Podcasts about public accounts

Arts and Media Correspondent, Evelyn O'Rourke reports on the latest updates from the Public Accounts hearing with representatives of the Arts Council.

The Communications and Digital Technologies Department has lauded the current SABC board for its efforts towards stabilising the institution. The department, SABC executives and board members are currently briefing parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts, on the public broadcaster's audit outcomes and financial performance. The department's Deputy Minister, Mondli Gungubele earlier said that since the introduction of the current board, the SABC has shown a significant improvement in its governance. Speaking on what the entity has spent its R3.2 billion bail out on, SABC Board Member, Phathiswa Magopeni says it is important to note that the majority of funds have gone into keeping the entity afloat.

Michael Claytor has served as an auditor of public activities since 1974, including being a candidate for the position of Indiana State Auditor in 2014.  

This episode of Tax Breaks published just off the heels of Women's History Month with FTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Minnick catching up with recently retired Multistate Tax Commission General Counsel Nancy Prosser.Prosser looks back with gratitude on her esteemed tax career, strongly rooted in her time with the Texas Office of Attorney General and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts where she set out on a path few women had traveled at that time while working her way up to serve as general counsel before coming to her position as MTC general counsel. She proudly shares accomplishments and challenges had along the way as she deftly pieced together an understanding and interpretation of the often-complex world of tax law. Being a role model now to so many attorneys in tax to include many female attorneys, Prosser points to moving up in her career and the importance of seeing and learning from women in leadership positions and the value of finding that familiarity. She stresses the importance of professional networking and shares ideas for building relationships with others in the SALT world.It's a refreshing conversation that celebrates Prosser's career and the privilege she feels having had the honor of knowing and working with so many amazing people along her journey.This is a celebration of her journey. Please enjoy this episode of FTA Tax Breaks with Nancy Prosser.

This episode of Tax Breaks is a belated tribute to Women's History Month as FTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Minnick catches up with recently retired Multistate Tax Commission General Counsel Nancy Prosser.Prosser looks back with gratitude on her esteemed state and local tax career, strongly rooted in her time with the Texas Office of Attorney General and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts where she set out on trails few women had traveled at that time while working her way up to serve as general counsel before coming to her position as MTC general counsel. She proudly shares accomplishments and challenges had along the way in deftly piecing together an understanding and interpretation of the often-complex world of tax law. Being a role model now to so many attorneys in tax to include many female attorneys, Prosser points to moving up in her career and the importance of seeing and learning from women in leadership positions and the value of that familiarity. She stresses the importance of professional networking and shares ideas for building relationships with others in the SALT world. It's a refreshing conversation that celebrates Prosser's career and the privilege she feels having had the honor of knowing and working with so many amazing people along her journey. It's a celebration of her journey. Please enjoy this episode of Tax Breaks with Nancy Prosser.

Bongani Bingwa is joined by Songezo Zibi, Chairperson Standing Committee on Public Accounts & Rise Mzansi Leader to discuss the National Assembly's approval of the 2025 budget framework. Zibi sheds light on the next steps and explains why his party voted in favor of the budge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa in conversation with Mmusi Maimane, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations & leader of Build One SA and Songezo Zibi, Chairperson Standing Committee on Public Accounts & Rise Mzansi Leader in response to the budget speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Songezo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi and chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts about we should not be distracted by fears of a VAT increase and lose sight of other critical aspects of the Budget to be presented on Wednesday by the Finance Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Special Investigating Unit says an investigation into procurement fraud at Eskom has revealed that thousands of the Power Utility's workers have over the years failed to comply with the company's conflict of interest policy. Addressing Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts, SIU officials say Eskom employees are linked to numerous entities serving as Eskom's vendors, contractor's and supplies which have accumulated Billions of rands over a period of nearly two decades. For a brief overview of some of these investigations, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: 13 U.S. House Republicans from Texas - more than any other state - are among the 67 members of their party who are co-sponsors of H.R. 722, which would establish a national ban on abortion: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/722/cosponsors ...More on H.R. 722: https://thistleandmoss.com/p/hr722-the-republicans-try-to-ban?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's list of his top 25 legislative priorities include prayer and the posting of the Ten Commandments in schools, banning books, and doing away with "Drag Time Story Hour": https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/29/dan-patrick-priorities-texas-senate/ ...Private school vouchers are on Patrick's list too, and he insists the Republican voucher plan won't pull funds from Texas public schools: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/lt-gov-dan-patrick-texas-senate-set-to-approve-bill-for-thousands-of-students-to-attend-private-s/ ...Should vouchers pass, Texas' private schools are all but certain to raise their tuition rates, as their counterparts in other states with voucher programs have: https://www.lonestarlive.com/news/2025/01/texas-voucher-plan-could-lead-to-higher-private-school-tuition-experts-say.html A Facebook post by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, highlighting that most of Texas' biggest companies have not yet raised consumer prices in anticipation of Donald Trump's import tariffs, fails to note that almost a third of them have: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18hvHuM39f/ Ted Cruz lies on national TV that "thousands and thousands" of Americans died during the building of the Panama Canal - in fact most of those deaths were of workers from the Carribean, while about 300 were Americans: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/sen-ted-cruz-falsely-claims-thousands-of-americans-died-building-the-panama-canal-36629308 A Lubbock dad of three, working on securing a green card, has been swept up in Trump's deportation sweep after a Lubbock police officer turned him in to ICE during a traffic stop: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/29/texas-immigration-lubbock-police-traffic-stop-ice-deportation/ The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Grab your goodies at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://store.progresstexas.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by the State of Texas' Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, to discuss the current and future state of Texas' financial integrity.1:17 Hot Take: What's your favorite rumor or myth about the Texas Capitol? 4:53 Guest Interview: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar29:17 Survey Says: America has lost ground over the past four years35:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Squatting in Texas46:53 What to Watch For

