Ground Floor Government

Latest Episodes:

Navigating the Challenges of Local Government (with Ricky Hatch) | Ep. 82 Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, Ricky Hatch, the clerk auditor of Weber County, shares his journey from the corporate world to local government. He discusses the misconceptions about government jobs, the challenges and rewards of public service, and the importance of transparency and teamwork in government operations. Ricky highlights impactful legislation he worked on, the significance of finances in local government, and the essential people skills needed to navigate the complexities of public service. He encourages listeners to consider a career in local government, emphasizing the meaningful impact they can have on their communities.

Takeaways

Working for local government offers fulfilling career opportunities.
Many misconceptions exist about government jobs being boring.
Public service can be exciting and rewarding.
Challenges often arise from dealing with passionate citizens.
Legislation can balance rights and responsibilities effectively.
Transparency in government finances is crucial for public trust.
Assuming positive intent can improve communication and relationships.
Regulations shape the framework for government projects.
Teamwork and customer service are essential in public offices.
Local government jobs can provide meaningful community impact.

From Minimum Wage to City Clerk (with Melissa Coyne) | Ep. 81 Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Melissa Coyne, the City Clerk of Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from minimum wage jobs to a fulfilling career in local government. She discusses the importance of persistence in job applications, the opportunities for career growth within local government, and the value of education and certifications. Melissa also highlights the challenges faced in her role and the passion that drives her to make a difference in her community. The conversation encourages aspiring local government employees to pursue their dreams and emphasizes the rewarding nature of public service.

Takeaways

Working in local government offers many opportunities.
Persistence in job applications can lead to success.
Career growth is possible within local government.
Education and certifications are valuable assets.
Challenges in local government can be rewarding.
Making a difference in the community is fulfilling.
Building relationships with coworkers enhances job satisfaction.
It's important to listen to constituents, even if you can't please everyone.
Local government jobs provide stability and benefits.
Applying for jobs is a risk worth taking.

Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with Tom Stolz) | Ep. 80 Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Tom Stolz, the county manager of Sedgwick County, Kansas, shares his journey in local government, highlighting the various opportunities for career advancement and the challenges faced in leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and problem-solving in public service, as well as the need for preparation and adaptability in a changing environment. Tom reflects on impactful projects throughout his career and encourages aspiring public servants to embrace the rewarding nature of their work.

Takeaways

Local government offers diverse career paths and opportunities.
Tom Stolz transitioned from police work to county management.
Internships provide valuable exposure to various government roles.
Community support is crucial for successful public service projects.
Government is constantly evolving and requires adaptability.
Effective problem-solving strategies are essential in leadership.
Tom Stolz emphasizes the importance of servant leadership.
Career preparation should include academic and practical experience.
Avoid complacency; seek challenges and growth in your career.
Public service can be deeply rewarding and impactful.

Leadership Lessons from a County Administrator (with Patrick Bloomingdale) | Ep. 79 Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this podcast episode, Patrick Bloomingdale, the County Administrator of Douglas County, Nebraska, shares his inspiring journey from a low-paying job to a successful career in local government. He discusses the importance of hope, resilience, and hard work, especially in the face of bullying and challenges. Patrick highlights his proud accomplishments in mental health initiatives and the complexities of budget management. He emphasizes the significance of disaster preparedness and the role of local government in rebuilding communities. The conversation also touches on leadership, team dynamics, and the future of work in the context of AI, encouraging listeners to consider opportunities in local government.

Takeaways

Success is often a journey filled with challenges.
Building confidence is crucial, especially after bullying.
People are always watching your work ethic.
Local government roles can be rewarding and impactful.
Mental health initiatives are vital in community support.
Budget management requires strong communication skills.
Disaster preparedness is essential for effective response.
Leadership involves serving and respecting your team.
Job seekers should not underestimate their potential.
AI will change the job landscape, but local government will remain stable.

Navigating Public Information During a Crisis (with Tricia Wajda) | Ep. 78 Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Tricia Wajda, a public information officer from Monmouth County, New Jersey. Tricia shares her unique journey into local government, discussing her early career, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impactful community projects she has been involved in. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, effective communication, and the need for creativity in public information roles. Tricia also highlights the rewarding nature of working in government and encourages others to consider careers in this field.

Takeaways

Tricia Wajda's journey into local government began with an internship that turned into a full-time position.
She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges in public service.
COVID-19 presented significant challenges, requiring quick and effective communication strategies.
Community projects like 'Made in Monmouth' highlight the importance of supporting local businesses.
Budgeting for communications requires creativity and resourcefulness due to unpredictable events.
Transparency is crucial for building public trust, especially during crises.
Effective communication involves understanding the audience and delivering messages in accessible ways.
Cross-departmental collaboration is essential for effective public information dissemination.
Passion for public service can be contagious and motivates teams to excel.
Careers in government can be fulfilling and impactful, making a difference in the community.

