Local Matters Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should we call 911 or 988? with Dawn Peel Aug 17, 2022

Show notes

Dawn Peel, Director of Crisis Coordination, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, talks about what to do when someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Over 360,000 Georgians have some form of serious mental illness. Learn what to do, and what happens when you call for help.

Caring for Special People with Ron Wakefield Aug 13, 2022

Show notes

Ron Wakefield, Director, Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, discusses how Georgia cares for people with special needs.Some of us are not able to live independently, for a variety of reasons. DBHDD works with school systems and families to identify those who need services and to connect them to services through community based providers or through their state hospitals.

I Live with Disability Everyday with Ann Knighton Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

Erica Knighton has resided at the Gracewood campus of the East Central Regional Hospital since 1975. Her mother, retired educator Ann Streetman Knighton, discusses her journey as a black, divorced, woman advocating not only for Erica, but for others with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her advocacy has resulted in change for many, including the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). She describes why in some instances, institutional settings are best.

Being Your Voice, with Sheila Clark Nelson Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

State Representative Sheila Clark Nelson is completing her third term in the Georgia General Assembly. She has represented East and South Augusta in District 125, and did not seek reelection. She discusses key legislation passed this year, addressing mental health, financial aid for college students, and the professional licensing process for military spouses who are transferred to Georgia. She also describes a day in the life of a legislator.

When Poverty Sends People to Jail with Dr. Donna Marain Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

A newcomer to Augusta, Dr. Marain has become a one woman band in watching what happens in Richmond County State Court. She sits through court sessions, and we can too. She also captures data and advocates for change in state laws which would relieve the enormous consequences that our most vulnerable neighbors face when they commit even relatively low level offenses. Learn more at https://www.augustajustice.org/.

Is your DA Tough on Crime? or Smart on Crime? Part 2 Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

Jared T. Williams, District Attorney of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, joins Local Matters for the final part of a two-part conversation. This episode focuses on the job of the District Attorney (the chief law enforcement officer of the circuit), and how he approaches it. He provides an explanation of the limitations of the criminal justice system that led him to run, and how he has worked with his staff to prosecute those types of cases that are of utmost importance to him.

Is your DA Tough on Crime? or Smart on Crime? Part 1 Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

Jared T. Williams, District Attorney of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, joins Local Matters for the first of a two part conversation. This episode focuses on the job of the District Attorney (the chief law enforcement official of the circuit), and how he approaches it. He provides an explanation of the limitations of the criminal justice system that led him to run, and how he has worked with his staff to prosecute those types of cases that are of utmost importance to him.

What in the World is a Recall? Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Local Matters focuses on preparedness for elections. Today, we focus on what the options are when an elected official violates the oath of office or engages in misconduct. The term "recall" is often thrown around on the news or social media, but most people are not familiar with the particular steps a recall requires.

The Winners: Garnett Johnson, Stacy Pulliam, Wayne Guilfoyle Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Another set of Augusta elections is in the books. Voters elected two political newcomers, including our 85th Mayor and a new Commissioner for District 2. They also chose to bring a familiar face, Wayne Guilfoyle, back, this time to serve Super District 10. We explore what sets these candidates apart from their opposition.

Guilfoyle or Clarke for Super District 10? Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Wayne Guilfoyle and John Clarke are engaged in a runoff for the Super District 10 seat on the Augusta Commission. We hear their views on how they would use their platforms to effectively represent such a diverse district, and what others say about how they work with people to get things done.

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