Original publish date April 14, 2019 We have our regular Cow Patties to hand out. Then we discuss the Democratic candidates running for Agriculture Commissioner, Auditor of Public Accounts, and Treasurer. Democratic candidates for Agriculture Commissioner Robert Haley Conway https://www.conwayforky19.com Joe Trigg https://www.joetriggcandidate.com Democratic candidates for Auditor of Public Accounts Kelsey Hayes Coots https://www.kelseyforkentucky.com Sheri Donahue https://www.donahueforky.com Chris Tobe http://www.christobe.com Democratic candidates for Treasurer Michael Bowman https://www.bowmanforkentucky.com Josh Mers https://joshmers.com Hosted by Roberto Henriquez with Amy Ferguson and Ann Dickerson

William Robson, President and chief executive of the C.D. Howe Institute

The Multistate Tax Commission dates to the 1960s, yet the intergovernmental tax agency and its mission on behalf of state revenue departments are often not well understood. The map of tax laws and regulations across the 50 states would be much more complicated and inconsistent without the efforts of committed attorneys, auditors, and administrators working on behalf of the commission. On this episode of Talking Tax, Bloomberg Tax senior reporter Michael J. Bologna discusses the MTC's goals and achievements with former general counsel Nancy Prosser, who retired Sept. 24. Prosser talks about the agency's essential mission to promote uniform and consistent tax policies across the states, and assist taxpayers in achieving full compliance. She also stresses the MTC's efforts to advocate for state and local sovereignty in the development of tax policy. Prosser retired after four years as general counsel and a 16-year career in tax administration with the Texas Comptroller for Public Accounts, including two years as the Texas tax agency's general counsel. In the interview, Prosser also talks about her career in state tax administration and her hopes for improved state tax uniformity going forward. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) was scheduled to be briefed by the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on developments emanating from the 2022/23 annual reports of the entities and on the investigations currently being conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on the entities. In February, the SIU said it has recovered more than R688 million from institutions of higher learning belonging to the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Sakina Kamwendo spoke to chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), Songezo Zibi

Ray White speaks to newly appointed Scopa Chairperson and Leader of Rise Mzansi, Songezo Zibi on being elected chair of parliament's watchdog Standing Committee on Public Accounts, tackling corruption and not getting support from other political parties in him being in his new role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Duvenage | CEO at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has been elected chair of parliament's watchdog Standing Committee on Public Accounts, continuing the tradition of giving the post to an opposition politician. It was previously held by the Inkatha Freedom Party's Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who now serves as deputy minister of transport in the government of national unity. Rise Mzansi did not get any positions in the executive in return for joining the broad coalition and it was widely expected that the party, which won two seats in the National Assembly, would instead get to lead a key committee in the legislature. In a statement, Rise Mzansi said Scopa “can best be described as a super oversight committee” since it interrogates how taxpayers' money is spent. “Scopa now has a new leader who will work with and for the people of South Africa to ensure that money is spent and accounted for in the pursuit of building a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa,” it added. The Democratic Alliance will chair five of parliament's 30 portfolio committees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Cape detectives are questioning four people in connection with the disappearance of Joshlin Smith. They are two men and two women aged between 26 and 34. The trial within a trial in the Senzo Meyiwa Trial continues in the Pretoria High Court today. Civil organisations protest outside Ghana's high commission in Pretoria. They want President Nana Akufo-Addo to reject the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill - which would criminalise LGBTQ+ people in the country. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding at Parliament to strengthen the relationship between SCOPA and the SIU concerning investigating and reporting irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure of public funds. Rand Water states that the power at the Eikenhof substation has been restored, and water will now flow to areas with water shortages. DAY 2 OF ENERGY INDABA. Politricking Season 4, Episode 1: ActionSA's Herman Mashaba on the gruelling & brutal but rewarding 2024 election campaign. Just before the proclamation of the election date and the posters went up, Mashaba popped into 15 Fredman to reflect on his political career, which kicked off in the 2016 local government elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts has received an update from the Department of Higher Education regarding investigations into the National Skills Fund investigation and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The forensic investigation was commissioned at the committee's insistence and direction, following disclaimer audit opinions from the Auditor-General for the 2019 / 2020 and the 2020/2021 financial years. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter in Parliament, Lulama Matya.

Three former police officers appeared before the Magistrates Court charged with attempting to pervert the Course of Justice. Our reporter Jonathan Sacramento brought us the latest from the law courts. The Principal Auditor's report continues to give us a lot to talk about. The Chief Minister says it's important to remember the accounts it presents are already public and have been debated at length in parliament. Mr Picardo was in the studio to discuss the report. And, it's Wear Red Day, encouraging people to wear some red clothing to show their support for heart health and promote heart disease prevention. Suyenne Catania, John Milanta and Yngrid de Reeves from the Gibraltar Cardiac Association spoke to us about the importance of having a healthy heart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chief Minister has told GBC he stopped excessive overtime highlighted in the Principal Auditor's report as soon as it was brought to his attention some years back.The report on the Public Accounts of Gibraltar for 2017 and 2018 points out high levels of overtime payments We caught up with News Editor Christine Vasquez, who spoke to Fabian Picardo earlier today.The GSD accuses the Government of "blocking financial accountability" by "systematically delaying" certain legislation in Parliament. It says there is a legal obligation to pass the accounts to the Principal Auditor by no later than nine months after the end of a financial year. The Shadow Minister for Public Finances Roy Clinton told us more.And, did you feel la cuesta de enero? Was your water & electricity bill higher than normal last month? AquaGib chief executive Paul Singleton joined us in the studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Texas Broadband Development Office, operated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, is soliciting input from the public on the new Texas Digital Opportunity Plan. The plan outlines how these entities will connect the Lone Star State for a brighter future by making it easier for all Texans to access and use the internet. Through Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, Texans can give their opinions on the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan by visiting broadbandfortexas.com/tdop. Almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in our state lack access to broadband, or high-speed internet, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The Digital...Article Link

