Community Conversations with Stand Up Arkansas

Stand Up Arkansas: Exposing Negative Campaign Tactics with Kwami Abdul-Bey  

In this episode of Community Conversations with Stand Up Arkansas, host Steve Grappe talks with guest Kwami Abdul-Bey about the negative campaign strategies used by his political opponent, David Ray. Kwami discusses false extremist depictions used in Ray's ads to sway voter opinion via fear-mongering. They address the lack of willingness from Ray to engage in meaningful debates on public policy, his interest in using the Freedom of Information Act against opponents, and his influence on Arkansas's political landscape. 

Kwami also explains the importance of voter registration and staying informed to combat misinformation in the electoral process. Join the fight for a transparent democracy and support voter education and participation!  

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 

00:30 Negative Campaign Tactics 

00:54 Kwame's Response and Community Impact 

01:38 Failed Attempts at Debate 

04:34 Social Media and School Events Controversy 

06:16 FOIA Requests and Political Hypocrisy 

08:24 Mailers and Misinformation 

11:58 Project 2025 and Radical Policies 

20:00 Gerrymandering and Political Manipulation 

22:32 Call to Action and Conclusion

Community Conversations: Meet Jacksonville City Council Candidate Cheesa Williams  In this episode of Community Conversations, host Steve Grappe introduces viewers to Cheesa Williams, who is running for Jacksonville City Council in Arkansas. 

Williams shares her background, professional experience, and her vision for a more vibrant, inclusive community. She discusses key issues such as public transportation, community engagement, and combating homelessness while emphasizing the importance of equitable representation in city governance. 

Join us to learn more about a candidate committed to revitalizing Jacksonville and championing diversity and progress.  

00:00 Introduction to Community Conversations 

00:54 Meet Chisa Williams: Candidate for Jacksonville City Council 

01:53 Chisa's Background and Professional Journey 

03:11 Vision for Jacksonville: Addressing Stagnation and Growth 

06:42 Challenges and Solutions: Youth Engagement and Public Services 

12:08 Tackling Homelessness and Public Safety 

15:49 Future Plans and Community Involvement 

24:10 Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

Understanding Project 2025: Tax Reforms and Their Impact on Arkansas  

Join Steve Grappe and Dr. Chris Jones as they delve into the significant and controversial impacts of Project 2025, particularly focusing on tax reforms and government spending in Arkansas. From the proposed shift to a two-rate tax system to the introduction of a consumption tax, this episode explores how these changes may affect working-class families, public services, and infrastructure in the state. 

Engage in an in-depth analysis of the potential consequences on education, healthcare, and more, and learn about strategies to mitigate these effects. Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard!  

00:00 Introduction to Project 2025 

01:16 Understanding the Proposed Tax Changes 

02:28 Impact on Working Class Arkansans 

03:44 Consumption Tax Explained 

05:21 Effects on Public Services and Infrastructure 

09:01 Addressing Social Issues 

12:23 Strategies to Mitigate Impacts 

25:26 The Power of Resource Allocation in Politics 

26:28 Advocating for Federal Support in Arkansas 

28:38 The Impact of Project 2025 on Government Agencies 

30:14 Consequences of Reduced Federal Involvement 

31:59 Tax Reforms and Their Effects on Families 

34:57 Healthcare Access and Its Critical Importance 

37:46 Corporate Tax Cuts and Economic Implications 

43:47 Project 2025's Threat to Public Services 

46:47 Call to Action: Stay Informed and Vote

Empowering Youth: Voter Registration and Civic Engagement in Arkansas  

Join Steve Grappe from Stand Up Arkansas as he engages with Kwami Abdul-Bey, a candidate for District 69, during National High School Voter Registration Week. They discuss the efforts to involve high school students in the electoral process through poll worker programs and voter registration drives. 

