Local Matters Podcast

Most of us have been subjected to toxic work environments, but what happens when you are in a toxic worship environment? How do you know when it is time to walk away? How do intelligent people wind up in a cult? Michaela O'Neal Farmer responses to those questions and more in her new book.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, what to do when you think your valuation is too high or too low, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Chairman Cedric Johnson and Vice-Chairman Brad Usry of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority discuss the November 2 Special Election. For this election, you will decide whether you support $240,000,000 in bonds to renovate the Bell Auditorium and construct a new Arena. Learn what this project means for our area.--

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs but are among the least understood agencies. This is the second part in a two-part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executive Director of the Augusta Housing Authority, discusses how they have used creative funding strategies to address the needs, and why affordable housing is so hard to find.

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs, but are among the least understood agencies. This the first in a two part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executive Director of the Augusta Housing Authority, discusses how they have used creative funding strategies to address the needs, and why affordable housing is so hard to find.

Rev. James Williams, President of Helping Our People To Excel, discusses how HOPE works for fairness for all. The organization has not been afraid to speak up and file litigation as necessary to ensure that state and local governments keep the people's interests in mind.

Today I explain how powerful the Office of Governor is, despite the paltry qualifications to run. He or she recommends a state budget, proposes and vetoes legislation, and appoints judges and others when elected offices are vacated.

The second in a two-part series recognizing the 60th anniversary of Augusta Technical College, our guest is Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston. She discusses the college's most successful academic programs, the dual enrollment program, admissions process, and the guarantee they provide to employers who hire their students.

Over six decades, Augusta Technical College has evolved from "Vo-Tech" to an institution that has something to offer students pursuing the traditional trades as well as those who are seeking a low-cost option for the first two years of college. Hear how they meet the needs of area employers, assist in recruiting businesses to the area, and how they are growing to ensure that more students have the opportunity to provide for their families.