Local Matters Podcast

Jared T. Williams, District Attorney of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, joins Local Matters for the first of a two part conversation. This episode focuses on the job of the District Attorney (the chief law enforcement official of the circuit), and how he approaches it. He provides an explanation of the limitations of the criminal justice system that led him to run, and how he has worked with his sta...

Local Matters focuses on preparedness for elections. Today, we focus on what the options are when an elected official violates the oath of office or engages in misconduct. The term "recall" is often thrown around on the news or social media, but most people are not familiar with the particular steps a recall requires.

Another set of Augusta elections is in the books. Voters elected two political newcomers, including our 85th Mayor and a new Commissioner for District 2. They also chose to bring a familiar face, Wayne Guilfoyle, back, this time to serve Super District 10. We explore what sets these candidates apart from their opposition.

Wayne Guilfoyle and John Clarke are engaged in a runoff for the Super District 10 seat on the Augusta Commission. We hear their views on how they would use their platforms to effectively represent such a diverse district, and what others say about how they work with people to get things done.

Stacy Pulliam and Dr. Von Pouncey are engaged in a runoff for the District 2 seat on the Augusta Commission. We hear their views on how they would use their platforms to address poverty, and what others say about how they work with people to get things done.

Marian Brown, President of the League of Women Voters of the Central Savannah River Area, joins Local Matters to discuss the work of the organization. She offers insight into the numerous reasons people don't vote. She also suggests changes that can make it more likely that people take advantage of the opportunity.

A review of the May 24 primary elections in Augusta, GA. We look at who won and why. We also explain the concept of runoffs in Georgia and explain what voters have to do to be ready to participate in the June 21 runoff.

On Local Matters this week we will have two candidates running for Secretary of State, one candidate running for State School Superintendent, and one candidate running for Commissioner of Agriculture. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to State Representative Winfred Dukes, John Eaves, Alish...

There are two candidates running for Magistrate Court Judge and two candidates running for State Court Judge. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Attorney Katrell Nash, Judge Carletta Sims Brown, Attorney Ashanti Lilley Pounds, and Attorney Evita Paschall.

There are nine candidates running for Mayor of Augusta. Three of them explain why they decided to run, describe their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Garnett Johnson, Lucas Johnson, and Dr. Lori Myles.

There are nine candidates running for Mayor of Augusta. Four of them explains why they decided to run, describe their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Ak Hasan, Steven Kendrick, Charlie Hannah, and Marion Williams.

There are four candidates running for Superior Court.. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Judge Ashley Wright, Attorney Laverne Lewis Gaskins, Judge Jesse Stone, and Attorney Charles Lyons.

There are three candidates running to represent Super District 10 on the Augusta Commission and two Democrats running to represent State House District 132. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Robert Cooks, Wayne Guilfoyle, Brian Prince, and Traci George.

There are 3 candidates running to represent District 6 on the Augusta Commission. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Mario D. Taylor, Sr., Jeremy Johnson, and Tony Lewis.

There are 6 candidates running to represent District 2 on the Augusta Commission. Five of them explain why they decided to run, describe their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Ralph Gunter, Sr., Charles Cummings, Stacy Pulliam,, LeRoy "Ray Montana" Crew, and Von Pouncey.

Ms. Kettles Griffin represents District 1 on the School Board. She touches on a variety of topics, to include the CRT (Critical Race Theory) discussion gripping our country, legislation under consideration in the Georgia legislature, and how important it is for residents to attend school board meetings.

Candidates throughout the state of Georgia qualified last week. This episode explains how to know which ones will be on your ballot, why some people chose not to run, and how to start your evaluation of the candidate.

State Court Judge Kellie Kenner McIntyre joins Local Matters in recognition of Women's History Month, and our upcoming elections. We cover the work of State Court, her ascent to the role of Chief Judge next year, and changes in the court. She also offers her advice to voters regarding how to decide which Judicial candidates to vote for. Link to episode:

Redistricting has become increasingly contentious in Augusta and throughout the state and country. I highlight a series of public forums that get to the heart of the division, discuss how we got here, and where our community is likely going on this issue. I also examine the respective roles of the local legislative delegation, the governor, and the courts in ultimately deciding which district you...

Dr. Calvin D. Jamison works as Vice President of Facilities and Economic Development at the University of Texas at Dallas. He also leads the Board of Directors of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators as their President. In celebration of Black History Month, we talk about the special role black city and county managers play in ensuring the delivery of high quality services. We also d...

Dr. Michael Owens, candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, describes how he would expand voter access if he is elected. He also explains his road to politics, and his desire to build trust among all voters in the election system.

Dr. Gregory Murray is a professor of political science at Augusta University. His research focuses on political behavior with specific interests in voter mobilization and turnout. We focus on the increasing costs of waging successful campaigns for elected office, the huge amount of time candidates and incumbents spend raising money, and how that affects the votes elected officials take. We also ex...

Dr. Mary-Kate Lizotte is an expert in political behavior and the implications of gender differences in public opinion. Her research interests include political behavior and gender and public opinion. Much of her work is concerned with the origins and implications of gender differences in public opinion, often referred to as "gender gaps." In addition to her work on public opinion, she also has pub...

Dr. Lee Merchen, new Director of the East Central Georgia Health District, describes how the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus has affected our region. She also touches on environmental health, cancer screenings, programs for persons with HIV/AIDS, and services to women, infants and children.

Patricia Jackson is a career educator in Albany, GA. She discusses her new book, Uncrippled: Guiding Children from Trauma to Triumph. Ms. Jackson admits making a number of mistakes over her 30+ years, how she has processed those situations, and how she learned to do better by children who faced hidden trauma. She also discussed her own childhood trauma and how that helped her relate to her student...