Local Matters Podcast

There are 3 candidates running to represent District 6 on the Augusta Commission. Each of them explains why they decided to run, describes their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Mario D. Taylor, Sr., Jeremy Johnson, and Tony Lewis.

There are 6 candidates running to represent District 2 on the Augusta Commission. Five of them explain why they decided to run, describe their greatest accomplishments, and what their priorities would be if elected. Listen to Ralph Gunter, Sr., Charles Cummings, Stacy Pulliam,, LeRoy "Ray Montana" Crew, and Von Pouncey.

Ms. Kettles Griffin represents District 1 on the School Board. She touches on a variety of topics, to include the CRT (Critical Race Theory) discussion gripping our country, legislation under consideration in the Georgia legislature, and how important it is for residents to attend school board meetings.

Candidates throughout the state of Georgia qualified last week. This episode explains how to know which ones will be on your ballot, why some people chose not to run, and how to start your evaluation of the candidate.

State Court Judge Kellie Kenner McIntyre joins Local Matters in recognition of Women's History Month, and our upcoming elections. We cover the work of State Court, her ascent to the role of Chief Judge next year, and changes in the court. She also offers her advice to voters regarding how to decide which Judicial candidates to vote for. Link to episode:

Redistricting has become increasingly contentious in Augusta and throughout the state and country. I highlight a series of public forums that get to the heart of the division, discuss how we got here, and where our community is likely going on this issue. I also examine the respective roles of the local legislative delegation, the governor, and the courts in ultimately deciding which district you live and vote in.

Dr. Calvin D. Jamison works as Vice President of Facilities and Economic Development at the University of Texas at Dallas. He also leads the Board of Directors of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators as their President. In celebration of Black History Month, we talk about the special role black city and county managers play in ensuring the delivery of high quality services. We also discuss the connection between diversity and trust in cities and counties throughout our country, and NFBPA's efforts to develop more African American public sector leaders.

Dr. Michael Owens, candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, describes how he would expand voter access if he is elected. He also explains his road to politics, and his desire to build trust among all voters in the election system.

Dr. Gregory Murray is a professor of political science at Augusta University. His research focuses on political behavior with specific interests in voter mobilization and turnout. We focus on the increasing costs of waging successful campaigns for elected office, the huge amount of time candidates and incumbents spend raising money, and how that affects the votes elected officials take. We also explore the pressure donors place on elected officials.

Dr. Mary-Kate Lizotte is an expert in political behavior and the implications of gender differences in public opinion. Her research interests include political behavior and gender and public opinion. Much of her work is concerned with the origins and implications of gender differences in public opinion, often referred to as "gender gaps." In addition to her work on public opinion, she also has published research on the gender gap in voting, political knowledge, and party identification. We discuss why more women don't hold elected office, and what she expects to see in this year's gubernatorial race.