Local Matters Podcast

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, Alisha Thomas Searcy, and Dee Dawkins Haigler.

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 live and vote in.

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 discuss the connection between diversity and trust in cities and counties throughout our country, and NFBPA's efforts to develop more African American public sector leaders.

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 explore the pressure donors place on elected officials.

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 published research on the gender gap in voting, political knowledge, and party identification. We discuss why more women don't hold elected office, and what she expects to see in this year's gubernatorial race.

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 students.

Rev. Melvin Ivey has translated his lifetime of activism, community involvement, and ministry into the Presidency of the Augusta Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He discusses the strengths and limitations of the 501(c)4 type of non-profit organization, their focus on voting rights and voter education, and the events that they have participated in to advocate for their permanent issues. He also describes what it means to be a civil rights organization, and the steps they take to ensure that organizations and institutions don't violate the rights of individuals.

Non-profit organizations play a vital role in service to the public. Learn how you can get more engaged in your community and help yourself through programs offered by non-profits. Linda Johnson and Kathie Johnson of the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta discuss the mental health summit scheduled for January 20th,2022. Bernice Bogan and Dr.Beulah Nash-Teachey of Phi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi discuss their partnership with other non-profit organizations to host a heart truth workshop on February 5th,2022.

Georgia State Senator from District 22 Harold Jones, Augusta, describes what has transpired at the state and local levels with respect to redistricting. We touch on how that affects the balance of power between political parties in the State House and Senate, the legal constraints they faced, and how, inevitably, someone will not like the results.

Grow with Google is a national initiative designed to help black women acquire the technical skills necessary to advance in today's world. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is one of the many organizations throughout the country offering this training. Kimberly Hayes leads this project on behalf of the chapter.

Candidates are announcing their intent to run for Governor of Georgia. There are a number of factors at play, and it is critically important that we start researching the issues and what these candidates stand for. It is never too early to get ready to vote.

It requires a vision of what could be to make anything happen. Mrs. Jefferson is the widow of the late Commissioner Andrew Jefferson,who first brought the idea of converting the former Lake Olmstead baseball stadium into a music venue. She describes where he got the idea, and how he worked with his colleagues to make it a reality. She also touches on what it is like to be the spouse of someone in politics. Greg Costello of C4Live also tells us more about their vision for XPR Augusta.

Greg Costello, Managing Partner of C4Live, describes why they have chosen to pursue the Lake Olmstead Stadium as a unique music venue. After having worked with some of the most successful artists in the world, they are planting roots in our city. Learn more about XPR Augusta at https://xpraugusta.com/.

In business, it takes money to make money. But how do you get it? Damion Moses of Security Federal Bank works to grow businesses. Whether the need is to purchase new equipment, expand production, or construct a new building, he provides information that can help you make good decisions for your business.

Most of us have been subjected to toxic work environments, but what happens when you are in a toxic worship environment? How do you know when it is time to walk away? How do intelligent people wind up in a cult? Michaela O'Neal Farmer responses to those questions and more in her new book.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, what to do when you think your valuation is too high or too low, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Chairman Cedric Johnson and Vice-Chairman Brad Usry of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority discuss the November 2 Special Election. For this election, you will decide whether you support $240,000,000 in bonds to renovate the Bell Auditorium and construct a new Arena. Learn what this project means for our area.--

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs but are among the least understood agencies. This is the second part in a two-part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executive Director of the Augusta Housing Authority, discusses how they have used creative funding strategies to address the needs, and why affordable housing is so hard to find.

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs, but are among the least understood agencies. This the first in a two part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executive Director of the Augusta Housing Authority, discusses how they have used creative funding strategies to address the needs, and why affordable housing is so hard to find.

Rev. James Williams, President of Helping Our People To Excel, discusses how HOPE works for fairness for all. The organization has not been afraid to speak up and file litigation as necessary to ensure that state and local governments keep the people's interests in mind.

Today I explain how powerful the Office of Governor is, despite the paltry qualifications to run. He or she recommends a state budget, proposes and vetoes legislation, and appoints judges and others when elected offices are vacated.

The second in a two-part series recognizing the 60th anniversary of Augusta Technical College, our guest is Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston. She discusses the college's most successful academic programs, the dual enrollment program, admissions process, and the guarantee they provide to employers who hire their students.

Over six decades, Augusta Technical College has evolved from "Vo-Tech" to an institution that has something to offer students pursuing the traditional trades as well as those who are seeking a low-cost option for the first two years of college. Hear how they meet the needs of area employers, assist in recruiting businesses to the area, and how they are growing to ensure that more students have the opportunity to provide for their families.

Tim Key, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator at Security Federal Bank, tells us what it takes to get a mortgage application approved whether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced one. He provides an overview of various types of mortgages, and also explains how to get funding to improve your home.

For many years, the Augusta Regional Airport has been one of the most successful smaller airports in the United States. Herbert Judon, Executive Director, explains why. He also tackles the tough issue of flying options and how Augusta stacks up. Finally learn what you can do to increase the number of flights from Augusta.

Last year, I told you to complete the census. This year, we will find out how the census data will re-shape who you vote for school boards, commission seats, state house and senate districts, and congressional seats. Renowned redistricting expert Dr. Charles Bullock, Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia, joins the show to describe how redistricting works and why it matters to every voter.

The new Columbia County Judicial Circuit has been formed, but Attorney Willie Saunders is still fighting against it. He discusses why it was important enough for him to spend his time, energy, and resources to file the litigation against the break-up of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, what the consequences of the split are, the current status of the case, and why this has not drawn as much public interest as one would have expected.

New Augusta University Provost Neil MacKinnon talks about what Provosts do all day, diversity and inclusion, the University's economic impact, and their uniqueness as an institution. The last of a three part series on our hometown research institution, this episode highlights where AU has been and how they are getting to where they want to be.

Dr. Lefebvre is the Dean of the only Dental College in Georgia. As a female pioneer in dentistry, she has worked at the Medical College of Georgia since 1989. We talk about how important good oral health is, the expense of dental school and how that is a barrier for minority students, the shocking lack of appropriate dental care in most Georgia counties, and how Augusta University fills the gap not just in Augusta, but throughout the state.

People have asked whether we need a Cyber Center, why Augusta University is suddenly bursting at the seams, and who benefits. Dr. Schwartzman, Dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, offers a fresh perspective and great answers.

Since Frederick Douglass' 1852 speech, African Americans have had a complex relationship with July 4. And since 2015, Georgian's have had a complex relationship with fireworks. How should we think about the convergence of these three troublesome topics? How do we see patriotism? AND, your local and state governments have control over these celebrations too!

When we think of Augusta, we don't always think if the entire metro area. The Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes several counties, including Aiken and Edgefield in South Carolina. We will talk advocacy and issues in North Augusta, SC.