The Local Option with Dana Barrett

Latest Episodes:

To Elect or to Appoint, That is the Question. Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

This week on the Local Option, we're having the conversation no one wantsa have: should we really be voting on all of these positions? Dana and Preston don't have the answer, but they give us a place to start. Then, we turn to drama right here in Fulton County with the Magistrate Court. It takes some explaining, but you won't want to miss it. You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov. Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

The Politics of Jails Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week on the Local Option, we're talking about the work of building and maintaining a Jail. Who are they for? What should be in it?

Then in our Fulton County sandbox, we dig into the recently presented plan for a replacement jail facility, including where we go from here.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

The Truth About How Your Tax Dollars Are Spent Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option! It's the holiday season, which means it's budget time in Fulton County.

How did we get here? What's next year going to look like? Dana answers those questions and more as we dive into the most important role for County Commissioners.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

The Hard Work of Local News with Hans Appen Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! Dana is away this week, but worry not! Preston has brought in Hans Appen, publisher of Appen Media, to talk about the challenges of running a local news operation.

Appen Media covers 7 metro Atlanta markets in both print and online. Preston and Hans dig into financial challenges, building trust with in the community, and engaging with elected officials.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

BREAKING: Local News is Hard to Find Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week, Dana and Preston dig into the problems that arise from not having reliable local news coverage.

How do we find the news that really matters to our daily lives? While we can't fully solve the problem, we have some suggestions. Then a quick recap over a bubbling issue regarding, you guessed it, the Fulton County Jail.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Majority Dem Board Fails to Pass Pro-Choice Measure (Huh?) Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week, we dive deep into an issue that Fulton County Commissioner Barrett brought before the Board to help fund reproductive care access in Fulton County.

After over two hours of public comment, the Board rejected the measure that would have matched the City of Atlanta's unanimous contribution.

To view the full length comments on today's discussion, click here: https://youtu.be/MBcI14R13QM?t=12527

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

Check your cell phones at the door Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! We are joined this week by Megan Gordon who is has been trying to help protect one of Georgia's most historic communities.

Megan, a Policy Manager for the Georgia Chapter of the Center for American-Islamic Relations, has been in McIntosh County the last few weeks fighting rezoning proposals that would have a devastating impact on the Gullah Geechee residents of Hog Hammock.

Then, Dana and Preston recap a heated week at the Fulton County Commission that once again centered around the Fulton County Jail.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

Public Comment: The Musical Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week Dana discusses an eventful Fulton County Board meeting that included a live performance from one of our more colorful public commenters.

Next up she and Preston Thompson cover a series of votes dealing with the expenses of the county - some big and some small.

Finally, Dana shares her thoughts on the censure of her colleague that drew much public attention.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

The Hard Work of Elections with Stephanie Ali Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week we're joined by Stephanie Ali, the Policy Director for the New Georgia Project.

Stephanie comes on to talk about election policy across Georgia, and what recent changes to the law could do to rural counties as they look to fund their elections this year.

Then, we explain Fulton County's decision to go with a flat millage rate for 2023 after much back and forth.

You can check your voter registration here: mvp.sos.ga.gov

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

Arts as an Economic Driver Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week, we're joined by the Director of Fulton County Arts & Culture David Manuel to discuss how the arts help to drive economic activity.

David shares his story of being an artist himself before focusing on building opportunities for others in the community. He also shares how art can push a community forward, as it has in Atlanta and Fulton County.

Then, we recap another contentious discussion around the Fulton County Jail and set the record straight. You don't want to miss it!

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov. Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

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