Tamara Strong: Your Voice, Our Future | Candidate Conversations — Episode 90

DJ Seals: Scams, Second Chances & the Happiest Place on Earth — Episode 92

After a full season of Candidate Conversations, The Town Square Podcast is back to regular programming — and Episode 92 brings us right back into the heart of what this show was built to do. This week, Trey Bailey sits down with Detective DJ Seals of the Covington Police Department for a conversation that is equal parts informative, funny, practical, personal, and deeply local. If you’ve been around Covington or Newton County for any amount of time, there’s a good chance you know DJ Seals — or at least you know his voice. Some know him from radio. Some know him from law enforcement. Some know him as the booming, joyful voice announcing Miracle League baseball games. Others know him from his years of community service, public safety work, and willingness to show up wherever he is needed. But in this episode, listeners get a fuller picture of DJ Seals: the broadcaster, the detective, the fraud investigator, the storyteller, the community servant, and the guy who has somehow lived enough interesting chapters to make Trey compare him to “the most interesting man in the world.” DJ, of course, laughed that off. But by the end of the episode, it was pretty clear Trey wasn’t completely wrong. From Radio Voice to Detective Seals The conversation begins with DJ’s name — literally. DJ stands for Daniel Jonathan, though almost everyone has always called him DJ. That made things especially amusing when he worked in radio, because people naturally assumed “DJ” was his radio name. It wasn’t. It was just his name. DJ talked about his early days in radio, including time at WGFS 1430 and later with Atlanta’s 104.7 The Fish. Trey remembered first connecting with him during his Eastridge Church days, when the church was hosting concert events and The Fish brought out its van and promotional team. That radio background matters because it helps explain part of what makes DJ such a compelling guest. He knows how to tell stories. He knows how to communicate. And now, in his role with the Covington Police Department, he is using those same skills to educate the public about fraud, scams, identity theft, and personal safety. DJ previously served with CPD before stepping away after a serious car accident and later moving into the world of law enforcement software. In that role, he worked with agencies across all 50 states and eight countries, helping teach best practices around real-time crime centers, drone systems, investigations, SWAT support, and technology tools. But recently, a conversation with Chief Brent Fuesting led DJ back to the badge. He had gone to the police department to drop off backpacks his church had prepared for homeless individuals and children who may be present during difficult law enforcement scenes. Those backpacks included small items like fidgets and comfort tools — simple things that can help a child regulate during stressful moments. One conversation with the chief turned into another. About a week later, DJ was back with the Covington Police Department. Fraud, Forgery, Identity Theft — and a Changing World DJ now focuses heavily on fraud, forgery, identity theft, and scams. Some of that work is familiar to him from his earlier law enforcement career, but the world has changed dramatically. Identity theft was still a relatively new concept when DJ first worked in this space. Laws were still catching up. Technology was evolving. Investigators often had to do much of the work by hand. Today, the tools are better. Unfortunately, so are the criminals. DJ explained that the core work of investigation is still the same, but the process has changed. Technology gives investigators more ways to track patterns and gather information, but it also gives scammers more ways to deceive, manipulate, and hide. And the scams themselves have evolved. The old stereotype was the “Nigerian prince” email — someone promising gold bars or a giant inheritance in exchange for a fee. DJ said today’s scams are often much more realistic. They look official. They use familiar institutions. They rely on public information. And most importantly, they are built around emotion. Fear and Love: The Two Big Hooks One of the strongest themes from the episode is DJ’s explanation that modern scams are less about greed and more about emotion. The old scams often worked by promising people money. Today’s scams usually work by creating fear or exploiting love. Fear shows up in fake toll notices, fake warrant threats, fake court documents, fake postal service claims, and fake Federal Trade Commission threats. A person receives a text, email, or phone call saying they owe money, missed court, have a warrant, or need to pay immediately to avoid arrest. Love shows up in relationship scams. DJ said relationship fraud is one of the biggest things he is seeing right now. These scams often begin on social media. A stranger comments on a photo, sends a message, finds a point of connection, and slowly builds trust. It is what DJ described as a “long con.” The scammer may spend weeks or months building what feels like a real relationship. Eventually, the request comes. Money for a car repair. Money for a child. Money for travel. Money for a medical issue. And once money starts moving, the losses can become devastating. DJ shared that his own aunt lost $180,000 in a relationship scam before the family knew what had happened. DJ confirmed that these stories are not rare, and they are heartbreaking because the victim often believes the relationship is real. That makes the investigator’s job even harder. DJ said one of the most difficult parts is not simply investigating the crime. It is helping the victim understand that they have been deceived. There is grief. There is shame. There is