Continuing extraordinary revelations from the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit into the Hunter class frigate program. Secretary of the Department of Defence, Greg Moriarty, accepts that the selected design was immature – and that he was misled by his own people about details of the evaluation. Next let's visualise what $1 billion looks like when stacked in $100 notes – it's about an 18 cubic metre block. Now imagine multiples of that being soaked with petrol and set on fire. Figuratively, that's what Defence is doing with the unnecessary replacement of Taipan helicopters with Blackhawks. We provide a few more relevant examples. Finally, not re-opening our Embassy in Kiev and refusing to reveal details of VIP aircraft use – who can see the connection? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts has been briefed on the progress of made at the South African Airways by the office of the Auditor general and the Special Investigating Unit following investigations into the national carrier. The Auditor general's office has noted that there is not much progress made regarding SAA's financial statements. Deputy Business Executive at Auditor General of South Africa, Fhumulani Rabonda has also highlighted some of the issues encountered while auditing SAA. 

Just for a change we start with a preview of a positive article in the next edition of APDR, a chat with Glenn Keyes the co-founder of Aspen Medical. Then an extraordinary development in better understanding the selection of the Type 26 frigate for the Hunter class program – a Defence review that is scathing of the Department's own processes. This has been submitted to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit which, in turn, has been investigating an ANAO report into the 2018 selection process and details – among many other problems – missing crucial records. Call in the police! If it's good enough to threaten APDR then the Department also needs further pressure. We have a few comments about the appalling level of ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, which needs to come to an end. Some comments about nuclear powered submarines – and we conclude with questions about elephants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Retired police Brigadier Jap Burger, has just concluded his engagement with members of Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Burger has assured committee members that state capture still remains prevalent at many of the country's State Owned Enterprises. He also confirmed the prevalence of organised syndicates operating at different spheres at Eskom. Burger concluded by advising parliament to look at corruption as a symptom of organised crime and that the National Security Council should consider the situation at Eskom as a key priority to the country's stability.

Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, expressed concern about Eskom employees being promised bonuses as incentives to keep the lights on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Scopa (Standing Committee on Public Accounts) chairperson and African People's Convention leader Themba Godi has lamented the lack of justice in the case of disgraced former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste and the lack of accountability for President Cyril Ramaphosa. These are some of the talking points in this interview with BizNews after his party decided to walk away from a “Super Pact” of minority parties after at least two months of talks. Meanwhile, Godi says he has “almost given up on the possibility of the police and the NPA taking any decisive action” in Jooste's case. And he feels that the media seems to have “no interest” in holding Ramaphosa accountable - thus giving Parliament the impetus to also do its work. Godi recalls his testimony before the Zondo Commission and warns: “For as long as there is no political will to push for accountability, Parliament will not be effective.” - Chris Steyn

Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts has taken a decision to subpoena retired Brigadier Jap Burger to appear before it on Eskom-related investigations. This comes after  Brigadier Burger refused to appear before the committee, telling Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula that Scopa does not have the authority and mandate to call him. Brigadier Burger has snubbed Scopa twice after it had invited him to appear before it. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to chairperson of Scopa, Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

In the leadup to the November 7th 2023 Kentucky State election, Ruth teams up with co-host Victoria Strange to offer their takes on: (1) Candidates running for Secretary of State -- Current SOS Michael Adams (Rep) and his Democratic challenger, Charles Wheatley; and (2) Allison Ball (Rep) and Kimberley Reeder (Dem) running for Auditor of Public Accounts. Plus, Victoria explains and provides commentary on recent bills passed into law by the Republican super majority KY State Legislature, as well as a newly introduced Crime Bill.

Kim Reeder is the Democratic candidate for Auditor of Public Accounts and she spoke to us about why she is running, her incredible story, and her background (which may make her the most qualified person to ever run for the office). Before the interview, Allison Wiseman and Robert spoke about the recent Kentucky Family Foundation policy conference and the different anti-trans mailers making their way to mailboxes across the state.

Renee Shaw hosts discussions with candidates in the Auditor of Public Accounts and State Treasurer races in the 2023 general election. Guests: Candidates for Auditor of Public Accounts: Allison Ball, Republican candidate; Kimberley Reeder, Democratic candidate. Candidates for State Treasurer: Michael Bowman, Democratic candidate; Mark Metcalf, Republican candidate.

