Local Matters Podcast

Burke County (GA) Sheriff Alfonzo Williams discusses his controversial comments regarding the death of Rayshard Brooks. his recommendations to improve law enforcement, what leaders can do to build confidence in the law enforcement profession, and his new book, "Not Here To Be Served."

Janice appears on the GovLov podcast, hosted by Ben Kittelson, after Ben was her guest on Local Matters. They cover a number of topics, including finding a better name for "defunding the police," the Flood of 1994 in Albany, and Augusta-Richmond County consolidation.

A wide-ranging conversation with Ben Kittelson of Engaging Local Government Leaders about why people should choose careers in local government, how the profession has evolved with society, and various local government innovations.

Author Isaac Ford, Jr. discusses his book "Up From the Bottom: A Memoir." We touch on a number of topics related to trauma and healing, racism, policing, and overcoming.

Non-profit organizations like the American Heart Association exist to help us. Cardio Vascular Disease is the leading killer worldwide, but there are ways for us to help ourselves.

Join Ms. Stephens in a free-ranging conversation about how the Census Bureau gathers and uses information, what we are missing when we don't complete the census, and who is most likely to not be counted.

I discuss my conclusions related to two weeks of world wide protest, the place of policing in scripture, and how society has made law enforcement its king. I also review results of Augusta's June 9 election.

Final preparations for the June 9 elections for the offices of Richmond County Sheriff, Marshal, and Coroner. Candidates discuss their biggest accomplishments and what they would make happen for Augusta. Given recent events, I could not help but speak about violence perpetrated bylaw enforcement against African Americans, subsequent protests, and the Augusta Riot of May 1970

Candidates for the Augusta Commission Super District 9 race. Also learn about how things get accomplished when elected officials work collaboratively, and how important fundraising is to any campaign.

John Noel, Democratic candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission, District 4, and Augusta resident, talks about preserving our environment and other matters related to his desire to serve on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Please note: this has been paid for by the candidate.

A 15 minute interview with Francine Scott, describing her background and why she wants to serve Augusta in this capacity. Note: This has been paid for by the candidate.

This show features three of the four candidates running to represent Augusta's District Three, which includes some of the fastest growing areas in the consolidated city/county. I open by discussing some of the people skills needed to be a good Commissioner, to include trustworthiness and integrity.

A description of the duties of Commissioners, how you decide who you want to vote for, and three of the five candidates, in their own words. Learn what they have accomplished in the past, and what they want to make happen in the future.

The steps Georgia Voters should take to prepare to vote on June 9, the offices on the ballot, and how to research the candidates. Also reviews the Advisory questions on the Democratic and Republican ballots.

So how are you keeping your sanity and pursuing good health while you maintain social distance? A conversation with Dayton Sherrouse, Executive Director of the Augusta Canal Authority, about the economic, historical, and recreational significance of the canal and the canal trails. The canal's creation saved Augusta in the 1840s, and is now a vital, but underappreciated asset.

While so many are sheltered in place because of the threat of COVID-19, home does not feel like a safe place for victims of domestic violence. The Executive Director of Safe Homes talks about their services, resources offered through the website, and volunteer opportunities.

COVID-19 has changed life for students and their parents. Ms. Ross, Chief Public Relations Officer for Richmond County School System, discusses the best and worst of this momentous adjustment.

Amanda Hollowell, Director of Strategic Campaigns for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, joined me to talk about relief for those affected by the economic downturn. We discussed enhanced unemployment benefits, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Recovery rebates, and managing expecations.

A discussion of how the pandemic has led to changes in how and when we vote. Addresses the request to postpone elections in Georgia, and the response of Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, based upon legal and other constraints.

Augusta University Health is working in conjunction with the public health department and the city to ensure our health and safety through the COVID-19 pandemic.

When our local, state, and federal governmental leaders give us instructions about what to do during a time of emergency, be it a pandemic, or a natural disaster, it is our job to listen and take heed. Listen live, every Wednesday, 1:30pm, WKZK.net, 1600AM, 103.7FM

Executive Director of the CSRA Regional Commission talks about funding for regional transportation projects through the Transportation Special Purpose Option Sales Tax. Referendum was to be held on 3/24; now moved to 5/19. Listen live, every Wednesday, 1:30pm, WKZK.net, 1600AM, 103.7FM

Listen as I explain the vision behind Local Matters. I am not here to tell you how to vote, but I am here to provide you with the information you need to make decisions you feel good about. Listen live, every Wednesday, 1:30pm, WKZK.net, 1600AM, 103.7FM