Oakland has always been in the shadow of it's across the bay neighbor, San Francisco, but a new mayor is working on changing that and improving how the city operates and is perceived. Crime and homelessness are problems, but Mayor Sheng Thao is working on that. Just listen. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors:

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Shawn Milnes didn't start out wanting to be in government and while he served as a county commissioner, he still can be a government critic, just like how he started out. Thinking he could do better, he ran for office, won an election but now serves Northern Utah on a commission that represents government to the business community. He says his background in and out of government helps him deliver better government for the business and the business community. Hear how he juggles them both.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Hockey player Mary Jo McGuire is also the county commissioner in Ramsey Co, Minnesota. She is also the current president of the National Association of Counties. In the meantime, she champions affordable housing, loves to dine at local ethnic restaurants and for fun cross country skis. Busy lady. Listen to how she manages it all.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Yakima Washington County Commissioner Amanda McKinney is a force, she is and she talks and more important she listens. And, being from Washington, she knows her apples and wine, so listen to how you can get the best from Washington in your pie.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: Carol D'Auria, David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Jaron Brandon is Tuolumne County (CA) Supervisor. Housing is an issue that got him involved in politics back in his home county. He has continued to work to create affordable housing and sees housing as an issue that effects almost every other aspect of life. Listen to how he is hoping to improve conditions.

Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Jaron Brandon, David Martin Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jaron Brandon, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Something Weird in Mason County, WV

Stop into Mason County and see the Mothman, ok maybe not the real Mothman, but his eight-foot high statue. It's in downtown Point Pleasant, WV and it's a local legend and it's weird, as County Commissioner Rick Handley explains. Ok it's not Rosewell UFO crash site, weird, but it's part of the local color of Mason County, West Virginia.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: Carol D'Auria, David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Meet Fred Davis of Tucker County, West Virginia. His campaign strategy involved lottery tickets and beer. He's a real character on government and he's a real as they come. So what makes him good, he listens… just listen.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: Carol D'Auria, David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Paying taxes sucks. We all know that. But the IRS doesn't see it that way. In truth, the IRS expects us all to pay our taxes, but they really only want us to pay what we owe, no more, no less. And the IRS really will help you pay the correct amount. Kristien Deazeley of the IRS explains.

GoodGovernmentShow.com

IRS.gov/help

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Don't lock 'em up, heal them up...

Jim Cavanaugh is a county commissioner in Douglas County, Nebraska. Out in Omaha his passion project is making sure people who need mental health assistance aren't just tossed in jail. He says not only does it not get them the care they need, but it simply costs more. So listen to his solutions and where to get a good steak in Nebraska.

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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: Carol D'Auria, David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Manny Ruiz is the American dream. His parents came to American for a better life for their 11 children. A first generation American, Manny is now a Santa Fe County Arizona county commissioner. He sees a lot of things right at the border, but he also sees where and how things can and should improve. Listen to someone living their entire life at the border talk about life as a new American.

Thanks to our sponsors:

• National Association of Counties (NACo)
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Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: Carol D'Auria, David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic