Don Scarbrough on Accountability, Taxes and Georgia House District 113 – Episode 108
Don Scarbrough joins Town Square Podcast Episode 108 as our Candidate Conversations series continues with the race for Georgia House District 113. He shares his perspective as a working man with an IT background and explains how his constitutional conservative principles shape his views on taxes, school funding, public safety, and government spending.
Trey asks follow-up questions about who pays for shared services, why Scarbrough supports slowing data center development, and what he wants reviewed before Medicaid expansion. The conversation centers on accountability, infrastructure costs, and what voters should know about his priorities for Newton County.
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Rev. Dr. Eric Lee on Affordability, Schools and Growth | Candidate Conversations – Episode 107
Rev. Dr. Eric Lee, candidate for Georgia Senate District 42, joins Trey Bailey for Episode 107 of The Town Square Podcast as the Candidate Conversation series continues. The Springfield Baptist Church pastor discusses why he is running and how his experiences with ministry, family, and community service shape his priorities.
The conversation covers first-time homeownership, Medicaid expansion, fuel costs, property-tax relief, public-school funding, data centers, and wages. Lee also explains his emphasis on quality of life and representing the entire district. Sponsored by United Bank’s Covington Branch.
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Pamela DeLancy on Veterans, Healthcare and Georgia’s 10th District—Episode 105
Pamela DeLancy joins Town Square Podcast Episode 105 as our Candidate Conversation series continues. The retired Army colonel, registered nurse, and candidate for US Congress in Georgia’s 10th District discusses her 39 years of military service, family responsibilities, cancer survivorship, and decision to run for office.
The conversation explores veterans’ care, rural healthcare access, wages, food and housing costs, data centers, and constitutional rights. DeLancy shares what she hears from residents and how those concerns shape her priorities. Sponsored by Bizzy Bee Exterminators and new sponsor Headbangers Taphouse.
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Jonathan Chavez on Healthcare, Immigration, and Georgia’s 13th District—Episode 104
Jonathan Chavez joins Town Square Podcast Episode 104 as our Candidate Conversation series continues. The candidate for US Congress in Georgia’s 13th District discusses his family’s roots, military medical service, healthcare administration experience, and approach to leadership and public accountability.
The conversation explores healthcare coverage, affordability, the FairTax proposal, immigration, education, and the role of faith in his campaign. Chavez explains where he differs from some Republicans and why he believes candidates should be willing to hear opposing views
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Zayvion Sheppard on For Atlanta. By Atlanta., Mentorship and Community Giving — Episode 103
Zayvion Sheppard, President & CEO of For Atlanta. By Atlanta., returns to The Town Square Podcast for Episode 103 to discuss affordable community giving. He explains the FABA 50, a goal of 50 people contributing $10 a month, and how the organization raises funds, invests in grassroots nonprofits and shares the impact with donors.
The conversation connects Newton County roots with service across metro Atlanta, including support for students through the Taylor Made Foundation. Zay also discusses donor trust, the doubts that nearly ended FABA, the mentors who invested in him, and his manuscript with the working title A Dollar’s Worth of Impact.
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Rep. Clint Crowe on Affordability, Housing and Data Centers | Candidate Conversations — Episode 101
Representative Clint Crowe joins the Town Square Podcast for Episode 101 and the return of Candidate Conversations. The District 118 Republican discusses his background in public safety and real estate, how the legislative process works, and why he believes responsiveness and experience should guide voters’ decisions in November.
Crowe also explains his positions on property-tax relief, housing supply, local zoning, school and government funding, and data-center development. The conversation examines the tradeoffs behind replacing property-tax revenue, lowering barriers to home construction, and balancing local control with Georgia’s economic and infrastructure goals.
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Marshall McCart of The Piedmont Chronicles: Politics, Privacy, and Local Music — Episode 97
Marshall McCart of The Piedmont Chronicles returns to The Town Square Podcast for a candid conversation about political burnout, the growing number of voters who feel politically homeless, and his belief that “the messy middle is the majority.” He and Trey examine the liberty-versus-security tradeoff surrounding Flock license plate readers, debate permanent standard time, and consider how homeownership and economic opportunity shape trust in American institutions.
The episode also takes a lively turn through Covington and Newton County music history—from Led Zeppelin and Steely Dan to Southern Freight, Rocketboy, Fox Hill Road, and a memorable 1996 farm show. Marshall closes with the reason he has not given up: faith, good people, and the hope of leaving something better for the next generation.
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Larry Cox Explains Data Centers, School Funding & the Future of Rockdale County — Episode 96
Rockdale County Board of Education member Larry Cox joins The Town Square Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about public education, fiscal stewardship, and one of Georgia's most talked-about development issues: data centers. Joined by guest co-host Dr. Gregory Brown, the discussion explores Rockdale County School's FY27 budget, Georgia's QBE funding formula, superintendent leadership, property taxes, senior tax relief, and the responsibilities of locally elected school boards.
