Local Matters Podcast

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.

A candid talk about whether we should, based upon the influence of Rev Dr William Barber. Exploring the origin of the oldest African American holiday and how public policy determines what freedom means today.

Why is homelessness increasing? Have federal, state, and local policies contributed to the problem? Are current efforts sufficient to truly address the problem? Or just too little, too late?

Joe Edge, President of Sherman and Hemstreet, discusses the boom in downtown apartments. After years of small-scale redevelopment, we now see large apartment complexes in and near downtown Augusta. He discusses why, and the impact these units can have on eliminating the food desert, and on electoral politics.

Augusta District 2 Commissioner Dennis Williams discusses the rise of homelessness in Augusta, the city's plans to address it, and how to deal with panhandlers. He also explains why he is working to develop a veterans cemetery in South Augusta.

Gabi Dukes, Executive Vice President, and Kathi Snipes, Senior Vice President, discuss how to take control of your financial future. We touch on how building personal relationships with your bank can improve your credit score, strategies to deal with student loan debt, and how to figure out whether you can afford a new purchase.

Exploring why Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has decided not to run again despite polls saying she can win again, why Georgians are vaccinated at one of the lowest rates in the USA, and our sad history with 401 Walton Way.

Local and state governments often face litigation in the course of their daily affairs, but in particular when they take steps outside of the norm. The media has sued Augusta based upon their refusal to disclose information related to the fire chief search, and the state and other counties related to the creation of the Columbia County Judicial Circuit. Three current elected officials are vying for Mayor of Augusta in 2022. The Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition and the Coalition for the People's Agenda are doing it big for you!

Local Matters covers a variety of topics, to include an explanation of the Georgia Open Records Act, encouraging women to strive for elected and executive positions, and what the American Rescue Act means for local communities.

Lynn Bailey, long time Director of Voter Registration and Elections in Richmond County, sets the record straight regarding which changes the Georgia legislature approved. Learn what you have to do to ensure that your vote counts the next time we go to the polls. Also hear what is now a felony.

Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot, talks about the intersection of technology and trust in local government. Technology has transformed society, and local government is no exception.

The Director of the East Central Georgia Health District discusses the role of public health in combatting infectious disease, how far the Augusta area has come in decreasing COVID infection rates, and the best place to go to sign up for a vaccine.

Traci George, Augusta Area Coordinator of the People's Agenda discusses the organizations' work in Georgia, and how disheartening it is that only 6% of Augusta's registered voters went to the polls on March 16 to decide on SPLOST 8. Finally, we pay tribute to Rev. Essie McIntyre, the first black woman ordained to preach in the Baptist church in Georgia.

The brand new Augusta Jewish Museum will open in June on the Municipal Campus, on Telfair Street in downtown Augusta. It will offer free opportunities to broaden our horizons as they trace the history and culture of Judaism in the Augusta River Region.

Steven B. Kendrick, Richmond County Tax Commissioner, discusses the fine art of customer service, what his office does not do, and what it will take for Augusta to reach the potential everyone has talked about for decades. We also describe the new Augusta's Agenda Project and the E3 Leadership Foundation.

Local Matters cares about your civic health and your financial health. So does Security Federal Bank, a Community Development Financial Institution. Phil Wahl, President, and Michael Strange, Executive Vice President, share details about their services. The bank wants to help you, even if you are not a current bank customer. The Bank provides easy access to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, free financial counseling, mortgages, and insurance.

Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, joins Local Matters to discuss how his agency works so other people can work and earn higher wages. He touches on the difference between industrial and retail recruitment, and their efforts to bring a grocery store to downtown Augusta,

Director Maurice McDowell outlines projects on the SPLOST 8 list to include park improvements, cemeteries, and seed money for a splash park. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on how recreation departments connect with their patrons.

Sue Parr, Chief Executive Officer of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce explains why her board voted unanimously to support continuation of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Augustans will return to the polls on March 16 to decide whether to re-new the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST 8. The project list includes $25M for a new James Brown Arena. Brad Usry, Vice Chair of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority, and Chris Bird, General Manager of the Augusta Entertainment Complex, talk about what this project means for Augusta.

As it appears the state of Georgia will grant permission for a split of the three county Augusta Judicial Circuit, Attorney Ben Allen offers his unique perspective on the topic. He is a former State Representative and former Chief Judge of Juvenile Court on the Circuit, so he is familiar with the issues and the history.

The Paycheck Protection Protection Program is available to small and minority businesses. President Phil Wahl and Executive Vice President Michael Strange discuss how Security Federal, as a Community Development Financial Institution, makes it easy to apply for funding. And, Gaylon Tootle tells us how Walton Options helps persons with disabilities.

Inauguration Day 2021 is the easy part. Getting policy approved and creating unity in America is far more difficult. Learn about President Biden's policy proposals relative to public transit, safe return to school, minimum wage, paid sick leave, and community health, and how they impact all of us.

Former Augusta Mayor Bob Young joins us for an honest assessment of mistakes made by Republicans and the reasons behind the success of the Democrats in winning two Georgia Senate seats. We also talk about what this means for the Governor's race in 2022.

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 Commissioner.

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 Pennsylvania Law School and the College of William & Mary.

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!