embarrassment. And DJ was clear: victims should not carry that shame. These scammers are professionals. This is what they do. They are trained, organized, and skilled at manipulation. The Rise of Bitcoin Scams Another major warning from DJ: be extremely cautious if anyone asks you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM. Fake warrant scams, relationship scams, and other fraud schemes increasingly route victims toward Bitcoin machines. The scammer tells the victim to deposit thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin ATM to clear a warrant, pay a fee, help a loved one, or resolve an urgent problem. DJ explained why this is so dangerous. Traditional financial institutions can be subpoenaed. Banks have fraud departments. Investigators can track certain transactions. Bitcoin is different. It is largely unregulated, often international, and can be extremely difficult to recover once money is sent. DJ described Bitcoin as the “Wild West.” His advice was blunt: if someone is asking you to put money into a Bitcoin machine, that is almost certainly a scam. Fake Warrants, Toll Texts, Funeral Scams, and More DJ walked through several common scams circulating right now. One is the fake toll text. Many people have received messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. Those scams became so widespread that scammers eventually shifted into other tactics. One newer version is the fake warrant scam. A person receives a document or message saying there is a warrant for their arrest because they missed court. The document may include real-sounding language, fake seals, judge names, county references, or courthouse addresses. But DJ said there are usually clues. The county may not match. The judge may be from the wrong jurisdiction. The address may be wrong. The language may sound official, but the details do not hold together. The problem is that panic makes people miss those clues. DJ told the story of a friend who was standing at a gas station, ready to put thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin machine because he believed he had a warrant. DJ told him to walk away, calm down, sit in his truck, and actually read the document. Once the panic faded, the errors were obvious. Another emerging scam DJ mentioned is the funeral scam. Scammers read obituaries, gather family information, identify the funeral home, and call grieving relatives pretending to be from the funeral home. They may claim that insurance did not cover a final bill and ask for a credit card payment. It is cruel. It is targeted. And it works because people are grieving and vulnerable. Social Media: Would You Do This in Person? DJ offered a simple rule that may be the most memorable piece of advice from the episode: Would you do this in person? Would you give a stranger on the Covington Square $5,000 because they said their car broke down? Would you walk up to someone you have never met and tell them about your grandkids, your dog, your family, your church, your schedule, and your personal life? Most people would say no. But online, the barrier feels lower. There is a screen between people. There is a sense of safety. A person can seem kind, familiar, interested, and trustworthy. DJ said that is exactly what scammers exploit. His advice is not to stop talking to people altogether. It is to keep your guard up. Ask questions. Verify details. Do not assume a person is who they claim to be simply because they know a few facts about you. And if someone begins asking for money, gift cards, Bitcoin, favors, or urgent help — slow down. Ask questions. Call someone you trust. Call DJ. Call law enforcement. Do not let urgency make the decision for you. Protecting Older Adults and Vulnerable Loved Ones One of the most practical parts of the conversation centered on family members and caregivers. DJ said he currently has cases where the victim did not initiate the report. A caregiver or relative noticed something odd and reached out because they suspected their loved one was being scammed. That matters. If you have an older parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or friend who spends time on social media, pay attention. Not in a controlling way. In a caring way. If you see unfamiliar people commenting frequently or appearing in their online circle, ask gentle questions. Who is that? How do you know them? Where are they from? Have they asked you for anything? DJ said those questions can help identify a scam before money is lost. He also emphasized that many victims are not careless or foolish. Many are lonely, trusting, grieving, or simply unaware of how sophisticated these scams have become. And some are very tech savvy. This can happen to anyone. Fraud Prevention Classes for the Community One of the most encouraging parts of the episode is that DJ is not just investigating these crimes after they happen. He wants to prevent them. DJ is offering free fraud prevention conversations for schools, churches, civic organizations, retirement communities, and other local groups. These sessions are designed to be practical and conversational. He wants people to bring questions, share concerns, and learn how to spot scams before they become victims. He made it clear that these are not credit repair classes or technical financial seminars. They are awareness conversations. What scams are happening right now? What should people look for? Who should they call? What are the red flags? How do families protect vulnerable loved ones? DJ’s goal is simple: if one person recognizes a scam before sending money, it is worth it. To schedule a fraud prevention conversation with Detective DJ Seals: Phone: 770-385-2127 Email: daniel.seals@covingtonpolice.com The Team Behind the Badge DJ also made a point to emphasize that this work is not done alone. He talked about the detectives and officers at CPD who each bring