Karin Parham is the CEO and founder of the Freedom to Read Coalition of Columbia County, where she works to protect intellectual freedom and ensure public access to diverse literature in local libraries and schools. A former U.S. Army officer, she brings a strong background in leadership, organization, and public service to her advocacy work. In addition to leading the Coalition, Karin serves as Treasurer of the Columbia County Democratic Committee. She also writes The Columbia County Observer and has published opinion columns in The Augusta Press. A lifelong reader, she believes that access to books and information is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

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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.

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Thomas McAdams is a lifelong resident of Augusta who has witnessed the community’s growth firsthand. A devoted husband, father of five with another on the way, and spiritual mentor to many, he serves as Chief Administrative Officer for a local Christian service center, helping strengthen communication and community life. With leadership experience across hospitality, retail, sales, office management, and ministry, he is known for building unified, high-performing teams while prioritizing faith and family.

LaFawn Pinkney Mealings is a candidate for State House District 130 and a seasoned labor relations and organizational leadership professional. With an MBA, global HR certifications, and over a decade advocating for fair wages and workplace accountability, her work centers on people, policy, and problem-solving. She is also deeply engaged in community service, supporting workforce development, child advocacy, and initiatives that strengthen community well-being.

Youtube include the disclaimer-

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

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Karen L. Gordon is a media entrepreneur, urban agriculture advocate, and community builder with over 20 years of experience in media, arts, and economic development. She is the Publisher of Urban Pro Weekly, highlighting Black business, politics, arts, and community issues in Augusta, Georgia, and Co-Founder/CEO of Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency, where she leads initiatives focused on food access, urban agriculture, and community development. Her work consistently centers on equity, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

David Carson is a Navy veteran and cybersecurity professional running as the Republican candidate for Georgia House District 130. After eight years in the Navy, he became a cybersecurity instructor at Cyber Schoolhouse at Fort Eisenhower. His campaign focuses on holding data centers accountable for tax incentives and creating pathways for students and veterans to access high-tech careers.

Rep. Sheila C. Nelson is a longtime public servant, former postal leader, and current Georgia State Representative. A Richmond County graduate and medical lab technician by training, she spent 34 years with the U.S. Postal Service, often serving as the first African American Postmaster in several locations. Elected in 2016 as the first woman to represent her district, she remains active in community service, civic organizations, and church leadership.

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

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@localmatterspodcast

Don't ignore Rural Georgia! with Keith McCants by Local Matters by Janice Allen Jackson

Clennon L. King is a journalist, historian, and documentary filmmaker. He is also a descendant of influential Georgians who shaped the history and politics of our state. He discusses how Albany became the hub of southwest Georgia, how blacks gained influence, and how the region's past shapes what he considers its bright future. Learn more about Mr. King and his fascinating work at https://augustinemonica.com.

Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper is Assistant City Manager of South Fulton, GA and a career public servant. He has added the title of author, as he just released "Unabridged: The Paradox of Public Leadership."We touch on why public service is not easy, how it tests your patience, and more importantly, how perilous it can be when a few people can decide to terminate your employment out of nowhere. You can find the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/UNABRIDGED-Paradox-Leadership-Marc-Antonie-Cooper-ebook/dp/B0FNBKZXH2

State Senator Harold Jones joins us to discuss what is in store for the Georgia Legislature, and more broadly, Georgia elections in the ever critical year of 2026. We discuss the process to replace legislators who step down, the proposal to eliminate the state income tax, voting rights, healthcare, and whether the state will do anything about the proliferation of data centers. He also discusses why he is supporting former State Senator Jason Esteves for Governor.

Dr. Jacquelyn McCray, an urban planner and Director at Baker Tilly Advisory Group LP, explains the complex factors driving housing unaffordability. She discussed how a lack of supply, vacant properties, rising building material costs, and reduced development incentives have contributed to the problem. Dr. McCray outlined strategies to address affordable housing, not the least of which involves collaboration between local governments, community residents, and developers. You may reach her at [email protected]  or +1 (513) 394 7369 (office).

Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the highlights of 2025, including our growth during the year and our status as one of the most shared podcasts on Spotify. She also applauds ProPublica for its role in holding instiutions accountable, most notably, their recent work, Sick in a Hospital Town. Finally, she discusses how important it is to be thankful, be safe, and be vigilant in preparation for the upcoming 2026 elections. Stay with Local Matters in 2026!

Paula F. Casey is a journalist and podcaster. She chronicles the history and the importance of Tennessee in ensuring that women could place their stamp on civic engagement and democracy. We also ask how we can get more accountability in an era where traditional newspapers have been rendered powerless. Learn more about Ms. Casey at the following: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-casey-736110b/. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3NoP1YjkuK9_aHhTUrAYA. Websites: www.theperfect36.com and https://tnwomansuffrageheritagetrail.com

https://womenalsoknowhistory.com/individual-scholar-page/?pdb=2539