We start off with a positive story about Australian defence technology making a difference in Ukraine – including a drone attack on a Russian Air Force Base using a product from a Melbourne company. But there's more – Canberra-based EOS is also supplying short range air defence systems using 30mm Bushmaster cannons that will be extremely effective against airborne targets and which can be used in a land attack role as well. Cheap, rugged and deadly – so why isn't the ADF investing in these sorts of anti-drone technologies? And a new source of information about the Hunter class frigate program in the form of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit. Defence has some serious questions to answer. Finally, we start to take a detailed look at Army's Tiger and Taipan helicopters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Special Investigating Unit, SIU is considering legal action against former Eskom CEO, André de Ruyter for authorizing a private Investigation into corruption at the power utility. The Unit was briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Scopa about an intelligence report commissioned by de Ruyter into sabotage and looting at Eskom. De Ruyter commissioned the report without authorization from the board. SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi says de Ruyter could be guilty of maladministration. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Benedicta van Minnen, MP and DA Member on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, SCOPA

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says former  Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter, did not have authority to investigate the corruption at the power utility. Head of SIU,  Advocate Andy Mothibi says the unit has questioned why Eskom appointed a private investigative company and not law enforcement. The Special Investigating Unit and Hawks have been briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts regarding the intelligence report commissioned by former GCEO of Eskom. Advocate Mothibi elaborates.

