wood-based waste matter would also be a good substitute."

Brumfield and Rounsaville also discussed the area's work force. Rounsaville supports Barbour's plan of utilizing the community college system to train potential industry workers. No matter the training, Brumfield spoke of the work force in terms of realism.

"Southwest Mississippi has a credible work force with many talents and skills, but we're realistic - we realize that we don't have the population here to lure an industry like Nissan or Toyota," Brumfield said. "But we do have tremendous capabilities to bring in equally beneficial industries that would hire in numbers - an industry more realistic to our demographics."

Rounsaville explained his qualifications in economic development, skills he acquired while serving as the state director of USDA Rural Development, as an economic advisor to the governor and 10 years of experience working with Pickering on various economic development issues. He said he knows where to find, and how to secure, economic assistance.

"Whatever projects are brought forth, there are various programs to assist," Rounsaville said. "Grants can provide additional skill training, and national emergency grants can help communities affected by trade-related instances, like when manufacturers close down or relocate."

In the end, Brumfield was satisfied with the meeting and the issues discussed.

"We were able to have a good Q and A sessions - learn more about his economic policies and discuss the Third Congressional District's economy," he said. "Meetings like this are very productive. The candidates seemed well-aware of our local economy."