different strengths to the table. Some are especially strong with social media. Some are strong with research. Some specialize in other investigative tools or processes. When a case gets complicated, the team works together. DJ said he has never had a problem asking for help, and he sees that as a strength. That spirit of teamwork matters because fraud cases can involve multiple victims, stolen identities, out-of-state actors, international phone numbers, fake accounts, financial records, and larger criminal networks. Sometimes a small local case reveals a much larger machine. DJ said when investigators can identify patterns and connect cases, they may be able to bring in larger agencies and pursue bigger targets. The goal is not just to catch the small cog. The goal is to expose the larger network. The Joy of Miracle League Baseball After a heavy conversation about scams, fraud, fear, and vulnerability, the episode ends on a joyful note. For many in Newton County, DJ Seals is the voice of Miracle League baseball. He has been announcing games for more than 11 years, and it is obvious that the Miracle League holds a special place in his heart. DJ told the story of how his wife first heard that the league needed help with announcing. He showed up, sat down, and quickly realized there was a lot of space between names being called. So he started calling the games like a real baseball broadcast. A kid hit the ball, and DJ launched into full announcer mode. The crowd loved it. The players loved it. And he has been doing it ever since. What began with four teams of six players has grown dramatically. DJ said the most recent season included 16 teams and 195 players. He described Miracle League as a place of pure joy — so much so that he joked it deserves the title “the happiest place on earth.” For DJ, it is also personally restorative. After a difficult day, he can put on his Miracle League jersey, head to the field, hear the first song, and feel the weight of the day lift. That part of the conversation captures something important about DJ Seals. Yes, he is a detective. Yes, he investigates serious crimes. Yes, he works fraud cases that involve real pain and real victims. But he is also deeply connected to the community in ways that go beyond the badge. He serves. He shows up. He brings joy. And he uses his voice — literally and figuratively — to make Newton County a better place. Final Thoughts Episode 92 is a reminder of why The Town Square Podcast exists. This is not just a show about politics, elections, or public issues. It is a show about people who are working in different corners of the community to make life better, safer, stronger, and more connected. Detective DJ Seals brings a rare combination of humor, experience, compassion, technical knowledge, and old-fashioned community care. He understands the scams. He understands the victims. He understands the systems. And he understands that education may be one of the most powerful tools we have. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, church leader, business owner, older adult, or just someone who has ever received a suspicious text message, this episode is worth your time. Because the scams are changing. The criminals are getting better. And the best defense is a community that knows what to look for. Episode Sponsors: All Air This episode is also sponsored by All Air, serving Covington and the greater Atlanta area with heating, cooling, maintenance, repairs, full system installations, free replacement estimates, free second opinions, and flexible financing options. All Air offers 10% off for military veterans and senior citizens. Mention The Town Square Podcast for $25 off your next repair service. Call 770-761-9914 or visit allairservices.com [https://www.allairservices.com/]. The Appalachia Group Insurance This episode of The Town Square Podcast is sponsored by The Appalachia Group Insurance. Bobby Stevens and his partner Matt McLean are licensed in Georgia and Tennessee and bring more than 36 years of combined insurance experience. As an independent agency, they are not limited to one carrier, which allows them to shop for coverage that fits the needs of each client. They offer auto, home, life, commercial, and special event insurance coverage. Contact: Bobby Stevens Phone: 770-728-1880 Email: bobby@appgroupins.com

Demond Mason: Service, Growth & District 2 Momentum | Candidate Conversations — Episode 91

In this Candidate Conversations episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Commissioner Demond Mason, the current Newton County Board of Commissioners representative for District 2 and a candidate for re-election. Mason shares how his journey began far from Newton County, growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Georgia, buying his first home in Newton County, and eventually feeling called into public service. What began as a desire to serve his community through ministry, outreach, and local involvement eventually became a run for county commission in 2018. For Mason, public service is deeply connected to ministry. He describes elected office as a way to serve people, listen to their concerns, educate residents about how government works, and advocate for the needs of his district. Throughout the conversation, Mason reflects on nearly eight years in office and points to several District 2 projects he is proud of, including the widening of Salem Road, improvements at Denny Dobbs Park, the county’s first splash pad and skate park, the new Senior Enrichment Center, and ongoing work toward a future recreation and aquatic center. A major theme of the episode is growth. District 2 is the smallest commission district geographically, but Mason notes that it carries the highest population density in Newton County. Because of that, he says infrastructure, commercial development, public safety, and quality