As of August 30, 2023 is now two thirds of the way until the end. Perhaps one way of thinking about that is that we have now heard both sides of a long-playing record designed to play at 33 revolutions per minute. It is at this point where the metaphor perhaps falls apart, but I'm still curious to know: What are you going to listen to in the next 166,656 minutes or so? This is Charlottesville Community Engagement.On today's program:* Amazon Web Services announces they will invest $11 billion in two data center campuses by the year 2040* Charlottesville City Council and the Planning Commission learn that allowances for AirBnB and other forms of short-term rentals will not be eliminated as part of the zoning reform* Charlottesville seeks input on steps to keep improving on the city's accessibility * The Albemarle Economic Development Authority signs grant paperwork for biotech startup Agrospheres * The Free Enterprise Forum releases a periodic report on local government spending * Charlottesville City Council is briefed on ranked choice voting Charlottesville Community Engagement is perhaps kind of like an afternoon newspaper, and one looking to boost its circulation. Sign up for free!First shout-out: Plant Northern Piedmont NativesSince the beginning of this newsletter, one Patreon supporter has dedicated their shout-out to an organization that seeks to draw awareness of the importance of native species to the ecosystem. As summer comes to an end and fall begins, Now is the time to visit  Plant Northern Piedmont Natives to learn what you can about what species are specific to your region! Plant Northern Piedmont Natives is one of ten regional campaigns for ten different ecosystems across Virginia, including Eastern Shore. Take a look at the full map below for the campaign for native species where you are in the Commonwealth. You can also download a free copy of their handbook: Piedmont Native Plants: A Guide for Landscapes and Gardens. In this guide, Piedmont native plants are defined as those that evolved before the influence of European settlements shaped and changed the landscape. Plants included in the guide were selected from the Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora and occur naturally within the region. Amazon to invest $11 billion in Louisa County Louisa County has announced that Amazon Web Services will invest $11 billion to build two data center campuses within two Technology Overlay Districts. “The campuses will position AWS as one of the largest private-sector employers in Louisa and will create hundreds of new jobs,” reads a press release sent out this afternoon. The county's website describes the technology overlay districts as areas within Louisa's growth area that are close to road networks and electric transmission lines. They're also areas where residential and retail development are not being encouraged. Supervisors approved the technology overlay districts in April, according to the Central Virginian. The vote to add the districts to the county's Land Development Regulations was 6 to 1. Earlier this year, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Amazon Web Services would invest $35 billion in Virginia by 2040. That now includes this investment in Louisa. “We're proud to partner with AWS to expand their operations in a world with a growing demand for cloud computing infrastructure,” said Louisa County Board Chairman Duane Adams.Amazon Web Services is looking at two specific sites according to Louisa County Community Engagement Manager Cindy King. “AWS is evaluating two sites,” King said in an email. “What would become the Lake Anna Technology Campus (LATC) near the North Anna Power Station; and the North Creek Technology Campus (NCTC) near the Northeast Creek Reservoir.”King said construction activity could begin as soon as 2024. The Board of Supervisors will enter into a performance agreement with Amazon Web Services. That agreement could also see the rebate of tax revenues with details to be worked out in the future. Homestay provisions will not be eliminated as part of zoning code updateAs Charlottesville plans for public hearings on a new zoning code, a proposed prohibition on short-term rentals of “homestays” has been pulled from consideration.“We've gotten substantial comment back and in conversations with various of my colleagues and others in the community, we believe that this is a larger issue than we might have anticipated and one that we would recommend we kick out of this process and take up after the zoning ordinance is adopted,” said James Freas, the city's director of Neighborhood Development Services. A consolidated draft of the Development Code released earlier this month had removed “Homestay” from a list of accessory uses that would be allowed under the new zoning. That had not been included in previous drafts released earlier this year. Freas said this is one example of how the city's zoning code should be considered a living document that will be updated over time. He made his comments at a briefing given to the Planning Commission and the City Council on Tuesday. “The intent here is for the Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing on Thursday, September 14,” Freas said. “That hearing will be in Council Chambers so note the change in venue and it will begin at 4 p.m.”Notice has been mailed to property owners in the city about the public hearing. Those who wish to speak will be limited to two minutes. Freas said it will be up to the Planning Commission to determine if they would like to vote on a recommendation or if that will be done at a later time. Dates have been reserved for September 19 in Council Chambers and September 26 at City Space. Once the Commission is done with their work, Freas said Council will hold their own work sessions on a range of topics. If any changes are to be made, a new draft will be produced for Council before their vote. The plan is for Council to hold their own public hearing. Once adopted, the zoning won't take effect until a specific date after the day a vote is taken. Some projects currently in the process may have the opportunity to proceed under the old rules, but where that line will be drawn is not yet known. Freas also addressed another item that is not in the draft zoning code. The Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use map designated “Sensitive Community Areas” which depicted places where residents are subject to displacement pressure. “We have not moved forward with an overlay or zoning specific to Sensitive Community Areas,” Freas said. “I would note that a number of the recommendations that are in the Sensitive Community Area recommendation page… have been incorporated into the general zoning ordinance.” Freas said this includes allowing for more units to be built across the city and changes to allow smaller lot sizes in some residential zoning areas. He said there was a sense that restricting development in those area would limit wealth-building opportunities.“If the displacement is a result of rising taxes, there are other ways of addressing that issue as well,” Freas said.  City Councilor Michael Payne said he did not support the lack of a specific overlay.“I would expect that this will definitely be one of the topics we need to have a work session about,” Payne said. “I know it was pretty integral into the original plan and strategy and the connection to the [Affordable Housing Plan] and I know just in the past week or two, this has been of particular interest to the 10th and Page Neighborhood Association as well as the Fifeville Neighborhood Association.”Freas pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan clearly states that specific non-zoning interventions may need to be made for each community. A question from me: Who should do that work? The city government? Non-profits? Individual homeowners? This particular part of the conversation is not over. Charlottesville seeks input on update of accessibility planThe city of Charlottesville is in the early stages of updating a plan that seeks to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The federal legislation became effective in 1990 and requires localities to make sure public facilities can be accessed by anyone. In Charlottesville, that means the update of a Transition Plan with work underway. The last version was adopted by Council on June 3, 2013. “While we are continuously working on improving accessibility, an updated Transition Plan will help us benchmark where we are now and develop a roadmap for where we can be in the future,” said Paul Rudacille, the city's ADA coordinator. As part of the work, crews have completed a self assessment of 165 miles of sidewalk owned by the city to identify potential barriers. This fall, the city's parks and other facilities will be reviewed as will services. Nothing happens in this community without a survey. There's a longform version that takes up to ten minutes to fill out. There's also a shorter one.The city has hired the firm Precision Infrastructure Management to oversee production of the new plan. There will also be a town hall meeting on September 20. Albemarle EDA signs agreement for Agrospheres fundingThe Board of Directors for the Albemarle Economic Development Authority has ratified a performance agreement with a local company that seeks to expand its sale and manufacture of a new generation of pesticide delivery systems.Agrospheres has set up operations at 1180 Seminole Trail and recently was awarded $200,000 from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Development Opportunity Fund. There's also a $36,000 from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. “They've committed to $25 million of capital investment and creating 53 new jobs for research and development and a test of a manufacturing area,” said J.T. Newberry, Albemarle's interim director for economic development. AgroSpheres got its start as a laboratory venture at the University of Virginia. The company will be seeking to hire people with experience in biotech fermentation, plant molecular biologists, and other types of scientists. Payam Pourtaheri, founder and CEO of AgroSpheres, told the EDA's Board on August 22 that 14 of those jobs have been created so far.