Jared Gould for Mayor

Good evening, Petal. Thank you to all of you who supported my campaign. From donations, to attending my live streams, to driving around with my campaign magnets on your cars--it all meant a lot to me. I want to especially thank Tony Ducker For Mayor, Jake Wilson for Mayor, and Karen Underwood Hession for Mayor for running a clean campaign. I congratulate Tony on his win, and I wish him the best as he leads the city in its next chapter.

Going live in 15!

*** IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION***

The election for the mayoral candidates in Petal is tomorrow (Tuesday, April 6th). Since all candidates registered as Republicans, residents must treat this as a general election. The polls open between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Voting locations are based on the ward you live in: wards 1 and 3 vote at the Masonic Lodge; wards 2 and 5 vote at Calvary Baptist Church; wards 4 and 6 vote at the Petal Civic Center. To identify the ward you live in, refer to the link below to view the ward map:
https://85563557-acfb-4f75-bc64-df7cdd4dc6f9.filesusr.com/ugd/986a66_89f87f26f73c4312897776bc1a548dda.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2ZIQ0auYxj2EYSunAAST0MvDyXZUmMqdDesMIvIdIwCMIAdbu2f3wl78I

85563557-acfb-4f75-bc64-df7cdd4dc6f9.filesusr.com

Come join me at Fox’s Pizza tomorrow!

Here's another opportunity for you to meet the candidates for Mayor hosted by Fox's Pizza Den at 100 Eastbrook Drive in Petal. Open to the public.

I enjoyed yesterday’s meet and greet at Sully's Petal. As Mayor, speaking with constituents will be my favorite part of the job. Please contact me if you have any questions, and stay tuned for more updates.

Come join me this Sunday from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Sully's Petal!

As we come closer to election day, important questions must be answered. Of the many questions asked, the few below are the most popular. They are also the same questions I was asked for the petalmayor.com website, where you can compare each candidate's answers to the questions below. Use the hashtag, , when sharing this post, and lets keep spreading the word about the good we can do for Petal!

Question: PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR VIEWS ON COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS AND WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO IN THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE.

Answer: The science on COVID-19 is continually evolving, and many of us have become reasonably frustrated with the federal government’s inability to provide us a consistent message on how to handle the pandemic. That said, I cannot foresee the extent of the pandemic months in advance, those decisions have to be made as new data is presented.

Additionally, mask mandates sit at the feet of the Governor. What the state decides is what I will enforce. I will do my utmost to inform residents about the tools they can use to prevent the spread of COIVD-19, inform them of hospitalization rates, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Question: WITH DEVELOPMENT HAPPENING ON THE EVELYN GANDY PARKWAY, WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS/PLANS FOR PREVENTING MAIN STREET AND THE DOWNTOWN AREAS FROM BECOMING RUNDOWN AND FULL OF VACANT BUILDINGS?

Answer: The first step is updating and enforcing codes. Buildings in downtown must meet reasonable aesthetic standards. Right now, downtown Petal is full of dilapidated buildings, which discourages residents from shopping locally as well as discourages entrepreneurs from building in downtown Petal. The second step is to appropriate money for sidewalk updates and development. The more walkable downtown Petal becomes, the more residents we can attract to the downtown area for shopping and recreational purposes.

Question: IN WHAT WAYS, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, WOULD YOU INVOLVE THE RESIDENTS OF PETAL IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF OUR CITY, AND WOULD YOU PLEASE PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE?

Answer: I will provide residents with a place where citizens can easily communicate with city leadership and receive important updates by improving the city’s online resources. I will also make myself accessible to all of Petal’s residents by hosting meet and greets and holding office hours. For example, I can host meet and greets at local restaurants, which will help increase foot traffic in our businesses and provide residents an easy place to talk with me to voice their opinions about ongoing city projects and decisions.

Question: IF IT CAME DOWN TO RAISING TAXES OR CUTTING THE BUDGET AND THAT MEANT CUTTING EMPLOYEES, WHICH WOULD YOU FAVOR? AND IF YOU CUT EMPLOYEES, WOULD YOU FIRST CUT FROM RECREATION OR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, OR ACROSS THE BOARD IN ALL DEPARTMENTS?

Answer: This is an interesting question because it leads people to assume that there are only two options: cut city employees or raise taxes? If I say that I would cut spending in favor of raising taxes, one might say that I do not care about city employees, but if I say I support raising taxes, another person would say I am not a true conservative.

Why can we not think outside of this box? We ask the wrong question. The question should be: how can the city increase revenue without raising taxes?

The city can utilize its parks to host food vendors, in which the city receives sales tax and permit dollars. The city can utilize non-matching grants to build storefront infrastructure, which would then be leased to entrepreneurs who pay rent as well as sales taxes. The city can grow its population through workforce retention by partnering with the schools and local employers to place qualified Petal graduates in nearby jobs, which would lead to more home purchases and increase revenue through property taxes.

Question: HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN A GRANT? DO YOU SEE GRANTS AS A USEFUL TOOL IN OBTAINING FUNDS FOR PROJECTS FOR THE CITY?

Answer: I have participated in several grant writing processes. In fact, one of my first tasks in Washington, DC was to search for grants for the nonprofit I was working for. I absolutely see grants as a useful tool for city development. The monies from grants can be applied to specific, planned projects. By using grant funding, the city of Petal can move past its year-to-year budget gridlock with the added benefit of supplying better resources to the community without having to increase taxes.

Question: DO YOU SUPPORT ANNEXATION OF ANY AREA SURROUNDING PETAL?

Answer: I will not support annexation until the city can meet its own needs. While there are many things to improve, Petal must first focus on becoming competitive by raising our first responders’ salaries to attract and retain experienced firefighters and police officers and raise the population density within city limits to attract small and corporate businesses. Without first working to improve our own city, annexation will only invite more problems Petal cannot handle and put the city at risk of wasting more money it does not have on a legal battle it will certainly lose, and already lost.

Question: IN THE FACE OF EVER TIGHTENING BUDGETS AND BUDGET SHORTFALLS, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO INCREASE COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARDS WHILE KEEPING TAXES LOW?

Answer: I will increase community and infrastructure standards by not walking away from opportunities to bring in more revenue through grants or utilizing the city parks to gain permit and sales tax dollars. Petal’s long-term spending goals should focus on sidewalk and road improvements as well as developments. The board should also explore opportunities for public and private partnerships with storefront infrastructure, in which the city leases public storefront properties to entrepreneurs wishing to have business fronts. At the top of the list for infrastructure improvements is also updating and enforcing building codes. Too many buildings in downtown Petal are in disrepair and unattractive. Setting and enforcing reasonable aesthetic laws will help beautify current infrastructure without raising taxes on citizens.

Question: AFTER A TURBULENT YEAR IN OUR COMMUNITY, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ADDRESS RACE RELATIONS IN PETAL?

Answer: The best first step in addressing race relations is by setting an exemplar for the community myself. No inflammatory comments will be tolerated. The feelings and convictions of our minority and underserved communities must be taken seriously, and I vow to be a voice for all of our residents. I will not tolerate racial injustices and will do my utmost to ensure that all members of our city are heard and treated equally under the law.

Question: WHAT NEW SERVICES DO YOU PLAN TO IMPLEMENT FOR THE CITY AND HOW WILL THEY BE FUNDED? (RECYCLING, ONLINE BILL PAY, ETC.)

Answer: The best new service to provide residents is a wider array of sports programs for their children. Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and the only sport to show an increase in audience attendance nationwide. Yet, Petal does not currently have a soccer program, forcing many kids from Petal to participate in youth sports programs in Hattiesburg.

By utilizing our current sporting facilities, the city will make additional revenue through soccer participation fees, concession stand fees, sales taxes from purchases at local restaurants made after sporting events, and, if Petal hosts tournaments, the city will qualify for a hotel that will generate more revenue from property taxes and sales taxes.

Taxpayer dollars will only be used to maintain sporting infrastructure such as paying for lawn maintenance and to help the program get started. Like the other sport programs in Petal, soccer will become self-sufficient, and the Petal Sports Association will pay the city every year for use of sporting facilities.