of life are all deeply connected. Mason discusses his support for economic development, including new retail growth along the Salem Road and Brown Bridge corridors, and explains how he tries to balance residential growth with the need for restaurants, entertainment, services, jobs, and commercial investment closer to where District 2 residents live. The conversation also explores public safety, including Mason’s support for increased sheriff’s office funding, more deputy presence in District 2, and the creation of the Westside precinct. Mason says visible law enforcement presence is an important quality-of-life issue for residents. Trey and Mason also talk about the role of partisanship in local government. Mason, a Democrat, emphasizes that while candidates may run under party labels, governing requires serving everyone. He says residents do not ask for road repairs, trash pickup, or county services as Democrats or Republicans — they ask as people who deserve responsive government. Toward the end of the episode, Mason highlights issues he believes deserve more attention, especially Newton County’s unsheltered population. He discusses efforts to connect housing, mental health resources, substance abuse support, workforce training, and job placement into a more complete pathway for people in need. As Mason asks voters for another term, he frames his candidacy around servant leadership, accessibility, experience, and unfinished work in District 2. For more information on Commissioner Demond Mason check out his website here: Demond Mason 4 Commissioner [https://demondmason4commissioner.com/] Episode Sponsors SCB Construction Group SCB Construction Group is a locally owned, community-driven commercial construction company and an Engineering News-Record Top 100 Southeast contractor. SCB specializes in turnkey design-build, design-bid, and commercial contracting services for projects ranging from manufacturing facilities and distribution centers to churches, sports complexes, office spaces, and retail buildings. Learn more at scbcg.com [https://www.scbconstructiongroup.com/]. Main Street Land and Properties Main Street Land and Properties provides commercial and residential property management, brokerage services, real estate development, and construction management. Located at 2141 Emory Street NW in Covington, Main Street serves as a trusted partner for buying, selling, investing, managing, and developing property. Learn more at mslap.com [https://mslap.com/].

Tamara Strong: Your Voice, Our Future | Candidate Conversations — Episode 90

In this Candidate Conversations episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Tamara Strong, candidate for Newton County Board of Commissioners District 2, for a conversation about community, public safety, youth programs, transparency, and what she believes leadership should look like in Newton County. Strong describes herself as a lifelong Newton County resident, wife, mother, woman of faith, and community advocate. She shares that her motivation for running comes from a desire to serve people and help ensure residents feel heard by local government. Throughout the conversation, Strong returns often to the phrase at the center of her campaign: “Your Voice, Our Future.” For her, that means listening to constituents, hosting town halls, improving communication from county government, and making decisions with the people of District 2 in mind. A major topic in the interview is growth. Strong says many residents she has spoken with are concerned about whether Newton County’s infrastructure, public safety staffing, teachers, firefighters, deputies, and services can keep pace with continued development. She also says residents are asking for more opportunities and programs for young people, including progress on a long-discussed youth center. Public safety is another major theme. Strong discusses her belief that county commissioners have a responsibility to work closely with law enforcement, fire services, and emergency response agencies to help keep the community safe. She also shares concern about ambulance response times and says she would like Newton County to revisit how emergency medical services are handled. The conversation also explores transparency, accessibility, and unity. Strong says she would like to see more town halls, better communication, and more opportunities for county officials and community agencies to work together. She points to a community event she helped organize with the health department, fire services, sheriff’s office, and local families as an example of what she calls “One Newton.” Outside of politics, Strong shares her love for family, faith, cooking, barbecue, and community gatherings. She closes the episode by encouraging voters to make their voices heard in the May 19 primary. Find out more about Tamara Strong at her campaign Facebook page: Elect Tamara Strong for District 2 Commissioner [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584156661837] Episode Sponsors All Air When it comes to heating, cooling, and healthy air in Covington and the greater Atlanta area, All Air is known for reliable repairs, maintenance, full system installations, free estimates on replacements, free second opinions, and flexible financing options. They also offer 10% off for military, veterans, and senior citizens. Call 770-761-9914 or visit allairservices.com [https://www.allairservices.com/]. Mention this podcast for $25 off your next repair service. Luther Rice College and Seminary Luther Rice College and Seminary offers biblical, affordable, accredited, and completely online programs designed for students, adult learners, ministry leaders, and working professionals. Programs include dual enrollment, undergraduate degrees, certificate programs, and doctoral-level study. Learn more at LutherRice.edu [https://www.lutherrice.edu/].