“The facility isn't up and running yet so a lot more jobs will be created,” Pourtaheri said. “We've recently received organic approval for our technology that helps basically to provide a controlled release of biological pesticides.” Pourtaheri said the technology is free of microplastics unlike other delivery systems. “Really excited about that and that's what we're going to be manufacturing here in Albemarle County,” Pourtaheri said. Approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency is needed before the product can become commercially available. Pourtaheri said he's hopeful the green light will be given within a year. * Review the performance agreement* Review the resolution authorizing a local match for the two state grantsSecond shout-out: Camp AlbemarleToday's second subscriber-supported public service announcement goes out to Camp Albemarle, which has for over sixty years been a “wholesome rural, rustic and restful site for youth activities, church groups, civic events and occasional private programs.”Located on 14 acres on the banks of the Moorman's River near Free Union, Camp Albemarle continues as a legacy of being a Civilian Conservation Corps project that sought to promote the importance of rural activities. Are you looking to escape and reconnect with nature? Consider holding an event where the natural beauty of the grounds will provide a venue to suit your needs. Visit their website to view the gallery and learn more! Free Enterprise Forum releases local spending report A nonprofit group that tracks activities of local governments throughout the region has released the annual report of spending activity. “The Free Enterprise Forum Local Government Spending Index (LGSI) is modeled after the statistical methodology used to calculate the Consumer Price Index,” reads the introduction of the fifth Choices and Decisions report.Data comes from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Auditor of Public Accounts, an office that produces a Comparative Report on Local Government Revenue and Expenditures. The Free Enterprise Forum whittles down the localities to Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. Some interesting highlights:* Charlottesville had the highest per capita spending in the region at $5,385 in FY22* Albemarle's per capita spending in FY22 was $3,643.90* Nelson County's per capita spending in FY22 was $3,392.21 * Louisa County's per capita spending was $3,356.56 * Greene County's level of spending per person is $3,212.20  * Fluvanna County's per capita spending in the period was $2,836.63. That's the lowest amount. What else is in the report? Take a look on the Free Enterprise Forum's website.Council briefed on ranked choice voting Should Charlottesville switch to an alternative form of voting that proponents say could increase participation? The earliest the city could make a transition to what is known as “ranked choice voting” is in 2025, but the five-member City Council got a briefing at its meeting on August 21. “Instant runoff voting, or ranked choice voting, is a voting system where a voter can rank their ballots sequentially in order of preference rather than just give a single or limited number of candidates for their choice of winner,” said Taylor Yowell, the city's registrar. Proponents of this method of voting argue that it can help expand the number of candidates who seek office. (view Yowell's presentation)The votes are counted in order and individuals who receive enough votes to pass the threshold qualify for the ballot. If there are more slots remaining, the candidate who received the fewest votes is dropped from the second round.“The process will continue until a winner has earned over the election threshold,” Yowell said. That threshold depends on how many seats are available. This method was authorized by the General Assembly in 2020 as one of the electoral reforms introduced when Democrats held both Houses in Richmond. “In the session of the legislature in 2020, a bill was passed to allow ranked choice option for City Council and Board of Supervisors elections throughout the state,” said Jim Nix, one of three members of the Charlottesville Electoral Board and the only Democrat. In August 2011, Nix presided over the Charlottesville Democratic Party's use of a “firehouse primary” to select its three candidates for City Council that year from seven candidates. “I counted the votes for it,” said Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook.“That was fun,” Nix said. “I was there, too,” The contest resulted in the the nomination of Satyendra Huja to a second term as well as the first nominations for both Kathy Galvin and Dede Smith. Galvin and Huja got a plurality of votes in the first round, but Smith didn't secure enough votes until the fifth round when she edged out Paul Beyer by 29 votes. (view the results on cvillepedia)Nix said the legislation that passed in 2020 has a sunset date of 2031. He said Arlington used ranked-choice to select two members of its County Board in a primary race this past spring. “It appears to have been successful,” Nix said. “The process worked as intended. The results were published quickly. Actually, too quickly, but we don't need to go into that. The outcome was clear and unchallenged and public satisfaction was high based on the results of some online surveys that were done.” However, Nix said criticisms have emerged about the tabulation method that had been used and a decision has been made in Arlington County to not proceed with ranked choice in the general election.  He said one issue is that the voting software used only allowed voters three choices for the two seats. Charlottesville's software would allow voters to rank six. The first time Charlottesville could use ranked choice voting would be in the June 2025 primary when the seats held by Juandiego Wade and Brian Pinkston would be up. That's less than 22 months away! Yowell said only the City Council races could be conducted with ranked choice voting, and not School Board races. She said there would be a cost associated with educating the public about how the new process works, should Council decide to proceed. Yowell said the city should also update to a new version of its Hart software at a cost of around $4,000. For more details, view the video of the meeting on the city's streaming service. A factor to consider and a question to you. This year, five candidates sought three Democratic nominations for three seats on Council. Only three candidates are on the ballot. Only five people submitted paperwork to be on the School Board ballot for four seats. Only four qualified. If any locality pursues ranked choice, what steps might be taken to encourage more people to actually run? Reading material:* Charlottesville City Council approves new employee pay policy, Allison Metcalf, Cavalier Daily, August 29, 2023* Charlottesville leaders, residents split over zoning rewrite, Jason Armesto, Charlottesville Daily Progress (paywall), August 29, 2023#571 shall go gently into that good night There are six segments in this installment, two more than anticipated when I began writing everything out this morning. In the three years of this newsletter, it's become an afternoon newsletter that harkens back to my childhood when my family got a freshly printed paper around 5 p.m. every day. There's been a ridiculous amount of change in my 50 years. I think one thing that remains the same is a need for as many people as possible to know what's happening. This work is about establishing a common set of facts which is why I make as many links to other periodicals as possible. For now it's just me doing the work with the aim toward eventually getting one out by 5 p.m. every single day. It's a good goal and one that motivates me.Paid subscriptions motivate me and keep me fed. If you've done so yet, do consider a paid subscription through Substack. If you do, Ting will match your initial subscription! Ting's support for Charlottesville Community Engagement is not an afterthought. The internet company wants to support community knowledge and they will match the initial subscription for every new Substack subscription. And perhaps you are a UVA student looking for fast Internet service? If you sign up for Ting at this link and enter the promo code COMMUNITY, you'll get:* Free installation* A second month for free* A $75 gift card to the Downtown Mall This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Upon graduating from Utah State University in 2001, I spent four years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, where I provided tax preparation and consulting services to privately held companies and their owners. Many of these companies were real estate developers and investors. This led to a position in private industry as the Tax Director of a large real estate company with more than $2 billion in assets. While there I was involved in residential and commercial rental property, real estate development, hospitality businesses (hotels and restaurants) as well as venture companies in various industries. This experience sparked an entrepreneurial spirit within me, and I continue to be involved in real estate investing to this day. I joined the Morrison, Clark & Company management team in 2017 and have used my extensive, direct experience serving the construction and real estate industries by heading up the Cost Segregation, Research & Development Credits, Opportunity Zone and 1031 Exchange specialties of the firm. In 2019, I was excited to join the MCC Partner group as a Tax Partner where I have the privilege of leading an outstanding group of professionals providing personalized services to our clients. Originally from Idaho, I stay actively involved in the community by serving on volunteer non-profit boards and participating in church leadership. I cherish spending time with my family, and I enjoy cooking outdoors for family, friends and neighbors. As a family we are highly involved in music, and our home is often filled with the sounds of cello, drums, piano and guitar. Certifications: Member of the American Institute of Public Accountants, Arizona Society of Public Accounts, and the Washington Society of Public Accountants. Previously served on the board of the Bridgerland Community Ice Arena, Inc., and the Kitsap County Community Development Corporation. I am currently licensed in in Arizona and Washington. Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Utah State University. HIGHLIGHTS IN THE SHOW: 00:00 - Intro 01:34 - Justin's Background 06:40 - Left Field Investors 07:45 - Depreciation and Cost Segregation 10:07 - Real Estate Professional  14:32 - Limited Partner Tax Benefits 21:42 - Depreciation Recapture 24:29 - Cashing Out Your 401k To Invest 31:23 - Educational Resources 32:38 - Connect With Justin 33:50 - Bucket List Items CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: linkedin.com/in/justinsjensen morrisonclarkcompany.com/real-estate/  CONNECT WITH OUR HOST: Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on social media @the.gentle.art.of.crushing.it Listen, like, subscribe, comment: http://thegentleartofcrushingit.com/

Ryan Tubridy is in negotiations with RTÉ on a new contract which would see him to continue presenting his radio show for a salary of less than €200,000. This comes after a second Grant Thornton report found it is “very plausible” that Tubridy's salary was publicly understated in order to allow for “revised earnings” to show a figure below €500,000 each year. Speaking to Claire this morning was Imelda Munster, Sinn Fein spokesperson on Media and Member of the Public Accounts and Media Committee.

Ryan Tubridy is in negotiations with RTÉ on a new contract which would see him to continue presenting his radio show for a salary of less than €200,000. This comes after a second Grant Thornton report found it is “very plausible” that Tubridy's salary was publicly understated in order to allow for “revised earnings” to show a figure below €500,000 each year. Speaking to Claire this morning was Imelda Munster, Sinn Fein spokesperson on Media and Member of the Public Accounts and Media Committee.

Ryan Tubridy and agent Noel Kelly are set to appear at two back-to-back Oireachtas committee hearings today as the controversy over RTÉ's failure to disclose €345,000 worth of payments to the presenter continues Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Sinn Féin Media Spokesperson, Imelda Munster who will be asking the hard-hitting questions as a member of the Public Accounts Committee...

It was Kevin Bakhurst's first day as Director General at RTÉ and he has hit the ground running, in one of his first acts he confirmed that the RTÉ Executive Board would be disbanded. So what are the challenges facing RTÉ's New Director General? Tomorrow it is the turn of Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly to go before the Oireachtas – they will face both the Media and the Public Accounts committees. Kieran was joined by Kieran Mulvey, Former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission and TD Niamh Smyth, Chair of the Oireachtas Media Committee...

The Oireachtas' Public Accounts and Media committees will hold further hearings in the coming days, RTE's Political Correspondent Micheal Lehane joins us in studio.

Brian Stanley, Sinn Féin TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, discusses what he hopes to learn from RTÉ representatives appearing before the Committee today on payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Hosting Inside Politics in Hugh Linehan's absence, Pat Leahy is joined by Current Affairs Editor of The Irish Times, Arthur Beesley and Professor Jane Suiter from DCU's School of Communications to discuss where we are now after yesterday's statement from RTÉ on Ryan Tubridy's controversial pay deal.Are we likely to get satisfactory answers from today's Oireachtas committee or the Public Accounts committee on Thursday? And the panel tease out how those running RTÉ can possibly re-establish trust when its own employees are protesting, as well as where its often-complicated relationship with politics goes from here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoghan O'Meara CE Irish Tourism Industry Confederation on PAC claims some Dublin hotels are "price gouging"

Shirley Bond is one of the most respected leaders in Prince George's history. She was first elected in 2001 as the MLA for Prince George-Valemount. Shirley currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care. Shirley has extensive experience serving as Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education, Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy, Minister of Advanced Education, and Minister of Health Services. Shirley was the first female to hold the position of Attorney General in British Columbia's history, a title she held while Minister of Justice. She has been honoured as a trailblazer in the B.C. justice system. Shirley also served as the Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Strong Economy, Vice Chair of the Treasury Board, as a member on the Priorities and Planning Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Climate Leadership and worked directly with the Premier's Women's Economic Council. In Opposition, Shirley has served as the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Official Opposition Finance critic. Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, she served three terms on the Prince George School Board, the last as chair. She also worked with the continuing education department of the Prince George School District, becoming its business manager. She was given the B.C. Interior, North & Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education. Shirley and her late husband Bill were married for 41 years. Shirley lives in Prince George and loves spending time with her family, especially her twin adult children, and grandsons Caleb and Cooper.

Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, about initiatives from the Comptroller's office to ensure the state's water supplies meet future demands. Hegar was elected as the 36th Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in November 2014 and was re-elected for the second time in 2022. He is Texas' chief financial officer — the state's treasurer, check writer, tax collector, procurement officer, and revenue estimator. As CFO for the world's ninth-largest economy, he monitors Texas' financial health.  Hegar has worked to bring public and legislative attention to long-term financial obligations facing the state, such as water infrastructure maintenance — needs that have caused major financial difficulties in other states and which rarely receive adequate attention in the give-and-take of Texas' biennial legislative budgeting process. Before he was elected as Texas Comptroller, Hegar served in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, where he worked on a wide range of problems affecting Texans in areas including water issues. Hegar is a 1993 graduate of Texas A&M University and a graduate of St. Mary's University, where he earned a Master of Arts and his law degree. At the University of Arkansas, he earned his Master of Law. He is a sixth-generation Texan who grew up farming land that has been in his family since the mid-1800s.

