In this solo episode, Janice Allen Jackson breaks down all the races on the ballot, offering insight and context to help voters better understand what’s at stake ahead of election day.

This episode is designed to inform and empower the community by making local elections more accessible and easier to understand. Whether you’re a first-time voter or simply looking to stay informed, this discussion offers valuable perspective on the decisions that shape our local government and future.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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Lonnie Wimberly – A retired Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Wimberly enlisted in 1972 and rose through the ranks to senior leadership. He served as Fort Gordon’s Garrison Command Sergeant Major, overseeing major activations, redeployments, and combat operations with zero casualties, and was awarded a second Legion of Merit upon retirement. He earned degrees from Fayetteville State University, National-Louis University, and Brenau University. A longtime Augusta resident, he helped establish the Walton Farms Neighborhood Association and remains active in the Richmond County Neighborhood Associations Alliance, continuing his commitment to community development.

Alvin Mason – Born in Lansing, Michigan, Mason served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 2004, holding key leadership roles including Protocol Non-Commissioned Officer in Korea. After his military career, he opened BBQ restaurants in Augusta and entered public service, being elected to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission in 2007 and later serving as Mayor Pro Tem. He has also served as Interim Commissioner and was re-elected in 2022. With advanced degrees and experience managing over $500 million in contracts at Fort Gordon, Mason brings more than 37 years of public service. He has overseen over $750 million in local infrastructure projects, supported major economic development efforts, and continues to focus on growth, transportation, and community improvements across District 4.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

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Meet both candidates. Attorney Alexia Davis Payne has spent her legal career serving Burke and Richmond Counties. Originally from Texas, she attended Baylor University on an academic and athletic scholarship before earning her juris doctor from Tulane University. Since 2006, she has served the citizens of Augusta both in and out of the courtroom.

She is the current president of the Augusta Conference of African American Attorneys and a past president of the Augusta Bar Association. She has served on the Boys and Girls Club Board for over a decade, supported literacy initiatives, and helped expand the Georgia Bar High School Mock Trial program. In 2018, she co-founded the law firm Davis, Chapman, and Wilder, LLC after more than a decade with the Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Ashley Wright grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and returned home after graduating from Mercer Law School to serve in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. She spent 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney before being appointed District Attorney, where she prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases across multiple counties.

In 2017, she was appointed to the Superior Court bench, where she now presides over criminal, civil, and domestic cases, including Drug Treatment Court. She is also active in community outreach, including hosting The First Step, a program focused on recovery and support resources.

She is a graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Georgia and has served on numerous local and state boards supporting education, service, and community development.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

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Meet both candidates.

Alexia Davis Payne has spent her legal career serving Burke and Richmond Counties. Originally from Texas, she attended Baylor University on an academic and athletic scholarship before earning her juris doctor from Tulane University. Since 2006, she has served the citizens of Augusta both in and out of the courtroom. She is the current president of the Augusta Conference of African American Attorneys and a past president of the Augusta Bar Association. She has served on the Boys and Girls Club Board for over a decade, supported literacy initiatives, and helped expand the Georgia Bar High School Mock Trial program. In 2018, she co-founded the law firm Davis, Chapman, and Wilder, LLC after more than a decade with the Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Ashley Wright grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and returned home after graduating from Mercer Law School to serve in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. She spent 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney before being appointed District Attorney, where she prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases across multiple counties.In 2017, she was appointed to the Superior Court bench, where she now presides over criminal, civil, and domestic cases, including Drug Treatment Court. She is also active in community outreach, including hosting The First Step, a program focused on recovery and support resources.

She is a graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Georgia and has served on numerous local and state boards supporting education, service, and community development.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

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Our Augusta mayor candidate special brings together three voices shaping the future of the city: Eric Gaines, Dr. Lori Myles, and Steven Brian Kendrick.

Eric Gaines is a U.S. military veteran, real estate investor, father of two, and community advocate focused on transparency, accountability, and addressing the economic challenges facing local residents.

