The Local Option with Dana Barrett

"Here a motion, there a motion, everywhere a motion." Oct 18, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! Have you heard? There's an election coming up!

Apologies if you're already ready for it to be Christmas, so are we. But what does running an election look like from the inside? We get Dana's take.

Then, the County discussed what it was going to request from our esteemed legislators for the upcoming legislative session. Some of it is, as you can imagine, frustrating. You can follow Commissioner Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com. Reach out to her via email at Dana.Barrett@fultoncountyga.gov.

#gapol

Cats, Dogs, and Money Sep 20, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! This week, we've got to go over a huge cost for local governments: insurance.

But wait! Before you stop listening, we promise to talk about some cute puppies and kittens immediately after.

And then of course, once again, we need to cover what decorum should look like for governments not just in Fulton but across the country. It's probably simpler than you think.

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

#gapol

The Third Rails: Abortion & Elections Sep 06, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option with Dana Barrett! We're taking on the easy topics on The Local Option this week: abortion & elections.

First, Dana recaps her participation in a public town hall on reproductive healthcare. What can we do, beyond just voting?

Then, Preston gives some history on the State Elections Board and why Fulton County is signing a contract for elections monitors in 2024. You don't want to miss it.

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

#gapol

The Interns Tell All Aug 23, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option with Dana Barrett! We've got some very special guests this week.

As our two summer interns wrap their time with us, we thought it would be great to hear their takes on Fulton County, and local government as a whole. Some of it will definitely surprise you!

Then, we recap Fulton County's eventual adoption of the millage rate and the politics behind it.

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

#gapol

Not so open records? Aug 02, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option with Dana Barrett! We're being EXTRA transparent this week on the Local Option Podcast.

When are open records really open? Just because you CAN find something, does that make it good enough?

Then, we're covering a surprisingly fraught meeting concerning the Housing Authority of Fulton County. All that, with a few more rants thrown in at the end!

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

#gapol

Boneless Wings Are Serious Business Jul 12, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option with Dana Barrett! We've got another local news roundup featuring clips from across the country. Everything from cityhood to endorsements is on the table for discussion.

Then, Fulton County has a new opening for its Board of Registration & Elections Chair. That and much more in this week's sandbox.

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

#gapol

The Federal Poverty Guidelines: Who Pays For The Bad Math? Jun 28, 2024

Welcome back to The Local Option Podcast! This week, Dana and Preston are concerned that the federal poverty line may actually be keeping Americans in poverty. The math isn't working, and we have some suggestions. Then, Fulton County started its annual process of setting the tax rate. Once again the math isn't working.

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

#gapol

Fulton County Jail: Band-Aid or Build? Jun 07, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast with Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett. This week, Commissioner Barrett is joined by Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen to discuss her recent op-ed in the newspaper and the two big decisions before the Fulton County Commission regarding the jail.

Something needs to be done about the Fulton County Jail. It’s a critical part of the public safety ecosystem and its failing. We’ve seen horrific deaths and conditions so shocking that the Department of Justice has launched an investigation which is still ongoing.

What you might not know is that a cycle of incidents, investigations and Band-Aid repairs has been going on for decades. Commissioner Barrett discusses the need to make decisions on if the county will bite the bullet and build a new jail at a price tag north of $1 billion and how to pay for whatever the commission decides.

Read Commissioner’s editorial published by Appen Media: https://www.appenmedia.com/opinion/fulton-county-jail-needs-addressing/article_20031fb6-22ad-11ef-a265-2bc10c3e556d.html

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

#gapol

Fulton County Jail: 2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back May 17, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! We are once again back to talk about the Fulton County Jail, but with the price tag we are looking at, how could we not be? The Board of Commissioners took back a decision made last fall, and questions remain about 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. #gapol

Everybody gets a stapler! May 03, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! If you needed to figure out just how many staplers there were in an entire government, where would you start? Today we're talking about the sometimes unwieldy nature of government programs, before bringing up a few examples right here in Fulton County in the sandbox. Any questions? Reach out to us! 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. #gapol

Who paid for this shindig? Apr 19, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! How can you tell when an event you're attending is for the office or the candidate? It's all a bit of a grey area, but we think there are some key signs to help us keep the two hats separate.

Then, the Animal Services fight between Fulton and Atlanta is finally at an end. Dana talks about lessons learned for moving forward.

Finally, we close with a constant issue plaguing the Board of Commissioners and elected bodies everywhere: decorum.

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. #gapol

Shut up! Make me! Apr 12, 2024

Welcome to The Local Option podcast! If you haven't seen the viral clip of the most recent Fulton County Board meeting making its way across the internet, here you go: https://twitter.com/PatrickQuinnTV/status/1778167821991571908

We're obviously going to dig into the issues of decorum on this week's show, but first an update on animal services in Fulton County. There are a few things where Dana tries to set the record straight. Then, we close with another few issues bubbling up during our recording, so things may have changed by the time you're reading this. But what won't change, is how you can get in touch:

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her 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

Catoosa County Craziness Mar 22, 2024

Welcome to the The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast! What the heck is happening in Catoosa County? Wannabe Investigative Reporter Preston Thompson has the full story.

Then, for our Fulton County Sandbox, Commissioner Barrett picked a very interesting meeting to miss. There are some choice words for the Fulton County commission this week.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her 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

Animal House Mar 08, 2024

Welcome to the The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast. This week in our Fulton County Sandbox we're covering a holdup in Animal Control services that could have real consequences very soon.