Kwami shares insights on overcoming administrative challenges, the importance of civic education, and upcoming events aimed at increasing voter participation in Arkansas. Tune in to hear about the significant steps being taken to improve civic engagement and make a difference in the community.  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

00:28 Upcoming Election and Events 

01:48 Karaoke with the Candidates 

03:39 High School Poll Workers Program 

09:01 Challenges and Success Stories 

13:52 National High School Voter Registration Week 

19:17 Engaging the Youth in Civic Duties 

20:35 How to Get Involved 

21:27 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Get ready to dive deep into the economic implications of Project 2025 with our upcoming episode featuring Chris Jones, available for download on September 26, 2024. In this eye-opening discussion, Chris unravels how the Heritage Foundation's ambitious blueprint could reshape taxation and spending policies, potentially burdening Arkansas' working class.

 Discover the connections between Project 2025, former President Trump, and influential organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council. Learn about recent Arkansas legislation advancing these ideals and understand the stakes for your community. Don't miss this crucial conversation that sheds light on how these policies could impact your wallet and your rights. 

Tune in to Community Conversations with Stand Up Arkansas and explore the first three episodes of our series on your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let's keep the power where it belongs—with the people.

Meet Doug Corbitt: Grassroots Candidate for Perry County  

Join host Steve Grappe from Stand Up Arkansas in this episode of Community Conversations as he dives deep into the inspiring journey of Doug Corbett, a grassroots candidate running for office in Perry County, Arkansas. Doug shares his unique background, from his formative years in Kentucky to his current role as a philosophy professor at the University of Central Arkansas. 

Discover the values and issues that drive Doug, including public school advancement, rural poverty alleviation, and reproductive rights. Tune in to hear how Doug's philosophy and life experiences have shaped his candidacy and why he is passionate about making a difference in his community. Don't miss this heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion! 

 00:00 Introduction to Community Conversations 

00:42 Meet Doug Corbett: Grassroots Candidate 

01:12 Doug's Background and Upbringing 

02:41 Doug's Family and Personal Life 

12:29 Key Issues: Public Schools and Rural Poverty 

19:09 Reproductive Freedom and Healthcare 

22:53 Philosophical Approach to Representation 

29:56 Campaigning and Community Engagement 

32:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Steve Grappe as he interviews Will LaRue, a passionate Democratic candidate running for Justice of the Peace in Faulkner County. Will shares his background in the metal fabrication business and his dedication to reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. The conversation covers LaRue's key campaign issues, including libraries, public safety, and the need for a county animal shelter. Will emphasizes the importance of local civic engagement and the impact of nonpartisan solutions on community well-being.

In this episode of 'Project 2025 Arkansas Under the Microscope,' hosts Steve and Kelly Grappe explore the implications of Project 2025 policies on Arkansas's public education. Featuring guest Trevor McGarrah, a high school teacher and education policy expert, the discussion delves into the detrimental effects of potential policy changes, such as the Learns Act, elimination of the Department of Education, and the privatization of education and federal student loans. The episode also highlights the importance of public funding, accountability, and civil rights protections in maintaining educational quality and equity.

In this episode of Community Conversations, hosts Steve and Kelly Grappe interview Teresa Dannaway from Saline County at a community meetup at American Pie in North Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Teresa shares her background in Arkansas, her journey as a mother advocating for autism, and her motivations for running for the House. Key issues discussed include gun safety, women's rights, and education funding. Teresa emphasizes her commitment to integrity and community involvement, encouraging listeners to support her campaign and get involved in local politics.

In this episode of 'Project 2025: Arkansas Under the Microscope,' host Steve Grappe discusses the implementation and impact of conservative education reforms in Arkansas with April Reisma, president of the Arkansas Education Association. They delve into the implications of Project 2025 and the LEARNS Act, highlighting concerns over school choice, public school funding, teacher protections, curriculum restrictions, and the long-term effects on the state's education system. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for public engagement to ensure that education policies serve the best interests of all students.