In today's episode, we continue our conversation with our special guest, Mark Woods.

Mark is a renowned columnist for the Times Union, and last week we got to know him personally. Today, we dive deep into the issues he has been writing about and what we can expect from his future columns.

During our conversation, Mark shares the story behind his column that focused on the two mayoral candidates.

We learn that this creative idea stemmed from the challenges of meeting tight deadlines and the need for a feature that would work regardless of the election outcome. Mark's ability to find unique angles and perspectives is a valuable lesson for all writers who face tight deadlines.

Another lesson we take away from our discussion is the importance of defining and striving for an enhanced quality of life. Mark emphasizes the need for a more walkable city, improved parks, decreased crime rates, and better education.

This reminder helps us understand that the ultimate goal should be to improve the quality of life for all citizens, rather than solely focusing on economic prosperity.

Furthermore, Mark delves into the topic of social media usage by public officials, specifically addressing the previous mayor's use of Twitter. He highlights the negative impact it had on people and expresses his hope that both mayoral candidates will use Twitter judiciously and sparingly.

This teaches us the importance of responsible social media usage, as public figures' words can set the tone and have a significant impact on public perception.

Join us for this enlightening episode as we gain valuable insights from Mark and explore pressing issues that shape our communities.

00:01:27 Feature writer finds unique angles for stories.
00:04:39 Improved quality of life for all citizens.
00:08:24 She excels at communication, especially on camera.
00:09:47 Quick, interactive intro; addressing questions immediately. Impressed audience with immediate, personal attention.
00:15:26 Cities need to address rising crime rates.
00:17:40 Looking for alternatives to policing, beyond defunding.
00:22:21 Unforgettable retirement dinner for Judge Durden.
00:24:23 Debate on spending tax dollars for NFL team.
00:26:24 Sell stadium, let others manage for profit.

Connect with Mark Woods

You can buy his book by clicking here.

Tune in to the show on your favorite Podcasting platform and on MikesOnMic.com

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Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1osbkLvqreSJPXmfaubY1M?si=yVwAAnw1TmSSzZnZ3vM8sA

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Enjoy!