The Impact of IT on Community Services (with Kent English) | Ep. 77 Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Kent English, Director of Communications and Information Systems for Doña Ana County, shares insights into the role of IT in local government. He discusses his journey into local government, the importance of technology in enhancing public services, and the challenges of budgeting and collaboration across departments. Kent highlights innovative projects like AI translation for Board meetings and emphasizes the personal rewards of working in local government despite the lower salaries. He also provides advice for those considering a career in local government IT, stressing the stability and community impact of such roles.

Takeaways

Local government offers diverse opportunities beyond politics.
IT plays a crucial role in enhancing public services.
AI can improve accessibility for non-English speaking constituents.
Budgeting in local government requires careful resource management.
Collaboration between departments is essential for effective IT solutions.
Passion for public service drives many local government employees.
Local government jobs may not pay as well, but offer personal rewards.
Stability in local government careers is a significant advantage.
Compliance with regulations is critical in project management.
Technology is integral to solving problems across various departments.

How to Succeed as a Clerk of Council (with Julie Gibbons) | Ep. 76 Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Julie Gibbons, the first female clerk of council in Toledo, Ohio. Julie shares her journey into local government, the challenges she faces, and the impactful projects she has worked on, including domestic violence protection for public employees. She discusses the importance of staying apolitical, understanding the budget process, and the essential people skills needed in local government. Julie emphasizes the significance of accessibility in digital governance and the value of historical records. She concludes with advice for those considering a career in local government, highlighting the rewarding nature of public service.

Takeaways

Working in local government offers opportunities to break barriers.
Staying apolitical is crucial for success in local government.
Community support is essential for employees facing domestic violence.
The budget is a key policy document in local government.
Respect and trust are fundamental in working with diverse stakeholders.
Change is necessary, but respect for existing processes is important.
Laws are often passed in response to real community needs.
Public service careers provide stability and fulfillment.
Local government roles extend beyond politics to various vocations.
Helping others is a primary motivation for working in local government.

Navigating Challenges in Government IT (with Bob Henderson) | Ep. 75 Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Bob Henderson, Director of IT in Cass County, North Dakota, shares his journey in local government and the various opportunities available in this field. He discusses the importance of communication and transparency in IT, especially during crisis situations, and highlights innovative projects that enhance public services. Bob also explains the financing of IT projects in government and emphasizes the need for strong relationships and people skills in the IT sector. He concludes by advocating for the value of working in local government, where one can make a direct impact on their community.

Takeaways

Local government offers numerous career opportunities.
Bob's journey began in K-12 education before moving to local government.
Communication is crucial during IT crises.
Transparency builds trust with stakeholders.
Innovative projects can significantly improve public services.
IT in government requires creative problem-solving.
Financing for IT projects is often centralized.
Building relationships is key for IT success.
Local government work allows for community impact.
Working in local government provides job stability and flexibility.

A Journey in Public Service (with Joseph Vizard) | Ep. 74 Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Joseph Vizard, the city clerk of Waltham, Massachusetts. They discuss Vizard's journey in local government, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of community engagement in local projects. Vizard shares insights on effective communication, the budgeting process, and the skills needed to navigate the complexities of local government. He emphasizes the rewarding nature of public service and encourages those considering a career in local government to pursue it despite the challenges.

Takeaways

Joseph Vizard grew up in Waltham and pursued a career in government.
Navigating elections during COVID-19 was a significant challenge.
Community involvement is crucial for successful local projects.
Effective communication is key in local government roles.
Budgeting requires creativity and adherence to regulations.
Approval for purchases in local government involves multiple steps.
People skills are essential for managing various stakeholders.
Local government is heavily regulated by state and federal laws.
Ownership of tasks can improve team productivity.
A career in local government offers long-term rewards and community impact.

Navigating the IT Landscape in Local Government (with Rolland Kornblau) | Ep. 73 Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Rolland Kornblau, Director of IT at the City of San Bernardino, shares his journey from education to local government IT. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in local government, the importance of balancing IT needs with departmental requirements, and the impact of technology on community services. Rolland emphasizes the significance of budgeting, navigating unexpected challenges, and ensuring ADA compliance in digital projects. He also highlights the importance of people skills in resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration within the organization. Ultimately, he expresses his passion for technology and the fulfillment he finds in serving the community through his work.

Takeaways

Rolland transitioned from education to local government IT.
Balancing IT needs with departmental requirements is crucial.
Budget constraints in local government require creative solutions.
Unexpected IT challenges can arise, requiring quick problem-solving.
Successful IT projects can significantly impact community services.
ADA compliance is essential for government digital projects.
People skills are vital for resolving conflicts in IT.
Local government offers stability and a sense of community.
Technology in local government can enhance service delivery.
Rolland finds fulfillment in helping others through technology.

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