Jodi Lewis: Affordability, Advocacy & Accountability | Candidate Conversations — Episode 89

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue the Candidate Conversations series with Jodi Lewis, candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives in District 118. District 118 includes the south side of Newton County, extends down Highway 36 into BOE/BOC District 1, includes all of Butts County, and covers much of Monroe County. It is a geographically large and politically diverse district — one that Lewis says deserves active representation, clear communication, and leadership that is willing to listen across party lines. Lewis introduced herself as a Newton County homeowner, mother, entrepreneur, and first-time candidate. She moved to Covington in 2017, bought her first home in 2020, and has three daughters, including a bonus daughter serving in the United States Navy. She shared that her maiden name is actually Covington, joking that when she moved to Georgia, the city seemed to be “calling her name.” Professionally, Lewis brings a background in criminal justice, counseling, marketing, communications, and entrepreneurship. She earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Fayetteville State University, followed by two master’s degrees — one in professional counseling and another in public relations and marketing. After working in the mental health field, she transitioned into marketing and launched her own firm in 2012. Lewis said her work has included marketing strategy, legal case amplification, advocacy communications, and organizing one of the largest Caribbean-themed cruises. She also shared that her company was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses in 2024 and won recognition for a healthcare marketing campaign tied to breast cancer research. When asked why she decided to run, Lewis said she was initially contacted by an organization called The Fighting 50, which encouraged her to consider public office. After conversations with the organization and her family, she began to see the campaign as a natural extension of work she had already been doing — advocacy, communications, problem-solving, and public engagement. Her family’s support helped solidify the decision. Lewis said her daughters and parents reminded her of the work she had already done, the countries she had traveled to, the businesses she had built, and the advocacy she had been part of. That encouragement pushed her to step into the race. Lewis also said she did not believe any candidate — Democrat or Republican — should simply be handed the opportunity to represent a district. In her view, public office should be earned through listening, engagement, and work. Throughout the conversation, Lewis returned often to a central theme: people want to be heard. As she has campaigned across the district, Lewis said the response has been encouraging. She described voters as excited that someone is knocking on doors, asking questions, and giving them an opportunity to share their concerns. Even when people disagree with her politically, she said many have still been willing to engage. The top issues she said she is hearing from voters include healthcare costs, housing affordability, property taxes, and the rising cost of everyday life. Lewis said many residents moved to communities like Newton, Butts, and Monroe counties to avoid the high cost of living found closer to Atlanta. But as housing prices rise and new homes are built in the $400,000 to $500,000 range, some residents are beginning to feel those same financial pressures following them. She connected those concerns personally to her own daughters, saying young adults are beginning to wonder whether they will ever be able to afford homes of their own. When asked how she would approach affordable housing from the state level, Lewis said she brings what she described as a common-sense and analytical mindset. She argued that complex problems require more than slogans and that elected officials should focus less on claiming credit for legislation and more on whether policies actually improve people’s lives. Lewis emphasized that she is not a career politician and said she believes politics has too often become like a football game, with each side more focused on winning for its team than solving problems for the people watching from the stands. Her background in communications also shaped much of the conversation. District 118, as Trey noted, is politically diverse and now leans Republican after redistricting. Lewis, running as a Democrat, said reaching voters across that landscape requires more than speeches and campaign talking points. It requires communication, explanation, and relationship-building. She argued that many elected officials need stronger communication skills, especially when it comes to explaining complicated policy decisions to everyday voters. Lewis said voters may not always know the name or number of a bill, but when the issue is explained clearly, they often have thoughtful opinions about it. One of the strongest moments in the episode came when Lewis shared a story about meeting two Republican women at City Pharmacy restaurant on the Covington Square. After introducing herself as a candidate, Lewis said the women told her they were Republicans. Her response was that she wanted to talk with them and better understand their perspective. That conversation continued beyond dinner, eventually moving to their home, where they talked for hours. Lewis said they did not agree on every issue, but they better understood one another’s experiences and perspectives by the end of the conversation. For Lewis, that kind of exchange represents what politics should look like: honest, respectful, curious, and focused