We review the recent Jackson County Commissioners’ meeting regarding the arrest of HERE Executive Director Greta Worley. This episode examines the unsubstantiated rumors and rhetoric used by officials when discussing our unhoused neighbors. We take a closer look at the 30-minute interaction and the behavior of our local leaders.Sources Referenced in this Episode: Making changes, but HERE is still here: https://www.thesylvaherald.com/top_stories/article_3ba58ad5-24ca-4182-ac6d-67461a2da0ef.htmlWorley indicted on credit card charges: https://www.thesylvaherald.com/top_stories/article_f40b5c68-efbe-4fdb-9df6-d73d49a5c4fd.html4/7/2026 - Regular Meeting and Work Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFAh0bufstg&t=5636sCounty freezes HERE funding, agency’s future uncertain: https://www.thesylvaherald.com/news/article_e567352c-ce70-4a55-9bec-5859d6bad22c.htmlJackson commissioner violated state law by skipping ethics training: https://smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/39971-jackson-commissioner-violated-state-law-by-skipping-ethics-trainingMean Maple Bake Shop: https://www.instagram.com/meanmaplebakeshop/

On this episode we look directly at the public records for David Rogers (Jackson County Commissioner Chair Candidate) to address a reporting discrepancy I uncovered at the Board of Elections. We’ll walk through the documents to show how this donation was handled while the campaign was officially filed under a limited spending status.

Coverage of the 2026 Jackson County, NC Primary. We’re tracking the numbers as they come in from the Board of Elections and talking through what these results mean for our community heading into November.We will also be featuring live check-ins with various candidates and local leaders to get their perspectives as the matchups for November take shape.

Beyond the notebooks and the spreadsheets is a neighbor who just wants to see our community thrive. Join us as we sit down with Casey Walawender to talk about the heart behind her advocacy, the values that drive her, and what it really means to put people first in Jackson County.

Get to know John Herrera, Democratic candidate for Jackson County NC Board of Commissioners District 1, before the March 3, 2026 primary.John believes in "listening first". Showing up, doing things the right way, and making sure every voice counts, especially for folks who often get overlooked.Join us for a real conversation about his story, values, and how he approaches serving Jackson County.

Sheriff candidate Brandon Elders joins the podcast to explain his plan for radical transparency in Jackson County. We discuss his vision for an open door department, modernizing law enforcement, and improving safety at the detention center. This conversation focuses on his leadership philosophy and how he intends to make the office work for every citizen.

In this episode of the Black Rabbit Collective, we’re joined by Marcia Almond, candidate for the Democratic seat for Jackson County Commissioner Chair. Marcia has lived in Jackson County for 38 years and has dedicated her life to the service of others. We step away from the professional resume to get to know the neighbor behind the long career in nursing and local leadership.

Marcia discusses her extensive background in the Operating Room, where she learned the vital skills of thinking on her feet and assessing high pressure situations quickly. She shares how these experiences, along with her time as a mayor, have shaped her approach to leadership. An approach rooted in listening more and talking less.

We also explore Marcia’s vision for the future of Jackson County, covering everything from the importance of unity and kindness to the critical "hills to die on," such as protecting constitutional integrity. This is an open conversation about the power of empathy, the necessity of compromise, and what it means to be a good neighbor in a growing community.

**My opinions do not reflect those of another person or institution**

In this episode of the Black Rabbit Collective, we sit down with Jon Brown, who is running for the GOP nomination for Jackson County Commissioner Chair. Most people in the community know Jon from his deep roots in local sports or through his professional work in healthcare, but we wanted to get beyond the resume to see what actually drives him.

Jon talks about his background as a college soccer player. Where he earned the nickname "JB" and how the discipline of the soccer pitch translated into a 24-year career in physical therapy. He shares how his faith and the examples set by his parents shaped his leadership style, which he describes as being rooted in a "heart of humility".

We also dive into the big issues facing Jackson County. Jon gives his take on the importance of unity in a divided political climate, the need for transparent leadership, and the real world challenges of housing and affordability for working class families.

Early voting is already underway in Jackson County, and the race for County Commissioner Chair is heating up. On this episode of the Black Rabbit Collective, Steve sits down with Bobbi Hopp to get past the talking points and find out who is actually looking to lead our community.

Bobbi brings a unique perspective to the porch. After nearly twenty years as a civilian engineer for the Navy, Bobbi is used to being called in to fix systems that are broken or over budget. We dive into the ongoing library controversy, the lack of transparency in local government, and why Bobbi believes the current leadership is making major decisions without all the facts.

Beyond the politics, we talk about the human side of service. Bobbi shares personal stories about advocating for special needs students, the reality of living as a trans neighbor in the mountains, and the importance of leading with kindness. If you’re tired of the division and want to hear from a candidate focused on "righting the ship" for the working class, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode:

• The "Fix-it" mindset from the Navy to the County Commission.

• Why your vote matters in a race decided by just a few hundred people.

• Finding common ground through community events and mutual respect.

• Addressing the digital divide and tourism spending in Jackson County.

Connect with the guest:Search "Bobbi Hopp for Jackson County" on Instagram & Facebook or email [email protected]