The second half of the episode takes a deep dive into the rapidly expanding world of data centers. Drawing from interviews with engineers, energy experts, and state officials, Cox shares what he learned about water usage, electricity demand, infrastructure costs, noise concerns, and the potential economic impact on local communities. Whether you're interested in public education, local government, or the future of growth across East Metro Georgia, Episode 96 offers a thoughtful conversation designed to inform rather than inflame.
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Fayth Park on Data Centers, Affordability and GA-13 | Candidate Conversations — Episode 95
Fayth Park, a conservative candidate in the special election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, joins Candidate Conversations to share her journey from a blue-collar California family and collegiate wrestling to motherhood, community advocacy and a grassroots run for Congress. Park explains why she believes voters want a representative who will continue showing up after Election Day.
The conversation examines Park’s call for a pause and impact studies on data-center development, along with her views on affordability, healthcare access, immigration, school choice, skilled trades and the federal debt. Georgia’s special election is July 28, 2026; if no candidate wins a majority, the top two advance to an August runoff.
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Demond Mason: Service, Growth & District 2 Momentum | Candidate Conversations — Episode 91
Commissioner Demond Mason joins The Town Square Podcast for Episode 91 of the Candidate Conversations series. Mason, the current Newton County Board of Commissioners representative for District 2, shares his journey from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Newton County, his call into public service, and how faith, family, ministry, and community involvement shaped his leadership.
In this conversation, Mason discusses his record in office, including Salem Road widening, Denny Dobbs Park improvements, the new Senior Enrichment Center, economic development, public safety, and efforts to support Newton County’s unsheltered residents. He also explains why he is seeking re-election and how he views servant leadership in local government.
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Tamara Strong: Your Voice, Our Future | Candidate Conversations — Episode 90
Tamara Strong, candidate for Newton County Board of Commissioners District 2, joins The Town Square Podcast for this Candidate Conversations episode. A lifelong Newton County resident, wife, mother, woman of faith, and community advocate, Strong shares why she decided to run and how her campaign message — “Your Voice, Our Future” — reflects her desire to listen to residents and serve the community.
In the conversation, Strong discusses economic development, public safety, youth programs, transparency, town halls, emergency response, and her vision for “One Newton.” She also shares her heart for family, faith, cooking, and community connection as voters prepare for the May 19 primary.
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Jodi Lewis: Affordability, Advocacy & Accountability | Candidate Conversations — Episode 89
Jodi Lewis, candidate for Georgia House District 118, joins The Town Square Podcast for Episode 89 of the Candidate Conversations series. In this conversation, Lewis shares her story as a Newton County homeowner, mother, entrepreneur, communications strategist, and first-time candidate seeking to represent a district that includes south Newton County, all of Butts County, and much of Monroe County.
The conversation covers affordability, housing costs, healthcare, property taxes, education, school safety, and Lewis’s advocacy work connected to Miya’s Law. Lewis also discusses the importance of communication, accountability, and working across political differences to focus on the real issues facing District 118.
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Houston Gaines: Delivering Conservative Results | Candidate Conversations — Episode 88
State Representative Houston Gaines joins The Town Square Podcast for Episode 88 of the Candidate Conversations series to discuss his campaign for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. Gaines shares his background as an Athens native, eighth-generation northeast Georgian, small-business professional, and current member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
In this conversation, Trey and Gabriel talk with Gaines about public service, his legislative record, the Baker-Coleman Act, immigration enforcement, public safety, fiscal responsibility, housing affordability, small business growth, agriculture, constituent service, and why he believes now is the right time to run for Congress.
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Wendell McNeal: Workhorse, Not Show Horse | Candidate Conversations — Episode 87
Wendell McNeal, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 114, joins The Town Square Podcast for another episode in our Candidate Conversations series. McNeal shares his story of growing up in Gordon and Milledgeville, losing his father at a young age, building a business from the ground up, and eventually growing a Curtis Mathis franchise into multiple locations before transitioning into real estate and community investment.
In this conversation, McNeal discusses property taxes, public education funding, senior tax relief, data centers, Rivian, economic development, and the importance of protecting quality of life while encouraging responsible growth. He also reflects on his time working with the Georgia House Judiciary Committee, his role as a Georgia presidential elector, and why he describes himself as a “workhorse, not a show horse.”