on finding shared concerns. That story fit naturally with the mission of The Town Square Podcast — stepping into the messy middle, not to force agreement, but to create understanding. The discussion then moved into affordability, taxes, and the balance between growth and responsibility. Lewis said she believes growth can be good for communities when it is planned strategically and produces a return on investment. As an entrepreneur, she said she understands that growth should eventually help pay for itself. At the same time, she pushed back against simplistic arguments around taxes. Lewis said she would love to eliminate taxes, but basic community needs — roads, schools, public safety, and services — still have to be funded. The issue, in her view, is not simply whether taxes exist, but whether government is using public dollars wisely and producing results for the people. Education became one of the most passionate parts of the conversation. Lewis said success for students in District 118 means opportunity — not just in one form, but holistic opportunity for every student. She talked about literacy, safety, mental health, workforce readiness, school funding, and accountability. She shared that she pulled her youngest daughter out of a Newton County high school because of concerns about safety, mental health support, and disruptions that affected her ability to focus. Her daughter is now graduating a year early, working full-time, and exploring entrepreneurship. Lewis said Georgia must be willing to learn from places that have improved literacy outcomes, including Mississippi, which has been widely discussed for its major improvements in reading achievement. She said the state should be humble enough to study what works elsewhere and apply those lessons. A major part of the education conversation focused on Georgia’s school funding formula, often referred to as the QBE formula, which was created in the 1980s. Trey noted that the formula dates back to a very different era — a time before modern school technology, today’s safety concerns, and many of the current expectations placed on public schools. Lewis said it troubles her when elected officials talk about the need to update the formula but have been in positions to help change it for years. If elected, she said she would want to understand why it has not been updated and what barriers are preventing reform. She also questioned whether Georgia should be proud of large budget surpluses when schools, healthcare, and families are still struggling. Lewis argued that a surplus should not be treated only as a bragging point if the state is not adequately meeting the needs of children and families. The conversation then shifted to one of the most personal and powerful parts of Lewis’s public advocacy work: Miya’s Law. Lewis explained that she became involved after receiving a call that a young woman named Miya Marcano was missing. Miya’s father was connected to the Caribbean cruise community that Lewis helps organize. Initially, Lewis stepped in to help manage media attention and organize information so the family could focus on finding Miya. Miya was later found deceased. Lewis described the grief of sitting with Miya’s family and the immediate conviction that something had to change so other families would not experience the same tragedy. Lewis helped support the family in launching the Miya Marcano Foundation, raising awareness around missing persons cases, and advocating for stronger tenant safety laws. She described helping families understand what to do when a loved one goes missing, assisting with media outreach, and pushing law enforcement to take cases seriously. Miya’s Law focuses on tenant safety, including longer notice before apartment entry, stronger background checks for employees entering units, and better logs of who enters apartments and why. Lewis said versions of the law passed in Florida, Nevada, and Virginia, and that she would like to see similar tenant protections pursued in Georgia. When asked what that advocacy taught her about legislating, Lewis said it showed her the importance of understanding the process, identifying key players, and being willing to work across party lines. She said sometimes getting something done may require allowing someone else’s name to appear on a bill if that is what helps it pass. For Lewis, the point is not political credit. The point is impact. She also spoke about the role of public communication in getting legislation passed. In her advocacy work, Lewis said public awareness helped create pressure and momentum. She argued that when people understand an issue and care about it, they can help move lawmakers to act. As the conversation moved toward closing, Gabriel asked Lewis how she would turn individual conversations — like the one she had with Republican voters at City Pharmacy — into a long-term way of representing a diverse district. Lewis said the answer starts with authenticity, openness, curiosity, and a willingness to sit down with people. She said she wants to understand why people believe what they believe, even when they disagree with her. She also emphasized focusing on issues that directly affect District 118 rather than allowing national political fights to distract from local concerns. For Lewis, the issues facing District 118 are practical: affordability, housing costs, healthcare, property taxes, school safety, law enforcement support, and community trust. She closed by encouraging voters to learn more about her by visiting her campaign website, following her on social media, or simply searching her name online. She said she welcomes questions, challenges, accountability, and direct conversation from voters. Lewis made clear that she is “in it to win