If you could not make Tuesday night’s candidate forum, Sully's Petal is hosting an additional candidate forum this Sunday from 1:00-3:00. See you there!

Thank you to everyone who joined me live! I appreciate your support and questions.

We’re going live in one hour!

I enjoyed sharing my vision for Petal with our city’s high school seniors. I encouraged them to participate in the political process by voting on April 6th. I am looking forward to tonight’s forum at the Petal Civic Center.

Good morning, Petal. All candidates have the opportunity to speak at two forums today: (1) Petal High School Forum, which is open to Petal High School seniors and (2) tonight’s Mayors’ Forum, which starts at 6pm at the Petal Civic Center and is open to the public. If you cannot make tonight’s forum, you can watch it live on Petal Area Chamber of Commerce page. As always, message me if you have any questions.

If you cannot attend tomorrow's Mayors' Forum, you can watch it live on Petal Area Chamber of Commerce's page.

Good evening, Petal! I spent the last few days responding to several questions from constituents. I am excited about the continued opportunity to take on more questions and develop solutions to key issues facing Petal. If you have questions, I encourage you to reach out to me. In the mean time, I will share with you my responses to the following questions asked by the League of Women Voters of Mississippi.

Why are you the best choice for this office?

Through my experiences, I have a unique insight in how to manage government structures and introduce new ideas. I want to restore the things that matter most in Petal: the budget, infrastructure, community engagement, and openness.

What are two problems faced by the City?

1) The city does not currently have leadership that addresses the importance of good communication with the public. 2) The city does not retain its young graduates.

What action steps would you take to address problem 1?

I will provide residents with a place where citizens can easily communicate with city leadership and receive important updates by improving the city’s online resources. I will also make myself accessible to all of Petal’s residents by hosting meet and greets and holding office hours. I will build professional relationships with state legislatures, county supervisors, entrepreneurs, CEOs of industry, and members of our state’s congressional delegation to ensure Petal’s success in working with public and private sectors.

What action steps would you take to address problem 2?

I will work with the schools and local employers to inform young people about opportunities in and near the city of Petal. As more people stay in the area for employment, the population increase will improve business and residential development.

What future do you imagine for our city? How will you help bring us there?

I want the city to have a profound reputation. I want people to know that Petal is a great place to raise a family, attend school, and build businesses. I will move Petal forward by investing in infrastructure, staying involved in the community, and being open with public.

Going live in 15 minutes

Good afternoon, Petal. Today, we are in for a storm, and the best way to stay safe is to stay updated about the storm's development. Please refer to WDAM TV and/or Forrest County Emergency Management for ongoing updates.

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH for Forrest County until 7pm tonight.

This WATCH comes with a PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) tag which means that the forecast confidence is high for multiple EF2-EF3 tornadoes to develop.

Please be finalizing your severe weather plans should a tornado warning be issued.

Had a great time this afternoon speaking at the Forrest Lamar Republican Women’s meeting. Good communication with the public is key to Petal’s success, and that means building good relationships with surrounding communities and neighbors. I am glad I got to do just that!

Always an exciting time when I get to speak with constituents. Discussing the good we can do for our city is the best part of this campaign and what I would enjoy most in this job.

Thank you to everyone who came to see me today. I loved meeting with you.

If you could not join me today, do not worry. I will host more events before the April 6th election.

Reminder: I am here at The Ssipp Café until 12pm. If you would like to meet me, feel free to stop in.

Visit vote-usa.org to compare all candidates in the upcoming election. Click the link below to view my profile.

Vote-USA | Jared Gould | Candidate for Petal Mayor, Petal, Forrest County, Miss. | April 6, 2021 Mississippi Republican Party Municipal Primary Jared Gould, Candidate for Petal Mayor, Petal, Forrest County, Miss., April 6, 2021 Mississippi Republican Party Municipal Primary: Picture, bio, position statements and social media links | Vote-USA

Going live in 30 minutes!

I love attending ribbon cutting ceremonies because it means another great business is putting roots down in Petal. Congratulations to Steven Kelly, Alfa Insurance Co.