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Nytravious “Nytro” Smith: Preserving Newton, Preparing for the Future | Candidate Conversations — Episode 86
Nytravious “Nytro” Smith joins The Town Square Podcast for this Candidate Conversations episode as a candidate for Newton County Board of Commissioners District 4. A lifelong Newton County resident, Eastside High School graduate, ordained minister, community coach, and tradesman, Smith shares how his roots in Green Acres, Nelson Heights, Newton County Schools, and the Washington Street Community Center shaped his desire to serve.
In this conversation, Smith discusses his campaign theme, “Preserving Newton. Preparing for the Future,” and outlines his thoughts on growth, taxes, economic development, housing, transparency, workforce development, and county-wide collaboration. He also explains his “Visionary Mentor” approach to leadership and why he believes Newton County needs fresh energy, accountability, and long-term planning.
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Ryan Millsap: Outsider, Builder, and a Fighter for Georgia’s 10th | Candidate Conversations — Episode 85
Ryan Millsap joins The Town Square Podcast for Episode 85 as part of the ongoing Candidate Conversations series, which aims to help voters hear directly from the individuals seeking public office. A Republican candidate for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, Millsap shares the story behind his candidacy, beginning with his upbringing in a middle-class family, his academic path through Biola, Oxford, and USC, and his career as an entrepreneur in commercial real estate and film studio development.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Millsap explains why he sees himself as an outsider to politics, what drove him to run for Congress, and how his experiences in business, property battles, and public conflict shaped his views on government, the Constitution, immigration, corruption, and the role of leadership in America. He also offers a passionate vision for what he believes Georgia’s 10th District can become and why he believes this moment calls for a different kind of representative in Washington.
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Richard Wright: The Limping Rapper, CPA, and Moderate Democrat | Candidate Conversations — Episode 84
In Episode 84 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Richard Wright, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, for a wide-ranging conversation as part of the Candidate Conversations series. Wright shares his remarkable personal story — from dropping out of high school, moving to Atlanta with dreams of becoming a rapper, and working at the airport for $6.25 an hour, to earning his undergraduate degree, MBA, CPA, and studying at Georgetown Law. Along the way, he explains how his life experience shaped his belief that Georgia needs leaders who can speak to people in the political middle and focus on practical solutions instead of partisan warfare. His campaign site frames that approach around “common sense leadership” and putting Georgians first.
The conversation explores Wright’s platform on healthcare, Medicaid expansion, rural hospitals, housing affordability, tax policy, workforce development, and the need for more civility in state government. He makes the case that Georgia needs a lieutenant governor who can work with both parties, explain policy in plain English, and focus on helping working families, farmers, small business owners, and communities across the state. The episode also highlights his pitch as a moderate Democrat who believes most Georgians live in the “messy middle” and want better schools, effective taxation, and practical leadership.
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Alana Sanders: Ready on Day One | Candidate Conversations — Episode 82
Alana Sanders joins The Town Square Podcast for Episode 82 of our Candidate Conversations series to discuss her run for Georgia House District 113. In this wide-ranging conversation, she shares her personal story, her path from Louisiana to Newton County, the loss of her parents at a young age, and the many roles that have shaped her public service journey—from commissioner to lobbyist, professor, and community advocate.
Sanders also lays out her vision for Newton County, including housing affordability, infrastructure readiness, public education, data center regulation, youth programming, economic development, and the importance of transparency in government. This episode gives voters a closer look at a candidate who says she is ready to serve on day one.
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Everton Blair: A New Generation of Leadership | Candidate Conversations — Episode 81
In Episode 81 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey continues the Candidate Conversations series with Everton Blair, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Georgia’s 13th District. Blair shares his story as the son of Jamaican immigrants, a former high school math teacher, and a trailblazing member of the Gwinnett County Board of Education, where he became the board’s youngest, first Black, and first openly gay member before later serving as chair during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conversation explores Blair’s vision for a new generation of leadership in Washington, along with his views on affordability, housing, healthcare, immigration, public education, workforce development, and the growing influence of corporations in public life. Blair also reflects on servant leadership, faith, and why he believes voters in the May primary should see this race as one of the most important opportunities to shape the future of Georgia’s 13th District.
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Councilman Dwayne Turner: Transparency, Tradition & Growth — Episode 78
In Episode 78 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with newly elected Covington City Councilman Dwayne Turner to talk about his background in the military, law enforcement, HOA leadership, and public service. Turner shares what led him to run for office and how he is adjusting to the realities of serving on city council during a season of major public discussion and rapid growth.
The conversation covers some of Covington’s biggest current issues, including infrastructure, stormwater fees, taxes, fireworks, the tattoo shop vote on the square, and the importance of transparency in local government. Throughout the episode, Turner returns to the ideas that shaped his campaign and now define his service: listening to constituents, protecting Covington’s traditions, and working toward a stronger future for the city and for Newton County as a whole.
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