But first, why can't the federal government get their budget together? Do they even want to? And finally, we close with another unfortunate conversation about 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

It's all coming out of your pocket Feb 23, 2024

Welcome to the The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast. This week, we're wishing you a very happy tax season!

What happens when one government takes in too much, or one takes in too little? How well are they really working together? Spoiler alert: not that well.

Then, we take a short walk down the street to the Gold Dome in our Fulton County Sandbox.

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

Run, Don't Walk Feb 09, 2024

This week on The Local Option, we’re giving you the hard sell on running for office.

How do you know which seat is right for you? What are some of the myths about campaigning? For more information on qualifying, visit https://georgia.gov/run-public-office.

Then, we dive into a contentious issue facing the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, and what a commission budget is actually for.

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

Every County, USA Jan 26, 2024

This week on The Local Option, we are once again diving into stories from across the country where local governments are taking center stage.

Have something you want us to cover? Send us an email at the link below! Then, we break down Fulton County's FY24 Budget. What made it in, or more importantly, how did it make it in?

Find out more about Inspredu here: https://www.iuatl.org/

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

Big News Flying Under the Radar Jan 19, 2024

This week on the Local Option, we're discussing two stories that went under the radar this week.

First, the highly successful Affordable Connectivity Program is set to expire, leaving internet access for millions of Americans up in the air.

Then, Dana dives into a corporate merger that's more complicated than it may seem. What does it mean for how we look at local issues?

Lastly, for our Fulton County Sandbox, Dana announces a new program that brings together existing resources to help close the digital divide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

INCOMING: Your Property Tax Bill Jul 21, 2023

This week on The Local Option podcast, we're talking taxes. Wait! Don't go!

Fulton County is advertising their millage rate for the year, and Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett and her Chief of Staff Preston Thompson take the opportunity to go back to the basics. What is a millage rate? How does it work? Who sets it? All that and more on this week's Local Option.

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

Let me explain... Jun 30, 2023

Welcome new listeners of The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast! Before going over the most recent Fulton County Commission meeting, Commissioner Barrett digs into the under-appraisal of large commercial properties that could be leaving millions on the table for the county.

Next, she recounts the strange experience of hearing her own words read back to her in public comment.

Finally, there continues to be issues surrounding public safety and the jail. Dana explains her latest vote.

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

Is there a method to the madness? Jun 16, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast, Commissioner Barrett and Preston talk about the recent GOP statewide convention and what it means for the future of local government.

Then, they cover an eventful week at the Board of Commissioners that included an attempt by the local Republicans to appoint a rampant voter challenger to the County Elections Board.

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

Don't Feed the Horses…or the Trolls Jun 02, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast, Commissioner Barrett and Preston cover county stories from across America.

From wild horses in New Mexico, to pay raises in Sacramento, every county has their own issues. Dana shares her initial reaction to five different stories, before jumping into the latest Fulton County retreat.

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 Fight Over Elections is Local May 24, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast, Commissioner Dana Barrett discusses the flurry of activity surrounding the nominations to Chair the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections.

She shares her initial reactions to the nomination of former Commissioner Lee Morris by Chair Robb Pitts, as well as why she felt it was important to speak out against the move.

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

Emergency Jail Funding Apr 26, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast, Fulton County, Georgia Commissioner Dana Barrett discusses the issues currently before the Fulton County Commission.

Commissioner Barrett sits down with her Chief of Staff Preston Thompson to recap a long commission meeting where Fulton County moved forward with the next steps for a new jail, provided emergency assistance to the Sheriff, and encountered issues of decorum.

In May, we'll be back to our usual schedule with episodes on the 10th and 24th.

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

DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry Apr 19, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett podcast, Fulton County, Georgia Commissioner Dana Barrett sits down with DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry to discuss the Atlanta hospital situation, the ongoing debate over the public safety training center, and everything else DeKalb.

After serving as Mayor of Clarkston, Ted Terry ran for the DeKalb Commission in 2020.

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

“…and Politics?” Apr 05, 2023

This week on The Local Option with Dana Barrett, Fulton County, Georgia Commissioner Dana Barrett sits down with her Chief of Staff, Preston Thompson, to take a deep dive into navigating the political landscapes of (even) local governments. Wouldn't it be better if every conversation about an issue didn't have to end with "and Politics?"

Then, Commissioner Barrett gives her take on the recent headline-making controversy at the most recent Fulton County Commission meeting before offering thoughts on "Invest Atlanta."

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

Homelessness Mar 24, 2023

This week, on the next installment of The Local Option with Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett, we take a look at affordable housing after Commissioner Barrett attended a roundtable discussion on the topic in the City of Atlanta.

What can be done to not just house the unhoused, but to support them afterwards?

Also, Dana and Preston run through the lively Board of Commission meeting, including the Counties stance on Wellstar Hospital System and an ongoing struggle in the court system.

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

INTRODUCING: The Local Option with Dana Barrett Mar 24, 2023

Welcome to The Local Option with Dana Barrett!

As the District 3 Representative on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Barrett brings an inside look on how local government is shaping our lives. She’ll be joined every other week by a special guest to dive deep on a particular issue or place, before giving an update on what’s happening in her sandbox of Fulton County.

You can follow Dana Barrett on twitter at @TheDanaBarrett, or visit her website electdanabarrett.com.

Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network.

#gapol

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Local Option with Dana Barrett

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected