Open Letter to Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates

Hood and Schuler-Smith Request to Public Debate

April 4, 2019

Mr. Jim Hood and Mr. Robert Schuler-Smith

c/o Y’all Politics
https://yallpolitics.com

Dear Mr. Hood and Mr. Schuler-Smith:

I, Velesha P. Williams, Democratic Candidate for Governor for the State of Mississippi invite you to
engage in a formal, public debate regarding the most crucial issues facing Mississippians. With the
primary election being approximately three (3) months away, Mississippians deserve to have a full
understanding of the candidate’s views and strategies for addressing the various issues plaguing our state
so that they can make an informed decision on August 6, 2019.

It is important that we as democrats distinguish ourselves from the last fifteen years of the type of
representation that Mississippians have endured. Our state has suffered long enough as indicated by being
ranked at the bottom or near the bottom of key social indicators. Ranked by the U.S. News and World
Report as: 50th in Healthcare, 46th in Education, 48th in Economy, 49th in Opportunities, and Infrastructure,
and 45th in Fiscal Stability, we can do better.

As a former officer in the United States Army and a retiree of Jackson State University, I have spent over
30 years of leadership and service to my country, state, and community. I have a vision for how we can
create “A Better Mississippi” that I believe people want to hear. I’m guessing you feel the same way
about your campaign. Therefore, I propose a series of debates on the key issues concerning
Mississippians to be held in a mutually agreed upon location, at least one in each of the Mississippi
Congressional Districts.

It is my hope that you will accept my request to debate. Without open thoughtful debate our politics
devolves into the hollow sound bites that we have heard in the past. This election should about issues,
policies, leadership, and vision. And above all, Mississippians and our future.
I am ready to debate in a formal setting or town hall. Although, this request to debate is specifically
addressed to Jim Hood and Robert Schuler-Smith, I believe that a debate with all the candidates on the
ballot is the fairest for Mississippians. I am prepared to debate with any candidate regardless of political
affiliation and will work with you on dates and details. The sooner the better!
Please feel free to contact me at vpwilliams4gov@yahoo.com or via phone at 769-666-1743. I would like
to start the debates this month. I would be more than happy to help find locations to hold the debates.

Best Regards,

Velesha P. Williams
Governor 2019
“A Better Mississippi”
ALL. HERE. NOW.