Tina and Hillary cover Auditor of Public Accounts Oliver Enoch Hodge and the 1947 flying disc craze. Tina's Story Orville Hodge served as Illinois Auditor of Public Accounts after winning election in 1952. But when he lined his pockets instead of balancing the books, it cost him big time. Hillary's Story When pilot Kenneth Arnold witnessed what he described as high speed flying discs. BUT little did he know that his sighting would spark a flying disc craze that still intrigues UFO enthusiasts today. Sources Tina's Story Chicagoist The Chicagoist Flashback: The Demise Of Orville Hodge (https://chicagoist.com/2012/07/16/flashback_the_demise_of_orville_hod.php)--by Samantha Abernathy Chicago Tribune ORVILLE HODGE, AUDITOR WHO ROBBED STATE (https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-01-01-8701010079-story.html) Downfall Dictionary Orville E. Hodge: high flying lifestyle--by Dirk Langeveld (http://downfalldictionary.blogspot.com/2013/10/orville-e-hodge-high-flying-lifestyle.html) NPR Illinois Public Radio Illinois Issues: Comptroller, Treasurer - The Story Of How One Office Became Two (https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/the-race-for-comptroller-treasurer-the-story-of-how-one-office-became-two)--by Sam Dunklau State Journal Register Flashback Springfield: July 22, 1956--by Rich Saal (https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2013/07/22/flashback-springfield-july-22-1956/41767559007/) Time ILLINOIS: Hodge Dislodged (https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,867023-1,00.html) Photos Orville Enoch Hodge (https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/412630f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2192x1350+104+0/resize/880x542!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwuis%2Ffiles%2F201812%2Fhodge_ii_2400x1350.png)--via NPR Illinois Public Radio Orville Hodge getting fingerprinted (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TOcy-oMs3k8/Umk0Th8CfcI/AAAAAAAAArs/QqbxQJHqMkw/s320/hodge.jpg)--by Chicagoist via Downfall Dictionary Hillary's Story Sources Britannica Roswell incident (https://www.britannica.com/event/Roswell-incident) CBS News Recently uncovered 1947 headline from long-defunct newspaper offers "amazing glimpse" at UFO incident in Roswell (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/roswell-ufo-incident-1947-headline-dispatch/) FBI Vault Roswell UFO (https://vault.fbi.gov/Roswell%20UFO) History What Really Happened at Roswell? (https://www.history.com/news/roswell-ufo-aliens-what-happened)--by Adam Janos National Catholic Register Nuns Reveal Hidden Truth About Roswell ‘UFO Crash' (https://www.ncregister.com/features/nuns-reveal-hidden-truth-about-roswell-ufo-crash)--by KV Turley NPR WLRN The Truth Is (Still) Out There In 'UFO Capital' Roswell, New Mexico (https://www.npr.org/2021/06/05/1003267794/the-truth-is-still-out-there-in-ufo-capital-roswell-new-mexico)--by Kirk Siegler and Liz Baker Smithsonian Magazine In 1947, A High-Altitude Balloon Crash Landed in Roswell. The Aliens Never Left (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/in-1947-high-altitude-balloon-crash-landed-roswell-aliens-never-left-180963917/)--by Donovan Webster The Washington Post 75 years ago, Roswell 'flying saucer' report sparked UFO obsession--by Dave Kindy (https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/07/08/roswell-flying-saucer-ufo/) Wikipedia 1947 flying disc craze (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_flying_disc_craze) Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold_UFO_sighting) Roswell Incident (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident) Wired July 8, 1947: Roswell Incident Launches UFO Controversy (https://www.wired.com/2010/07/0708army-announces-roswell-new-mexico-ufo-sighting/)--by John C Abell Photos Pilot Kenneth Arnold (https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/eastoregonian.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/12/5124e43b-12d4-5f4b-8874-28d99b347dd9/5bf3a26392a61.image.jpg?resize=424%2C500)--from Associated Press file photo via East Oregonian Flying Discs over Tulsa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tulsa_Saucers_July12_1947.jpg)--by Enio Gilmore from Tulsa Daily World via Wikipedia Front Page of Paper (https://msnha.una.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Picture4-300x152-1.jpg)--from the July 5, 1947 Florence Times via Muscle Shoals Roswell Crash Article (https://www.history.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1240/MTY4MDI4MDc2NzAwMDgzNTg0/roswell-gettyimages-868619780.webp)--from Corsicana Daily Sun via History

---ARTICLES AND LINKS DISCUSSEDGigi Foster on lockdowns at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpyYwQFtF-U---Lockdowns, Masks, and COVID in Melbourne - Q & A:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kstSJAu-kOE---SUPPORT THE NEW FLESHPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=61455803---Buy Me A Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenewflesh---Instagram: @thenewfleshpodcast---Twitter: @TheNewFleshpod---Follow Ricky: @ricky_allpike on InstagramFollow Jon: @thejonastro on InstagramFollow AJ: @_aj_1985 on Instagram---Logo Design by Made To Move: @made.tomove on InstagramTheme Song: Dreamdrive "Chase Dreams"

Welcome to Episode 2 of Crazy Damn Canadians! Today, we had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most powerful leaders in Northern British Columbia history. Shirley Bond currently serves as the Interim Leader for the Official Opposition and Critic for Seniors Services and Long Term Care. Shirley Bond was first elected in 2001 as the MLA for Prince George-Valemount. Shirley has extensive experience as a Cabinet Minister including Deputy Premier. She has extensive experience serving as Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education, Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy, Minister of Advanced Education, and Minister of Health Services. She was the first female to hold the position of Attorney General in British Columbia's history, a title she held while Minister of Justice. She has been honoured as a trailblazer in the B.C. justice system. As a member of the Official Opposition, Shirley Chaired the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts and served as Finance critic. Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Shirley served three terms on the Prince George School Board, the last as chair. She was given the B.C. Interior, North and Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education. Shirley and her husband Bill were married for 41 years before Bill passed away in June 2020. Shirley lives in Prince George and loves spending time with with her family especially their twin adult children, and grandsons Caleb and Cooper.