Congratulations to Steven and Ann Claire Kelly on their new renovation and move to downtown Petal. Thank you for your investment in Petal!

Today was eventful! I drove all over Petal connecting with local veterinarians, business owners, managers, and residents. I was especially happy to receive a tour of Petal Animal Clinic. It is great that we have resources like the Petal Animal Clinic to take care of our residents’ pets!

To everyone who I visited with today, thank you for your time and consideration. As always, feel free to reach out via Facebook or use the phone number: (601) 336-0381. More updates to come soon!

This Saturday, March 13th, I am hosting another meet and greet at The Ssipp Café. I will be there at 8:00am central and will stay until closing time at 12:00pm. If you have not already met me and would like too, feel free to come to the event.

Good evening, Petal. As promised, I spent the day responding to several inquiries from constituents. I am happy that our community is reaching out to learn more about my plans. Please feel free to reach out if you have not already done so, I will answer your questions.

Starting tomorrow, I am connecting with more members of our community. The job of Mayor is to represent all members of our community, and, therefore, I want to meet and hear from as many of you as possible.

If you cannot meet me in-person, contact me via Facebook or use the phone number: (601) 336-0381.

Jared Gould for Mayor Official campaign website for Jared Gould for Mayor

Good evening, Petal. Thank you so much for your support and participation in this campaign. My inbox is full of messages from constituents asking good questions about my plans for Petal. I want everyone to know that I am aware of your concerns, and that I am responding to messages as they come in.

If you have not already contacted me and would like to do so, feel free to contact me via the phone number on my campaign page or message me over Facebook. I respond to all inquiries!

This morning, I visited Petal High School to learn more about its Career and Technical Education programs. The programs include: Business & Marketing, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Media Technology, Health Science, Information Technology, Law & Public Safety, Polymer Science, Sports Medicine, and Teacher Academy. Students are also offered four enhancement courses in: Child Development, Family Dynamics, Keystone, and Work-Based Learning to further prepare them to operate in the workforce. Students who are enrolled in the Utility Lineman dual enrollment course receive both high school and college credits at Pearl River Community College (PRCC).

These programs are unique to the city of Petal, and students graduating from these programs are well equipped for the workforce. Yet, students often do not know that employment opportunities in these fields are right in their backyard. Thus, the city of Petal--and the state of Mississippi--lose our graduates to other cities and states, where they believe they will find more, or better, opportunities.

Educators agree that a stronger partnership between the school district and the city could help to create a better pipeline from the Petal classroom to the local workforce. By reinforcing this pipeline, Petal would retain our high school graduates, there by growing the population and attract more businesses. These changes would expand the tax base, which would allow the city to lower the individual tax burden overtime while simultaneously improving city infrastructure such as: water, drainage, roads, and bridges.

Two key strategies to accomplish workforce retainment are: (1) To work closely with state economic councils such as: Mississippi Development Authority, the State Workforce Investment Board, Mississippi Economic Council, etc. to gather data on regional labor shortages and then inform students about those job openings. (2) To partner with local entrepreneurs, leaders in industry, and business owners to host city sponsored career venues and/or arrange job shadows at nearby industries.

To learn more about these programs please visit:
https://sites.google.com/petalschools.com/phsctedepartment/career-technical-education

Career & Technical Education Enhancement Courses

Starting the morning off right by connecting with the education community and learning more about Petal’s career and technical education programs.

Petal's school district is the city's greatest asset, and I am happy that our students are encouraged to promote it. Read my small summary of Petal High School's Ambassador program below or click the link to view more information:

Rising juniors or seniors with a 2.74 GPA or higher who have participated in community service and extracurricular activities can apply to be a Petal High School Ambassador. As an ambassador, the student will engage in events to promote the school district to visitors, business partners, alumni, students and families. Taking on this role not only helps to strengthen students' resumes for college, if they choose that route, but also better prepares them for today's workforce.

Foundation Ambassadors: Opening doors for Petal teens | HubCitySPOKES The Petal Education Foundation and the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce co-sponsor the Petal School District Ambassadors Organization.

Reminder: I am going live in one hour.