Marshall “MBM” McCart: Citizen Journalism, Local Politics, and the Esoteric South – Episode 55
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Introduction
In Episode 55 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey welcomes local writer, real estate instructor, and self-proclaimed “semi-professional ant-hill kicker” Marshall “MBM” McCart to the studio. Known throughout Newton County and the broader Georgia Piedmont as the voice behind The Piedmont Chronicles, McCart is not afraid to stir up conversation, challenge the status quo, or highlight issues others might prefer left in the shadows.
From rising property taxes and local development battles to the hot-button Rivian plant and the so-called “Morgan County Six,” this conversation ventures deep into the messy middle of community life and governance. McCart doesn’t just opine; he contextualizes decades of local history, family ties, and political activism, all while reflecting his unique, sometimes eccentric worldview.
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a “citizen journalist” in today’s world—or why Covington, GA finds itself at the crossroads of growth, governance, and grassroots activism—this episode is for you.
Who is Marshall “MBM” McCart?
Marshall McCart describes himself as:
“A jack-of-all-trades, amateur philosopher & theologian, and a semi-professional ant-hill kicker that resides deep in the heart of the Georgia Piedmont. A man perhaps of some talents, McCart claims mastery of none. At his core, he seeks to explain the peculiar essence of The Esoteric South while maybe sometimes thinking about the meaning of life.”
Beyond his colorful self-description, McCart is the editor and primary writer for The Piedmont Chronicles, an online blog that mixes political commentary, local history, and cultural reflections. His work is often equal parts informative and provocative—designed to spark dialogue across ideological divides.
He is also:
A real estate instructor and lead teacher at American Real Estate University.
A proud father and husband.
An enthusiast of UGA athletics, Americana music, and Led Zeppelin.
A lover of cooking, Hunter S. Thompson, and the enduring quirks of Southern life.
The Origins of The Piedmont Chronicles
McCart shares how The Piedmont Chronicles began almost by accident. Originally the title of an unfinished novel he started writing in 2000, “The Piedmont Chronicles” resurfaced years later as the perfect moniker for his blog.
“It was going to be my version of the great American novel … a semi-autobiographical tale. But the spark died and I shelved it. Years later, when blogs were becoming popular, I needed a place to house my pieces for About Covington to Madison magazine. That’s when The Piedmont Chronicles was born.”
By 2015, McCart had shifted from light local history and human-interest stories into the realm of citizen journalism—covering local politics, land use debates, and government accountability. That shift cemented his reputation as someone unafraid to kick the proverbial anthill when necessary.
Citizen Journalist, Not Political Pundit
Although some describe McCart as a political pundit, he prefers the term “citizen journalist.”
“Citizen journalist … that’s the term I prefer. Politico, pundit, muckraker—sure, those fit too. But at the heart of it, I’m just a citizen who loves this community and feels compelled to speak up when things don’t add up.”
This distinction matters. While pundits often amplify partisan talking points, McCart’s writing focuses on local accountability—from city council decisions and rezoning approvals to county-level tax debates. He sees his role not as swaying voters to one side, but rather as ensuring transparency and elevating conversations often buried under bureaucracy.
Real Estate, Teaching, and Community Ties
When he’s not writing, McCart wears several other hats. He’s the lead instructor at American Real Estate University, where he has taught over 40 licensing classes and countless continuing education courses. He also manages compliance for a real estate group spanning multiple states.
Yet, despite the paperwork-heavy demands of his day job, he continues to invest time and energy into civic engagement.
“I have to have an outlet,” McCart says. “Otherwise, it’s just paperwork all day long. Writing is how I make sense of what’s happening around me.”
This balance—between professional rigor and community watchdogging—makes his voice both grounded and passionate.
Rising Taxes and the Scope of Government
A central theme of this episode is taxation and local government spending. McCart has been outspoken about recent 10% and 11% millage rate increases in Newton County and the City of Covington.
“We’re pricing a lot of folks out—especially seniors on fixed incomes and working-class families. I’m all for services like police, fire, and schools. But the size and scope of government is too high, and the administrative costs are where things balloon.”
The discussion touches on House Bill 581, which capped property assessment growth but left local governments scrambling to adjust millage rates. Trey Bailey adds a thought-provoking idea: could a new education-specific local option sales tax provide relief by shifting some of the burden off property owners?
McCart responds cautiously optimistic:
“You might have something there. Of course, the devil is in the details.”
Development, Growth, and the Messy Middle
From traffic studies to multifamily housing, McCart critiques how Covington and Newton County have handled growth. He cites:
Traffic “solutions” like elevated trail crossings that impede emergency vehicles.
Multifamily developments approved decades ago—or more recently with little oversight—leading to unintended consequences.
The delicate balance between growth and livability, such as how more housing enabled Publix to open, even as it strained infrastructure.
This balancing act—the messy middle—is exactly where The Town Square Podcast thrives. McCart doesn’t simply rail against development; he situates it in a broader conversation about governance, fairness, and community identity.
The Rivian Controversy and the Morgan County Six
Perhaps the most charged part of the conversation is McCart’s take on the Rivian plant near Stanton Springs and the lawsuit by the so-called “Morgan County Six.”
He explains:
The state overrode local control, taking zoning authority away from Morgan County.
Six residents sued to defend home rule, only to face countersuits seeking to recoup legal costs.
The move sets a dangerous precedent for future governors, regardless of party, to seize local authority in the name of “economic development.”
“To me, it feels like they’re trying to send a message: don’t mess with us. What I fear most is the precedent—it could be used by future leaders for projects citizens don’t want. Home rule is supposed to mean something.”
Politics, Elections, and Citizen Engagement
The conversation closes with a look at upcoming Covington municipal elections. McCart highlights candidates, recalls Scotty Scoggins’ strong showing in 2021, and underscores the importance of turnout.
He also reflects on why he himself has never run for office:
“I feel like I can accomplish more as I am—writing, teaching, speaking. Maybe that’s a story I tell myself, but it’s the truth for now.”
Important Links from This Episode
🎙️ The Town Square Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com
✍️ The Piedmont Chronicles: http://www.thepiedmontchronicles.com
Facebook: Marshall: facebook.com/marshmanslim
Facebook: TPC: facebook.com/thepiedmontchronicles
👟 K&D Shoes: https://kanddshoes.com/
💳 Support the Podcast with a Donation: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate
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Thank You to Our Sponsor
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