“Democracy is not just voting for your leaders; it's really premised upon ordinary citizens understanding the issues.”Howard Rheingold.

I would like to encourage those of you on Gulfport Patch who vote in Gulfport to attend the meet and greet for Paul Ray on Thursday Jan 23rd at Mangia's Gourmet (2930 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport) between 5:00 and 7:00 PM and then the Chili Cook-off at Rosie’s Jan 26th between 2:00 to 5:00 (4918 22nd Ave S, Gulfport) and on the same day Yolanda Roman's Meet and Greet at Pia’s Trattoria (3054 Beach Blvd South Gulfport) Sunday Jan 26th between 3:00 and 5:00. I encourage everyone to be open minded, ask questions, find out about our views, experience we bring to the table, stances on issues such as taxes, 49th St Corridor, the Sewer, storm drains and water systems, Clam Bayou and more. Then make an informed decision as to who would best serve the city of Gulfport. Voting is a personal matter, and decisions that drive that vote should be made using analytical and critical thinking based on the facts. I would very much like to meet you, and I am sure Yolanda agrees. So on Sunday Jan 26th between 2:00 and 5:00 stop by Rosie’s (4918 22nd. Ave S, Gulfport) and try some Chili and meet Paul Ray and also to Yolanda Roman's Meet and Greet at Pia’s Trattoria (3054 Beach Blvd South Gulfport) Sunday Jan 26th between 3:00 and 5:00. Have fun and get informed.