Local Matters Podcast

What does the future of Richmond County schools look like, and what will it take to help students succeed? In this episode, we hear from Venus Cain and Delvin T. Howard Sr., two candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education District 9 seat. Both share their perspectives on student achievement, school improvement, parental involvement, and the importance of supporting students inside and outside the classroom. Venus Cain discusses her experience on the Board of Education, including her priorities surrounding early literacy, school safety, career development opportunities, and continued improvements across the school system. Delvin T. Howard Sr. shares his perspective as a parent and community advocate, emphasizing tutoring, communication, accountability, and the importance of bringing families and schools together. These conversations give residents an opportunity to learn more about each candidate's background, priorities, and vision for Richmond County schools.

Meet Venus Cain, Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Venus Cain is a U.S. Army veteran, mother, grandmother, and longtime community leader. She has served in several public service roles, including airport commissioner, PTA president, neighborhood president, and both vice president and president of the Richmond County Board of Education. After 30 years with the Department of Defense, she continues her involvement in education and community service.

Delvin T. Howard Sr. is a lifelong Augusta resident, graduate of Richmond County public schools, local business owner, and father of two sons attending Richmond County schools. His experience includes serving in school council and PTO leadership roles at C.T. Walker Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Magnet School. He is also the co-founder of Blessing Our Community, an outreach initiative supporting Augusta residents.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

What are the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education District 3 proposing for the future of local schools?

In Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3, Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Dr. Carol J. Yancy, Dr. Kenyatta Brown, and Janice Ramirez to discuss their priorities and plans for Richmond County schools ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.

Each candidate shares her background, priorities, and approach to improving student achievement, supporting teachers, strengthening parent involvement, and addressing school safety. Hear their perspectives on the challenges facing Richmond County schools and what they hope to accomplish if elected.

Dr. Carol J. Yancy is a veteran educator and educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. Her career includes serving as a teacher, principal, education supervisor, and assessment coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Capella University and has dedicated her career to instructional leadership, student achievement, and supporting educators.

A native of Augusta and graduate of T.W. Josey High School, Dr. Kenyatta Brown is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She serves in nursing education at Augusta University and in community behavioral healthcare. She also founded “Hey Queens,” a mentorship program focused on building confidence, leadership, and personal growth among young students.

Janice Ramirez is a wife, mother of three, veteran, and longtime Augusta resident with children in Richmond County schools. As a parent advocate, she has spent years speaking up for students and families. She is running to bring a parent's perspective to the Board of Education, emphasizing accountability, communication, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions affecting their children's education.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

What changes could shape the future of Georgia's public schools?

In this episode, Dr. Lydia Powell, a lifelong educator and Democratic candidate for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, discusses her decision to run for office and her priorities for Georgia's students, teachers, and families. With more than 26 years of experience in education, she shares her perspectives on school funding, early childhood education, rural educational opportunities, and standardized testing.

Dr. Powell has dedicated her career to improving student achievement, strengthening public schools, and building partnerships between educators, families, and communities.

She earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science Education from Florida A&M University, a Master's degree from Florida State University, and Specialist and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from University of Sarasota.

Throughout her career, Dr. Powell has served as a social studies teacher, special education teacher, and administrator in several Georgia school districts, including DeKalb, Henry, Clayton, and Fayette counties. She has also spent 11 years in educational leadership roles.

Beyond the classroom, she has served on the Fayette County High School Principal's Advisory Council, the HOSA Advisory Board, and as a Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) President. She currently serves as Chair of the City of Fayetteville Ethics Board and as a Post Seat Holder for the Fayette County Democratic Party.

Her priorities include expanding access to quality Pre-K programs, improving educational opportunities in rural Georgia, and reducing reliance on standardized testing. Guided by integrity, transparency, and service, Dr. Powell remains committed to supporting Georgia's students, families, and educators.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

Lisa Martin shares why she is seeking a seat on the Richmond County Board of Education and discusses the issues she believes deserve attention in local schools. From student achievement and school safety to parent involvement, accountability, and communication, she explains the experiences and priorities shaping her approach to public education

Lisa Martin has been active in youth serving organizations for over 35 years including PTA, Girl Scouts, Jaycees, Jack & Jill, and GNFCC.

For PTA, Lisa previously served as Community Relations Chair, VP of Legislation, VP of Membership, VP of Programs, Reflections Chair, and Co-President of North Fulton Council PTA after serving in many local unit PTAs in Tennessee and Georgia. In all her roles with the PTA, Lisa has worked at reaching out to the larger community to help them understand the role of PTA and its mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Through her involvement with NFC PTA and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Education Committee she chaired “Principal for a Day” for all participating schools in Fulton County for the first time through her leadership the GNFCC Education Committee are reaching out to both public and private schools and the other Fulton County Chambers: Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and South Fulton. Additionally, she has chaired and served on committees that annually selected the GNFCC Business Partner in Education and the GNFCC Student Scholarship.

Before retiring from Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Ms. Martin has been a long term volunteer with Girl Scouts in two of their regional councils, Greater Atlanta and Heart of the South. Ms. Martin has received their President’s Award, Pioneer Award, Lighthouse Award, and Outstanding Volunteer. Her commitment to Girl Scouts led her to receiving the President’s Call to Service Award from the Point of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service on behalf of the President of the United States. The award is to recognize the best in American spirit, and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation. Lisa continues to volunteer with GSHG and Get Augusta Reading.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

How can better communication help rebuild trust in government? Evan Meyer shares how technology, transparency, and civic engagement can make government more accessible and effective while helping residents better understand how to get involved and make an impact in their communities.

Evan is a tech entrepreneur and founder of several impactful ventures, including MyGovTools.org, BeautifyEarth.com, BeautifyEarth.org, and RideAmigos.com. His work spans government transparency and civic engagement, urban beautification through public art, transportation technology, and community building.

As a civic leader, Evan has served as a District Director for the California State Senate, led his neighborhood association, worked on civic engagement strategies, and hosted Meyerside Chats. He also leads seminars on corporate culture, community and civic engagement, and political philosophy.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

00:00 – Cold Open: Can Government Move Faster?

01:11 – Introduction: Government Transparency

02:05 – Introducing Evan Meyer

03:04 – Welcome & Becoming a “Civic Ninja”

04:10 – Evan’s Work With Government & Technology

06:06 – Why Government Is Designed to Move Slowly

06:25 – Making Government More Efficient & Effective

08:15 – The Purpose of Government

09:00 – Entrepreneurship, RideAmigos & Beautify Earth

11:26 – GovTools & Rebuilding Trust Through Communication

11:59 – Government Communication & Constituent Engagement

13:10 – Understanding Where Tax Dollars Go

13:43 – Transparency Across Different Levels of Government

16:24 – When a Lack of Transparency Creates Distrust

17:43 – Rebuilding Trust in Government

19:20 – How GovTools Improves Government Transparency

20:44 – Making Communication Easier for Public Officials

22:16 – Why Government Needs to Tell Its Story

23:05 – Understanding Your Local Government

24:39 – Why Civic Education Matters

25:25 – Local Elections & Voter Engagement

26:23 – Becoming a More Informed Voter

27:13 – Why Local Matters Was Created

28:00 – Looking Beyond the Ballot

29:58 – Media, Information & Political Perspectives

32:20 – Evan’s Approach to Civic Involvement

33:00 – Working With Political Leaders From the Outside

34:00 – Beautifying Communities Through Public Art

37:20 – Growing Beautify Earth

39:02 – Final Thoughts

40:06 – Learning Civics & Taking Action Locally

40:41 – Where to Find Evan & His Work

41:44 – Closing

Chief Michael Pickett shares his journey into law enforcement and his approach to creating safer communities in Birmingham, Alabama. From building trust between officers and residents to crime prevention, community partnerships, and youth engagement, he explains why effective policing requires more than enforcement—it requires relationships with the people you serve.

Chief Michael Pickett is a seasoned law enforcement leader with a distinguished career in public safety, special operations, and crime reduction. He was officially appointed Chief of Police for the Birmingham Police Department on April 1, 2025, after serving as Interim Chief of Police since November 20, 2024. Under his leadership, he has implemented an 8-Point Crime Reduction Plan, relaunched the Police Athletic Teams, and led initiatives that have reduced the city’s violent crime rate.

Prior to his current role, Pickett served as Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau, where he was instrumental in planning and executing high-profile security operations. His leadership was pivotal during The World Games 2022 (TWG), where he served as the Law Enforcement Branch Director, successfully overseeing Alabama’s one and only SEAR 1-rated event.

He enhanced his expertise by becoming a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chief Michael Pickett remains committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of Birmingham’s residents while fostering stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the community

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Citibot Co-Founder and CEO Bratton Riley back to Local Matters Podcast of Georgia for a conversation about AI, customer service, accessibility, employee morale, and public trust.

Bratton explains how Citibot helps government agencies communicate with residents through AI-powered voice, web chat, text, and other channels. They discuss multilingual access, modern alternatives to frustrating automated phone menus, and how technology can handle repetitive questions while giving government employees more time to solve complex problems and connect with the people they serve.

The conversation also explores a bigger question surrounding AI: instead of viewing technology only as a replacement for workers, how can local governments use it to support employees, improve the resident experience, make better use of community data, and strengthen trust?

Bratton Riley is Co-Founder and CEO of Citibot, a leading provider of AI-powered communication solutions for governments nationwide. A recognized innovator in civic technology, Bratton is passionate about transforming how governments engage with residents. He works closely with public sector leaders to modernize service delivery, expand accessibility, and strengthen public trust through secure, responsible AI. His focus is on equipping communities with the tools they need to communicate more efficiently, transparently, and effectively in the digital age.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

In this episode of Local Matters, Janice Allen Jackson sits down with Ellen Lubinsky, an attorney and mental health advocate, to discuss her experiences with psychiatric treatment and her push for greater informed consent and patient choice. They explore psychiatric medications and withdrawal, the cost and accessibility of therapy, the 988 system, psychiatric hospitalization, medical malpractice, Social Security disability, insurance, and the role of policy in mental healthcare. Ellen also discusses the Mental Health Choice Project, an organization she founded to raise awareness about informed consent and choices in mental health treatment.

Ellen Lubensky is an attorney and mental health reform advocate working at the intersection of law, patient rights, and psychiatric care accountability. With over 20 years of legal experience, including work in Social Security Disability and medical malpractice, she brings a legal perspective to issues surrounding informed consent, patient rights, and transparency in psychiatric care. Through education, advocacy, and public engagement, Lubensky works to increase awareness of informed consent, psychiatric medication withdrawal, misdiagnosis, and the need for greater support for individuals navigating mental health treatment.

Website: https://ellenlubensky.com/

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/ellen_lubensky/

https://www.facebook.com/ellen.lubensky/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenlubensky/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ellenlubensky

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

What role did slavery play in the American Revolution? In this episode of Local Matters, Dr. Sean Gallagher explores the experiences of enslaved people during the Revolutionary War, including the fight for freedom, slave confiscation, forced labor, and the formation of maroon communities.

Dr. Gallagher also discusses the skilled labor performed by enslaved people and how the choices made during the Revolution helped shape America’s ongoing struggle with race and freedom.

A fascinating conversation that challenges how we understand the founding of the United States.

Dr. Sean Gallagher is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He is a historian whose research focuses on slavery, labor, and the American Revolution, with particular attention to the experiences and contributions of enslaved people during the founding of the United States.

His research examines the ways Patriots and state governments depended on enslaved labor during the Revolutionary War, including shipbuilding, piloting, blacksmithing, carpentry, road construction, fortification work, hospital labor, and other skilled and unskilled trades. His work also explores the experiences of Black Loyalists who sought freedom by joining the British, as well as the confiscation and trafficking of enslaved people by Patriot forces.

A major focus of his research is marronage, the formation of communities of enslaved people who escaped bondage and sought refuge in difficult terrain. His work examines maroon communities along the Savannah River during and after the Revolutionary War and their connections to the broader history of Black freedom and resistance.

Dr. Gallagher earned his Ph.D. in American History from the University of California, Davis. His research began with an interest in early American labor history before leading him to investigate the central role enslaved people played in the labor systems that supported the Revolutionary War.

He is currently completing his book manuscript, Slavery’s Revolution, which is forthcoming from Penn Press. His research has also appeared in academic journals and other publications, including work on different aspects of the Black experience during the American Revolution.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast

How can local governments rebuild trust with their communities? In this episode of Local Matters, Janice Allen Jackson sits down with Mark Bowers to discuss public participation, government transparency, and the growing debate surrounding data centers. They explore how better communication and meaningful community engagement can help residents feel heard and strengthen trust in local government.

Mark is a Senior Account Executive with Go Vocal - a Digital Community Engagement GovTech

company that unifies resident engagement efforts with a single, centralized platform, replacing

fragmented tools and siloed processes to make informing and engaging residents easier, while

offering a wide range of participation methods.

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:

Soundcloud:

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify:

@localmatterspodcast

Apple Podcasts:

@localmatterspodcast