it,” but also said she is in it to work. She described the opportunity to potentially represent District 118 as an honor and said she wants to earn the support of voters. As with every Candidate Conversations episode, the goal of this conversation is not to tell listeners who to vote for. The goal is to give voters a clearer picture of the person asking to represent them — their story, their priorities, their leadership style, and their approach to public service. Jodi Lewis website: https://jodilewisforgeorgia.com [https://jodilewisforgeorgia.com/] Election Day for the primary is May 19, and as Trey reminded listeners, May matters. Episode Sponsors The Appalachia Group Insurance This episode of The Town Square Podcast is sponsored by The Appalachia Group Insurance. Bobby Stephens and his partner Matt McLane are licensed in Georgia and Tennessee and bring more than 36 years of combined insurance experience. As an independent agency, they are not limited to one carrier, which allows them to shop for coverage that fits the needs of each client. They offer auto, home, life, commercial, and special event insurance coverage. Contact: Bobby Stephens Phone: 770-728-1880 Email: bobby@appgroupins.com [bobby@appgroupins.com] Relevant IT Services This episode is also sponsored by Relevant IT Services, which partners with businesses and nonprofits to improve productivity, cybersecurity, and technology systems. Relevant IT helps with computers, networks, printers, phone systems, cybersecurity training, remote work solutions, and multi-location technology support. Listeners can schedule a free assessment and mention The Town Square Podcast for 25% off onboarding. Phone:470-864-4037 Website:relevantitservices.com [http://relevantitservices.com/]

Houston Gaines: Delivering Conservative Results | Candidate Conversations — Episode 88

In Episode 88 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall continue the Candidate Conversations series with State Representative Houston Gaines, candidate for U.S. Congress in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. Gaines currently serves in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 120, which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, and Oconee counties. He has served in the State House since 2019 and is now running for the open GA-10 congressional seat currently held by Congressman Mike Collins, who is running for U.S. Senate. Gaines’ official campaign biography describes him as an Athens native, an eighth-generation northeast Georgian, and a small-business professional with Carter Engineering.  The conversation began with a reminder of why the primary matters. Georgia’s 10th Congressional District is a large, heavily Republican district, and for many voters, the primary may play a major role in determining who ultimately represents the district in Congress. Early voting is already underway, and primary election day is May 19. Gaines talked about the size and scope of the district, noting that it includes 20 counties and has already required significant time on the road. He said that while running for Congress, he has continued serving in the State House because he believes when someone signs up for a job, they should finish the job. Much of the conversation centered on what drew Gaines into public service and what has kept him there. He pointed to the influence of his grandfather, Superior Court Judge Joseph Gaines, and said he believes politics can be a place where people get meaningful things done when they are in it for the right reasons. Gaines said his record in the Georgia House includes more than 20 bills he authored that were signed by the governor. He emphasized that these were not symbolic measures, but substantive bills touching issues such as public safety, tax relief, cutting red tape, recovery support, domestic violence, human trafficking, and immigration enforcement. One of the most personal examples Gaines discussed was the Baker-Coleman Act, legislation that created a cold case unit within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The bill was inspired by the families of Tara Baker and Rhonda Sue Coleman, both murder victims whose cases remained unsolved for years. Gaines described receiving calls from the governor, first lady, and GBI director after a suspect was identified in Tara Baker’s case. He later watched a Dateline episode about the case alongside Tara’s family. For Gaines, that legislation represented what public service can accomplish when it moves beyond talking points. He said the law not only helped one family move closer to justice, but also created a structure that could help hundreds of families across Georgia whose loved ones’ cases remain unsolved. The conversation then moved to party, ideology, and representation. Gaines acknowledged that he has clear conservative convictions and that not every voter will agree with him. But he also said constituent service should not depend on party affiliation. If someone contacts his office needing help, he said, he does not ask whether they are Republican or Democrat. He tries to respond and help. Gaines described constituent service as one of the most important responsibilities of any elected official. Whether the issue involves state government, a health concern, or even something as unexpected as a cable bill, he said accessibility and responsiveness matter. When asked why now was the right time to run for Congress, Gaines said he and his wife had considered the timing carefully. After Congressman Mike Collins announced his run for Senate, Gaines began calling people across the district. He said the support felt real, doors opened quickly, and the decision felt right both politically and personally. He also discussed the early