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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

Author Denise Benz opens up about growing up in a home that looked perfect from the outside but hid abuse and secrecy behind closed doors. She talks about the courage it took to finally speak her truth, why "what happens in this house stays in this house" keeps people trapped, and how she emancipated herself from a past that tried to define her. Denise Benz is an author, speaker, and brand strategist with more than 17 years of experience helping influential leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurs amplify their message and impact. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside some of the most recognized names in personal development and entertainment, including Tony Robbins, Lisa Nichols, Kim Coles, Iyanla Vanzant. Today, Denise is using her own voice to tell a story she carried in silence for years. Her memoir, Only My Face Was Smiling: Faith Carried Me, Secrecy Almost Broke Me, is a powerful story of childhood trauma, faith, resilience, and healing. Through her work and her writing, Denise helps others understand that what tried to break them does not get to define them. Denise's memoir, Only My Face Was Smiling, is available now — you can purchase it here: https://www.denisebenz.com/order-now1.html 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

Neil Thanedar is a nonprofit leader and activist who started his career as a scientist, founder, and angel investor. His three startups are now worth over $100 million. He is executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit fighting dark money in Michigan politics, and founder and chairman of Labdoor, the independent worldwide alternative to the FDA. He also served as executive director of the Detroit Partnership and senior advisor to his father, Shri Thanedar, in his campaigns for governor, State House, and US Congress. A University of Michigan alumnus, Neil and his family call Michigan home. Neil is also the author of Positive Politics, out now in bookstores, on Audible, and Spotify: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWF8XDX3?tag=scribemedia0a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true 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

Liz Ortenburger is the CEO of SafeNest, Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addressing domestic and sexual violence, and a thought leader reshaping how the world understands, prevents, and responds to abuse. For more than two decades, Liz has been at the forefront of advocacy for women’s and children’s safety, bringing both urgency and vision to a field long constrained by reactive solutions. At SafeNest, Liz leads a multi-million-dollar organization that delivers a fully integrated continuum of care—including emergency response, prevention education, housing, legal advocacy, and offender intervention—designed to disrupt cycles of violence at their roots. Under her leadership, SafeNest has expanded beyond traditional service delivery to address the broader epidemic itself, forging strategic partnerships with law enforcement, policymakers, healthcare systems, and community leaders to align public policy with the lived realities of survivors and families. Liz is known for challenging conventional narratives around domestic violence. She believes that lasting change requires a fundamental shift: from punishment to prevention, from survivor-only solutions to system-wide accountability, and from silence to truth-telling. Her work calls for confronting long-ignored root causes of domestic violence and including abusive partners in the path to meaningful intervention and healing—while centering hope, safety, and long-term impact. A Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University, Liz’s research focuses on policy analysis and the social construction of abusive partners in public policy. She holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, where she was a nationally ranked track and field athlete and cross-country team captain. 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 Intro & Episode Overview 02:11 Meet Liz Ortenberger (SafeNest CEO) 03:09 Liz's Career Path: Girl Scouts to SafeNest 05:11 Why the Focus Shifted to Abusers, Not Just Survivors 06:14 Why 70% of Survivors Go Back 07:54 Leaving Means Divorcing Your Whole Community 09:59 The "Fire-Breathing Dragon" Survival Metaphor 10:41 Mecklenburg County Case Studies 12:31 Why Teens Normalize Abuse 13:37 "He Has to Square Up on Me to Know He Cares" 15:18 Pornography's Impact on Kids & Consent 17:36 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Kids 20:37 Domestic Violence and the Church 23:36 Why Women Need Men Less (and What Men Must Offer) 24:59 "Why Didn't She Leave?" — The Wrong Question 25:52 The Anger Scale: Proving Violence Is a Choice 29:38 The Link Between DV, Mass Shooters & Cop Killers 30:53 Can Abusive Men Actually Change? 32:12 Substance Abuse & Batterer Intervention Programs 34:23 MAGA, "My Body My Choice" & Cultural Backsliding 36:22 The Mike Tyson Example & Excusing Abusers 38:17 "Hurt People Hurt People" — Childhood Abuse Cycles 40:57 When Abusers Snap: Real Case Stories 43:01 Post-Separation Murders & Guns 45:22 Red Flags When Starting a New Relationship 46:24 Googling New Partners & Early Warning Signs 50:57 Love Bombing 51:52 Resources: National Hotline & SafeNest 52:16 Closing Bible Verse & Sign-Off

Amy Sharma, PhD, is Executive Director of Science for Georgia, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between scientists and the public through training, outreach, and advocating for the responsible use of science in public policy. Currently she is working with a coalition of coalitions focused on mitigating the negative impacts of the data center expansion on the health, wellbeing, water, energy, and the environment. Her career spans industry, academia, and government—including VP of Product at Prediko (acquired by United Technologies Corp), leadership roles at GTRI, faculty at the University of Western Australia, a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the National Science Foundation, and a microprocessor designer for IBM. She earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and enjoys jobs with overly long titles, translating technical ideas for non-scientists, science stand-up comedy, and sewing. 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 Timestamp - 00:00:00 – Intro & welcome 00:01:53 – Subscribe / show info (YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) 00:02:46 – Guest introduction & topic framing 00:04:08 – Amy describes Science for Georgia 00:05:40 – Amy's career path to the role 00:06:55 – What is a data center? 00:08:57 – Will data centers be here forever? 00:11:10 – Obsolescence & adaptive reuse of data center buildings 00:13:23 – Is it true economic development? 00:15:53 – Complementary businesses nearby? 00:16:19 – The AOC brown water story 00:20:50 – Water scarcity, drought, and ethics 00:23:47 – Noise concerns near residences 00:26:27 – Distance from residential areas & mitigations 00:27:23 – Communities getting it right? Model ordinances 00:30:59 – Riverkeeper partnership 00:32:14 – Strategic locations: power and water access 00:34:32 – GMA (Georgia Municipal Association) partnership 00:36:33 – UGA and Science for Georgia's role as an information resource 00:39:11 – Website info (scienceforgeorgia.org) 00:39:52 – Closing thoughts: transparency and getting involved locally 00:41:17 – Final question on safe distance 00:41:37 – Follow-up: safe distance answer revealed (1–6 mile buffer) 00:43:16 – Final reflections: trade-offs and zoning 00:44:22 – Sign-off / Bible verse and outro

Dave Martin is the host and producer of The Good Government Show. For the past five years, he has talked with mayors, county commissioners, and leaders across federal and local government about projects, public service, and how government works for all of us. Before launching the show, Dave worked as a producer for CBS News, Fox News Channel, local New York City television news, and as a newspaper reporter. 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, Janice Allen Jackson breaks down the recent Augusta mayoral runoff election, examining the results, voter turnout, campaign strategies, and the key factors that shaped the outcome. Was this election more about Garnett Johnson losing support, or Steve Kendrick building a winning coalition? Tune in for insight and analysis on what the results mean for Augusta moving forward. 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 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

Traci knows that honor cannot stop at ceremony—it must be reflected in how government shows up for families long after the speeches are over. That lived experience defines her mission: to bring our respect H.O.M.E. For Traci, “home” is not a slogan. It is what families are supposed to feel—safety, dignity, opportunity, and trust that the systems meant to serve them actually work. As a mother raising children shaped by sacrifice, she understands both the human cost of government failure and the discipline required to fix it. Throughout her career, Traci has worked across economic development, food security, healthcare access, education, and community infrastructure—bringing together government, nonprofits, faith institutions, and the private sector to deliver real outcomes. She has built coalitions, managed complex initiatives, and helped stabilize systems that families rely on every day. Ceretta Smith is a proud Army Veteran, mother, wife, faith leader, grandmother, small business owner, and former Councilwoman in the City of Grovetown. She is proud to call Grovetown home for the past twenty years, where she lives with her husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Sterling Vandolph Smith. At her small business, she is committed to molding and developing future leaders of the workforce. It’s here that she teaches the values of compassionate leadership, guided by the adage: "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Before running her own business, she spent decades serving her country in various roles. She proudly served as a medic in the Army for nearly a decade, where she helped wounded soldiers recover in hospitals, clinics, and worked in a field unit in Germany. She then continued to serve by working for the Federal Government for another twenty-five years. Through her work, she became a Labor, Civil, Human Rights Activist, serving as: the Women’s and Fair Practices Coordinator, Chief Steward, Legislative Political Coordinator, Local President, Georgia State Council President and the National Fair Practices Coordinator for the largest Federal Government Union, the American Federation of Government Employees. Ceretta holds a Bachelor Degree in the Arts, a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, four Associate Degree’s, one being in Criminal Justice and a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. She is a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Certified HISCoach Life Coach, a Certified Paracletos Counselor, a Christian Recording Artist, a Published Author, a Certified DISC Behavioral Analyst, a Certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner and a Faith Leader in her community that travels nationally and internationally. Join us for an important conversation on leadership, service, advocacy, family, and community impact. 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

Traci knows that honor cannot stop at ceremony—it must be reflected in how government shows up for families long after the speeches are over. That lived experience defines her mission: to bring our respect H.O.M.E. For Traci, “home” is not a slogan. It is what families are supposed to feel—safety, dignity, opportunity, and trust that the systems meant to serve them actually work. As a mother raising children shaped by sacrifice, she understands both the human cost of government failure and the discipline required to fix it. Throughout her career, Traci has worked across economic development, food security, healthcare access, education, and community infrastructure—bringing together government, nonprofits, faith institutions, and the private sector to deliver real outcomes. She has built coalitions, managed complex initiatives, and helped stabilize systems that families rely on every day. Ceretta Smith is a proud Army Veteran, mother, wife, faith leader, grandmother, small business owner, and former Councilwoman in the City of Grovetown. She is proud to call Grovetown home for the past twenty years, where she lives with her husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Sterling Vandolph Smith. At her small business, she is committed to molding and developing future leaders of the workforce. It’s here that she teaches the values of compassionate leadership, guided by the adage: "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Before running her own business, she spent decades serving her country in various roles. She proudly served as a medic in the Army for nearly a decade, where she helped wounded soldiers recover in hospitals, clinics, and worked in a field unit in Germany. She then continued to serve by working for the Federal Government for another twenty-five years. Through her work, she became a Labor, Civil, Human Rights Activist, serving as: the Women’s and Fair Practices Coordinator, Chief Steward, Legislative Political Coordinator, Local President, Georgia State Council President and the National Fair Practices Coordinator for the largest Federal Government Union, the American Federation of Government Employees. Ceretta holds a Bachelor Degree in the Arts, a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, four Associate Degree’s, one being in Criminal Justice and a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. She is a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Certified HISCoach Life Coach, a Certified Paracletos Counselor, a Christian Recording Artist, a Published Author, a Certified DISC Behavioral Analyst, a Certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner and a Faith Leader in her community that travels nationally and internationally. 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