Local Matters Podcast

Insights and analysis on the Georgia runoffs from the inside -- what are the county elections and state elections officials thinking? Also get my take on how difficult it has been for blacks and women to win higher level statewide offices in Georgia and the always important topic of voter turnout.

The last show of 2020, and the last few details to make sure you are ready to vote in the Jan 5, 2021 runoff elections. Daniel Blackman, candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission, District 4, joins me to discuss his platform and his background.

Rev. Christopher G. Johnson of Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition and Alpha Phi Alpha, and Percival Galloway, Jr. President of the Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter discuss why they have worked so hard to get people to vote. You will also learn about the organization's proud history as the first black greek letter organization.

I examine the history of voter turnout in Richmond County, the parallels between voter turnout and census participation, the number of non-profit organizations working to get out the vote, and how important the Augusta metro area will be to the outcome of the runoffs. We also discuss the rich history of social action of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and our activities leading up to Jan. 5, 2021...

Not only are we voting to determine who will represent Georgia in the US Senate, we are also selecting a Public Service Commissioner for District 4. Learn how this Commission affects your utility rates and telecommunications services, and how the PSC protects consumers who are in dispute with their utility providers. Incumbent Lauren "Bubba" McDonald talks about what he has accomplished as a Commi...

Dr. Millender, retired Paine College Professor and former publisher of an Augusta weekly newspaper, discusses the impact of Mrs. Carrie Mays and William H Mays, III as they made history through their roles in Augusta politics. We also discuss the role of the black press in holding officials accountable.

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams discusses his second book of 2020: Police on Policing, The Unsung Consensus, Candid Conversations on the State of Law Enforcement in America.

This week's Local Matters episode is entitled Tempered Joy, and continues discussion on whether President-Elect Biden will be able to fulfill his promise to unify the country. We also discuss that moment when you realize that people you thought would see and hear your perspective do not. My special guest is Washingtonian Lisa Wells Harris, federal government attorney, graduate of the University of...

Former Augusta Mayor Bob Young joins us to talk about Georgia turning Blue for the first time since 1992. We also discuss how successful Joe Biden can be in unifying the country, who is behind his success, and the possible outcome of the US Senate run-off elections on January 5.

Post election review of the Richmond County Board of Education races, Augusta Circuit District Attorney race, US Senate Special Election, and Trump vs. Biden, with special focus on what might be a changing politic landscape in Georgia.

Candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education: Patsy Scott, Samantha Moses, and Douglas Jackson talk about their accomplisments and priorities. I also discuss the constitutional amendments and the referendum on the ballot and polling places that have closed.

JaVonne Jones, Dr. Wayne Frazier, and Lia Abney discuss their most significant accomplishments, and their priorities if elected on November 3. Attorney Ben Allen also explains why he believes Augusta voters should vote to renew the Special Purpose Education Sales and Use Tax.

Hear from the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education: Jimmy Atkins and Yolanda Holley in District 8, and Helen Minchew and Christopher Mulliens in District 10. The discuss their most significant accomplishments and what their priorities will be if elected on November 3, 2020.

A brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of school board members, their budget, and how they decide who their President is. Candidates Brian Green and Shawnda Griffin discuss their priorities and their accomplishments.

I discuss the ever so important role of the District Attorney, and how much influence the office has over who is prosecuted and how aggressively. Incumbent Natalie Paine (Republican) and her opponent, Jared T. Williams (Democrat) discuss their greatest accomplishments and why the office is a crucial part of the law enforcement system.

Two team members from Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition discuss how much more willing people are to complete the 2020 Census when they know how the data is used. I also review all those items that you did not know were on the November 3 ballot and National Voter Registration Day.

Former Augusta Administrator and President at The FLRussell Group LLC Fred Russell recaps his career in local and state government, to include his time as a law enforcement official and as Augusta Administrator. We discuss lessons learned and life after the high pressure job of leading Augusta's government.

One Buford City Schools parent talks about his experiences in creating positive change for his son and others in their school system. He also discusses the roots of his activism. If you want change, you have to take some risks!

Faith in Public Life (FPL) has played an important role in changing the narrative about the role of faith in politics, winning major progressive policy victories, and empowering religious leaders to fight for social justice and the common good. Minister Shavonne Williams, one of their Georgia Ambassadors, provides her tips on how to hold elected officials accountable.

Ianthe Metzger is the Deputy Director of Campaign Communications for EMILY's List, which is the nation’s largest resource for women in politics. We discuss the progress women have made in earning seats in legislative bodies, the differences in how women approach their work, and the barriers women have faced in seeking office.

Mr. Mountain is Principal of Marbut Theme School in DeKalb County, GA. The author of several books, he tells the story of a reluctant principal who has become a role model for many. Purchase the book at www.andrebenitomountain.com/books.

I offer my analysis on why Jordan Johnson, Catherine Smith McKnight, and Francine Scott emerged victorious in the August 11 runoff.

District 3 is Augusta's largest district in terms of population, and runs from the center of the city to the Columbia County line. Candidates Sean Mooney and Catherine Smith McKnight explain what they believe the Augusta Commission is missing and why they believe they are ideally suited to fill the gaps.

Candidates Johnson and Thurman discuss what the Augusta Commission is missing. I also describe my take on the New York Times' feature story on Georgia's system of voting.

Ms. Scott and Mr. Johnson address what the Augusta Commission needs most and why they are equipped to fill the gaps. I also talk about exercising critical thought in making voting decisions and arriving at conclusions about current affairs. Let's get ready to vote!