momentum of his campaign, including support from Republican state legislators in the district, sheriffs across the 20 counties, and significant fundraising in the first 24 hours after his announcement. On fiscal policy, Gaines said Congress could learn from Georgia’s requirement to pass a balanced budget each year. He argued that Washington must address waste, fraud, and abuse while having difficult conversations about long-term debt and spending. He called the national debt a generational burden and a national security issue. Public safety was another major theme. Gaines discussed his work on illegal immigration enforcement following the killing of Laken Riley in Athens. He said he supported legislation requiring greater cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities when someone in custody is found to be in the country illegally. Gaines also discussed legislation creating oversight for district attorneys, arguing that prosecutors should be accountable when they refuse to enforce the law or misuse their office. He described Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission as a way for citizens to hold district attorneys accountable. The episode also covered cashless bail, law enforcement funding, and the “defund the police” movement. Gaines said he took action after Athens-Clarke County considered a proposal that would have significantly cut police funding. He argued that public safety requires consistent support for law enforcement. On affordability, Gaines said housing costs are one of the most pressing issues facing younger adults and families. He described housing affordability as a supply-and-demand challenge and pointed to property taxes, regulation, and red tape as factors that increase the cost of homeownership. He highlighted state-level tax relief efforts, including income tax cuts, gas tax savings, property tax relief, and direct rebates. Gaines said government should return taxpayer money when the state has the ability to do so while still balancing the budget. The conversation then shifted to jobs, small businesses, and economic development. Gaines said his private-sector work at Carter Engineering gives him a daily view of how permitting delays, regulation, and government bureaucracy can slow business growth. As an example, he discussed legislation he helped pass to simplify permitting for food trucks by creating a statewide process instead of requiring operators to repeat the same inspection and fee process in every county. Agriculture also received significant attention. Gaines called agriculture the number one industry in Georgia and in the 10th District. He framed food production as a national security issue, arguing that the United States must maintain its own food supply rather than becoming dependent on other countries. He also discussed the impact of weather events, including Hurricane Helene and recent wildfires, on Georgia farmers. Gaines said the state stepped in with more than a billion dollars to help farmers recover when federal aid was slow to arrive. As the discussion moved toward how Gaines would represent such a large district, he said the key is showing up. The 10th District includes 20 counties, and Gaines said he has visited all of them multiple times during the campaign. He said that if elected, he would continue visiting every county regularly and would remain accessible to constituents. The episode also addressed endorsements, including President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Gaines. Gaines described the call from Trump as meaningful and said the former president emphasized the importance of Georgia and the importance of the race. Gaines also encouraged undecided voters to watch the Atlanta Press Club debate featuring the candidates in the race. Near the end of the episode, Trey described the kind of representative he wants: someone with “the tenacity of a lion, but the decorum of a statesman.” Gaines responded by pointing again to his legislative record, saying he believes he has shown that he can fight for conservative policy while also doing the work required to pass legislation. Gabriel closed the interview with the “magic bullhorn” question, asking Gaines what one message he would want everyone in the town square to hear. Gaines said many people in politics like to talk, but he wants to get things done. He pointed back to his original State House campaign slogan: “Gaines gets it done.” For voters in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, this episode offers a direct look at Houston Gaines’ background, record, priorities, and approach to public service as the May 19 primary approaches. Houston Gaines Contact Information Website: HoustonGaines.com [https://houstongaines.com/] Email: info@HoustonGaines.com Facebook: Houston Gaines X/Twitter: @HoustonGaines Episode Sponsors SCB Construction Group This episode is sponsored in part by SCB Construction Group, a locally owned and community-driven commercial contractor serving Georgia and beyond. SCB specializes in turnkey design-build, design-bid, and commercial contracting services, including manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, churches, sports complexes, offices, and retail spaces. Learn more at SCBcg.com [https://www.scbconstructiongroup.com/]. All Air This episode is also sponsored by All Air, serving Covington and the greater Atlanta area with heating, cooling, maintenance, repairs, full system installations, free replacement estimates, free second opinions, and flexible financing options. All Air offers 10% off for military veterans and senior citizens. Mention The Town Square Podcast for $25 off your next repair service. Call 770-761-9914 or visit allairservices.com [https://www.allairservices.com/].