Dr. Lori Myles is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a 38-year educator, businesswoman, author, and community advocate. A graduate of Paine College with a doctorate in Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Supervision, she champions being a “Voice for the Voiceless” and advocates for equitable growth in Augusta.

Steven Brian Kendrick is a lifelong Augustan with more than 20 years of experience in public service and economic development. A former Richmond County Tax Commissioner and current Chief Deputy, his platform centers on building stronger communities, growing economic opportunity, and uniting leadership across Augusta.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

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twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

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Stacy Pulliam is a dedicated mom of six, follower of Christ, business owner, and Augusta Richmond County District 2 Commissioner. She is Finance Committee Chair, serves on the Public Safety Committee, and is an ex officio member of Destination Augusta and the Augusta Arts Council. Stacy is the owner of Jhani Realty, recognized nationally for her referral-based business, and she founded DyeVerCity, a multicultural salon empowering women in business and personal growth. She collaborates with nonprofits throughout Augusta and lives by the mantra, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Corey Johnson Sr. is a former two-term Augusta-Richmond County Commissioner and former Mayor Pro-Tem. He served as chairman of the Public Service and Engineering Committees and was Vice President of the Georgia Municipal Association’s 7th District. Corey owns First Choice Home Inspections & Construction, LLC, is a certified podcast producer, and serves on several local boards. A lifelong Augusta resident, he is married with five sons, a sports fan, and passionate about serving his community.

Watch the episode now—you don’t want to miss it!

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

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twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

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Meet Angelia Pressley. For over 20 years, she has worked at the intersection of business and sustainability, partnering with leading organizations like The Kroger Company, Publix, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola and State Farm, bringing a strong understanding of both environmental impact and the bottom line. She provides clients with data-driven insights, strategic communication and community engagement, helping them navigate crisis management, media relations and build public trust.

Angelia is also a professor at Clark Atlanta University, where she teaches students about emerging careers, the economy and practical skills like research, data analytics and AI. She holds a degree in English and Advertising from Flagler College and a Master’s from The George Washington University, along with an entrepreneurship certification from Spelman College.

She serves on several community boards and founded the Welcome to South Cobb Festival to bring people together and celebrate local green spaces. Family is central to her life, and she enjoys cycling, hiking and traveling, and is guided by her faith with a strong belief in justice, mercy and faithfulness.

Look out for our new episode tomorrow.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Local Matters Podcast:

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@localmatterspodcast

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@localmatterspodcast

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@localmatterspodcast

Inside the District 10 Race, get an exclusive look at the candidates shaping the future of Augusta’s District 10. From community priorities to leadership visions, we dive into what drives these leaders and how they plan to make a difference.

Ben Hasan is a proud native of Augusta. He is married with four kids, 12 grandkids, and two great-grandkids. A former Augusta Commissioner, he has hosted Comcast Community Concerns, co-owned Urban Pro Weekly, hosted Can We Talk on the radio, co-founded PEP, a school for delinquent students, and owned two clothing boutiques in the Laney-Walker Blvd area.

Wayne Guilfoyle is a lifelong Augustan and the current District 10 Commissioner. First elected in 2010, he is known for his hands-on, results-driven leadership. He has focused on infrastructure, economic development, stormwater management, and strengthening neighborhoods, always emphasizing collaboration and accessibility.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

www.Janiceallenjackson.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Local Matters Podcast:

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@localmatterspodcast

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@localmatterspodcast

Chad Peace of the Independent Voter Project joins us to talk about how systemic reform can result in less political polarization. We tackle the issue of whether party labels are helpful or hurtful for voters, and whether younger voters want to engage in a partisan process. We also talk about the significance of Georgia on the national political stage. Learn more at https://independentvoterproject.org/.

Titus Nichols, Army Reservist, attorney, and Morehouse graduate, is running for Georgia State House District 34. We discussed how our legislature can address a variety of issues to make life more affordable. Topics include Medicaid Expansion, child care subsidies, the growing threat of corporate landlords, and how data centers affect our power bills. Learn more about Nichols at titus4ga.com.