Local Matters Podcast

By Local Matters by Janice Allen JacksonGovernment

Local Matters Podcast episodes

July 30, 2025 Richmond County School System at a Crossroads with Janice Allen Jackson
On August 12, the Richmond County Board of Education will decide who our next school superintendent is. Information about the two finalists, Dr. Malinda Cobb and Dr. Keith Simmons, is available on the school system's website. Host Janice Allen Jackson reviews the process, key data points illustrating the current status of the system, and her thoughts about what the school board should look for in a new leader. She also describes what a Strategic Waiver School System is, why Richmond County qualifies to be one, and the implications in the classroom. Learn more about the search and the finalists at https://www.rcboe.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=189409&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=231796&PageID=1.
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
35 min
July 23, 2025 What's Right with America with Hon. Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson, former Mayor of Phoenix, AZ, is also an author and host of The Optimistic American Podcast, discusses his background in politics and his experiences as a young elected official. He explores the political landscape of Arizona, and why he is optimistic about our country's future. Paul shared insights about the value of listening and avoiding labels in political discourse, the council-manager form of government, how the provision of services should come first, and the benefits of non-partisan elections. They also touch on the lack of decorum in public spaces and the degree to which we have become tribal. The conversation concluded with a discussion of Paul's book "What's Right with America," which highlights the country's economic success and emphasizes the importance of free markets and individual empowerment in driving progress. Learn more about the book at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Whats-Right-with-America/Paul-Johnson/9798895650554.
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
45 min
July 16, 2025 Showing the Love of Christ with Reverend Dr. Robert Williams
In an era of megachurches, Miracle Making Ministries has focused on missions and meeting the needs of the people around them. Rev. Dr. Robert Williams describes his notion of what a pastor is, what it means to truly have an impact, and whether the seminary education prepares someone to lead a solid congregation. Learn more about his journey and his work: https://mirmakmin.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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
49 min
July 09, 2025 The Life of a City Manager: Is Silence Praise? with Seth Winterhalter
Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and podcaster who has made it his mission to share inspiring stories of local leaders and city turnarounds. We discuss the underappreciated work of local governments, how lonely it is to be a City Manager, and how little the average person knows about what it takes to make sure residents enjoy basic services. Seth also discussed how local officials build community in an increasingly isolated society. Learn more about Seth at https://haltingwinter.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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
34 min
July 04, 2025 Trust, Accountability, and the Augusta Charter Review with Sheffie Robinson
Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She explains what led to Augusta-Richmond County consolidation in 1995, what a charter is, and how the committee will get public feedback. We also touch on transparency, accountability, and what it will take for our elected officials to build trust and grow Augusta. For more information, please visit www.augustaga.gov/3314/Charter-Review-Committee. You can also email Sheffie at [email protected].
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
46 min
June 25, 2025 Georgia Public Service Commission Runoff, and Stuff with Janice Allen Jackson
Why would only 2% of Georgia voters cast ballots in a statewide election? Do people care about the cost of utilities? If you do, you have the chance to return to the polls on July 15. Learn who can and can't vote in that election, the functions of the Georgia Public Service Commission, and who made the runoff. I also tackled one of my pet peeves in my local government days and now: Property owners who don't take care of their property!
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
29 min
June 18, 2025 Enhancing your Entrepreneurial Spirit with Rebecca Mixson
Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of their services and history, explaining how it assists entrepreneurs across Georgia. Running a business is challenging, so they support business owners, and in so doing, help expand Georgia's economy. They offer business consulting and training programs. She shared her background and discussed the center's network of consultants, upcoming training initiatives, and recent events like the Women's Summit. They offer financial and marketing workshops, emphasizing the importance of financial management, user experience, and practical business advice for entrepreneurs. Learn more about SBDC at https://georgiasbdc.org/locations/augusta-office.
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
34 min
June 11, 2025 Are you Worried about Utility bills? with Patrick King II
Patrick King of the Natural Resources Defense Council explained his organization's advocacy for environmental policies and their involvement in Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan hearings. The discussion also covered the potential impact of data centers on energy infrastructure and the importance of informed voting in the upcoming Public Service Commission elections. This election is crucial because these Commissioners approve utility rates.
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
34 min
June 04, 2025 The Problem of Empty Churches with Rick Reinhard
Rick Reinhard, a former local government official now with Niagra Consulting, shared his expertise in redeveloping and repurposing underutilized church buildings. During his tenure with the United Methodist Church, this became one of his specialties. Janice and Rick discussed their shared history in Richmond, Virginia, and explored the challenges and opportunities of reusing historic church buildings. Declining church attendance has created a signifcant problem for many communities. They examined various approaches churches are taking to adapt to changing circumstances, while also discussing the complexities of managing empty church structures and the importance of flexible regulations and community partnerships for successful repurposing.
To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
45 min
May 28, 2025 What is Preserved and What Isn't? with Erick Montgomery
Erick Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta, discussed the organization's mission to preserve historic sites and structures in Augusta, Georgia. He shared insights on various preservation projects, challenges faced in protecting historic buildings, and the importance of advocacy and resources . The conversation also touched on the appointment process for the Historic Preservation Commission's Board members and the need for comprehensive city plans to support preservation initiatives. We touch on the demolition of W. S. Hornsby Elementary School and the former Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and the on-going battle over the future of the old First Baptist Church.
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:
www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.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
Podcast:
Soundcloud: Local Matters
@localmatterspodcast
Spotify: Local Matters
https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7
Apple Podcasts: Local Matters
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548
32 min

About Local Matters Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Local and state governments, though often overshadowed by federal government, have tremendous impact on our quality of life. This podcast provides a valuable service by educating people on how to…