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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
Michael Caw on Data Centers, Education and Healthcare | Candidate Conversations – Episode 106
The Town Square Podcast’s Candidate Conversation series continues in Episode 106 with Michael Caw, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 114. Caw joins Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall to discuss concerns about data centers, Georgia’s school funding formula, and access to healthcare in rural communities.
Drawing on his Newborn council experience and career testing building materials, Caw explains why he is running and how he thinks about public service. The conversation also covers supporting local businesses and farmers, preparing students for the future, and working across party lines.
Sponsored by Angel Pitts with United Bank Wealth Management.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.”
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
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.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
Brett Mauldin: Faith, Freedom & Local Control | Candidate Conversations — Episode 80
In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue their Candidate Conversations series with Brett Mauldin, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 114. Mauldin shares his background as a second-generation small business owner, husband, father, and man of faith, while explaining how his upbringing, family life, and experience in construction have shaped his conservative worldview and leadership style.
The conversation covers property taxes, public education funding, local control, rural preservation, economic development, red tape on small businesses, and what Mauldin sees as the top priorities for the people of District 114. He also discusses his commitment to protecting children, supporting law enforcement, defending constitutional rights, and keeping government closer to the people it serves.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
Karla Hooper: Integrity, Healing & Representation | Candidate Conversations — Episode 79
In Episode 79 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue the Candidate Conversationsseries with Karla Hooper, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 113. Hooper shares her personal story, from her Arkansas roots and Emory University journey to more than two decades of life in Newton County. She reflects on her family legacy of public service, including her father’s participation in the Selma movement, and explains how advocacy, faith, and community engagement shaped her desire to run for office.
The conversation explores Hooper’s campaign priorities, including affordability, mental health resources, housing access, healthcare costs, public education, transparency, and responsible growth. She makes the case for a leadership style built on listening, integrity, and bridge-building across political lines, while emphasizing her desire to help bring healing and unity to Newton County and District 113.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
Elder J.B. Brockman: Brewing Better Politics at the Kappa Koffeehouse – Episode 66
In Episode 66 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey sits down with Elder J.B. Brockman, Chairman of the Political and Civic Action Committee for the Conyers-Covington Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Elder Brockman shares his journey from Benedict College and joining Kappa Alpha Psi in 1980 to his calling into ministry and current role as an elder at Victorious Life Church in Conyers. He explains the fraternity’s motto—“achievement in every field of human endeavor”—and how that plays out through service, mentoring young men, health and wellness initiatives, and deep community involvement in Rockdale and Newton counties.
The conversation centers on the Kappa Koffeehouse town hall forums, a nonpartisan, non-combative space where candidates and citizens meet eye to eye. Elder Brockman describes how these forums prioritize listening, civility, and real-time voter education, offering voters clarity without the negativity and attack-style politics we see at the national level. Together, Trey and Elder Brockman explore what it means to be “boots on the ground,” how to disagree without being disagreeable, and why the next generation needs more “solution agents” and fewer complainers. If you care about respectful civic engagement, mentoring, and building a healthier political culture in the messy middle, this episode is for you.
(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)
Scotty Scoggins: A Vampire Run, A Run for City Council, and the Messy Middle Mindset – Episode 57
In Episode 57 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Scotty Scoggins, candidate for Covington City Council Post 3 West Ward. Scotty shares his vision for Covington through his four campaign pillars: Transparency, Affordability, Smart Growth, and Access to Decision-Making. From his deep community involvement, including leading events like the Vampire Run, to his past candidacy for the school board, Scotty brings a perspective rooted in civic service and local engagement.
This conversation goes beyond campaign talking points, exploring Scotty’s passion for creating opportunities where everyday citizens feel connected to decisions shaping Covington’s future. Trey and Gabriel guide a thoughtful discussion about responsible growth, preserving community values, and the challenges of balancing affordability with progress. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply curious about local leadership, this episode offers a clear look at the heart of one candidate’s commitment to serving his neighbors.
D114 Rep. Tim Fleming: From Newton County Roots to Secretary of State Candidate – Episode 56
Representative Tim Fleming of Georgia House District 114 joins Trey Bailey on The Town Square Podcast for a deep dive into politics, elections, and the future of Georgia. A lifelong Newton County resident, small business owner, and experienced public servant, Fleming shares his journey from being one of the youngest County Commissioners in the state to serving as Chief of Staff under then–Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Now in his fourth year under the Gold Dome, Fleming has announced his candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State—a role he knows intimately after nearly eight years inside that very office.
In this episode, Trey and Fleming unpack everything from how a bill really becomes law to the challenges of election security, voter access, and professional licensing. It’s part civics lesson, part campaign launch, and part hometown conversation. Whether you’re a political junkie, a Newton County neighbor, or simply curious about how state government shapes everyday life, this episode offers insights that matter to Georgia’s future.