The Town Square Podcast

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/].

Wendell McNeal: Workhorse, Not Show Horse | Candidate Conversations — Episode 87

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Wendell McNeal, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 114, as part of the ongoing Candidate Conversations series. District 114 includes all of Morgan County, portions of Newton County, and part of Walton County, including communities such as Mansfield, Newborn, Social Circle, and areas near Good Hope. As the district continues to experience growth, development pressure, tax concerns, and shifting political boundaries, this race carries significance for voters across several communities. McNeal is running in the Republican primary for the open House seat against Brett Mauldin, who has also appeared on The Town Square Podcast as part of the Candidate Conversations series. As with every episode in this series, the goal is not to endorse a candidate, but to give voters direct access to the people asking to represent them. For McNeal, that story begins long before politics. From Gordon to Milledgeville Wendell McNeal was born in Gordon, Georgia, a small town south of Milledgeville. He described growing up in a 975-square-foot house — what people today might call a tiny home — before tragedy changed the course of his childhood. When McNeal was eight years old, his parents were involved in a car accident. His father did not survive, and his mother was left handicapped. After that, the family moved to Milledgeville, which is why many of his bios list Milledgeville as his hometown. But McNeal was quick to clarify the full story. He came from Gordon. He carried lessons from Gordon. And those early life experiences helped shape his worldview. Throughout the conversation, McNeal returned to themes of resilience, common sense, hard work, and learning how to figure things out when no one hands you a blueprint. Learning the Legislative Process Before building his business career, McNeal spent time working around state politics. After moving to Atlanta to work for a candidate running for statewide office, he was later connected to an opportunity with the Georgia House of Representatives. That job placed him with the House Judiciary Committee. McNeal said he told the committee chairman that he was not a lawyer. The chairman already knew — and apparently viewed that as part of what made him interesting for the role. That experience gave McNeal an early understanding of how legislation works, how laws are developed, and how important it is to understand the process before trying to change it. He said one of the most important lessons he learned is that disagreement does not have to become hostility. If someone disagrees, McNeal said, his response is simple: tell me why. That approach — asking people to explain their position rather than dismissing them — became one of the recurring themes of the conversation. Building a Business From Scratch McNeal eventually decided he wanted to go into business for himself. He did not inherit a family business. He did not come from a built-in business structure. He simply decided to start. With a background in electronics, McNeal opened a Curtis Mathis store in Covington’s Newton Plaza. Many longtime Newton County residents may remember the store, especially from the days when renting a VCR was still part of normal life. Eventually, McNeal moved the business to a building on Highway 278 and expanded into Conyers. Over time, he grew the business to four stores and approximately 50 employees. That experience, he said, taught him how to read financial statements, manage operations, handle lenders, understand cash flow, and make decisions based on facts. McNeal talked about being required to prepare individual financial statements for each location, then a separate financial statement for the home office, then consolidated financial statements for the company as a whole. He described it as a crash course in business discipline. If financials were not ready by the fifth of the month, he said, the credit line could be cut. That kind of pressure taught him how to manage carefully, plan ahead, and avoid making decisions without understanding the numbers. Property Taxes and the State Budget When asked what he believes is one of the most important issues facing District 114, McNeal quickly pointed to property taxes. He said many residents have seen property taxes double or even triple, especially as home values have increased and assessments compare properties against nearby renovated homes. McNeal specifically raised the issue of homestead exemptions. He noted that Morgan County’s homestead exemption is $2,000, while Newton County’s is $4,000, and questioned why those numbers have not been significantly updated over time. But he also cautioned that tax policy cannot be handled casually. Change one part of the system, he said, and it can affect something else. For McNeal, tax relief must be approached carefully so it does not harm school systems, public employees, or essential services. He described attending legislative committee meetings during the summer and listening to presentations on various revenue options, including cigarette taxes and hotel-motel taxes. Some of those presentations lasted hours, but McNeal said his business background made him interested in the numbers. His point was not simply that taxes are too high. His point was that Georgia needs people in the legislature who can understand the numbers, examine the full picture, and think through unintended consequences. Public Education and Teacher Retention One of the strongest portions of the conversation centered on public education. McNeal said he does not want tax reform to harm public schools. He specifically raised concerns about teacher retention and asked why more state funding is not reaching classrooms and teachers. He noted that a large portion of Georgia’s state budget goes toward education and said that raises an important question: if the state is spending that much on education, how can lawmakers better support teachers in Newton, Morgan, and Walton counties? Trey added that Georgia’s public school funding formula, the QBE-Quality Basic Education formula, dates back to 1985 and that schools today face far more complex demands than they did decades ago, including technology, safety, security, special education, and expanded student needs. McNeal agreed that public education should not be hurt and that experienced teachers should not be lost because of funding pressures. For him, the issue comes back to distribution. Like a household or business budget, he said, the state must decide what matters most and how to spend accordingly. Senior Tax Relief and Protecting Homeowners McNeal also spoke about the importance of protecting older homeowners and widows who may be struggling to stay in their homes. He drew a clear distinction between residential tax relief and tax benefits for commercial property owners, rental property owners, or apartment complexes. As someone who owns rental property himself, McNeal said he does not believe changes in tax structure should be designed primarily to benefit commercial or rental property owners. In his view, the priority should be homeowners — especially seniors and widows who may be forced to choose between basic needs and property taxes. He said other counties have found ways to reduce or eliminate certain taxes for residents at a certain age, and he believes District 114 should study those models to see what might work locally. McNeal said he may not always be the smartest person in the room, but he believes in finding people who understand the issue and asking them how they made it work. A Vested Interest in the Community Although McNeal lives in Morgan County, he emphasized that he has a vested interest across the district, including Newton County. He owns rental property in Newton County and has employees who live in the district, including one in Mansfield. For McNeal, that means the decisions made in District 114 affect him personally, professionally, and financially. He said people sometimes claim to have a vested interest in a community, but in his case, he believes his investments and relationships make that statement real. Presidential Elector and Political Involvement One of the more unique parts of the conversation came when McNeal shared that he served as a presidential elector in Georgia. He described going through the formal process at the Capitol, meeting in the Senate chamber, and signing legal documents to authenticate the popular vote for president and vice president. McNeal said the process gave him a deeper appreciation for the Electoral College and the structure of American government. He also shared stories about being invited to Mar-a-Lago and attending events where he met national political figures. But even in those settings, McNeal said what stood out most was the reminder that people are still people. His larger point was that relationships matter, and that sometimes being connected to people in government allows you to help someone else. He gave an example of helping connect a municipality with someone in federal government regarding a bond issue and another example of helping someone who had been working through an SBA loan. McNeal said he does not need much for himself, but he enjoys using relationships to help others. Data Centers, Rivian, and Responsible Growth Trey also asked McNeal about economic development, data centers, and the balance between growth and quality of life. McNeal said he supports good, clean industry and considers himself pro-business. However, he expressed concern about the number of data centers being proposed in Newton County and surrounding areas. His concerns center on water usage, energy demands, and potential impacts on quality of life. He said citizens must come first, especially during times of drought or infrastructure pressure. On Rivian, McNeal said he believes the process was handled poorly. His concern was not simply about economic development itself, but about whether citizens had enough opportunity to understand the project, ask questions, and provide input. He said when major zoning or development decisions happen, citizens are usually notified through signs, newspapers, and public hearings. In his view, a project of Rivian’s scale should involve meaningful public input. McNeal said he feels for residents in the Rutledge area who moved there for a certain way of life. For him, the challenge is balancing economic development with the needs and concerns of the people already living in the community. “Workhorse, Not Show Horse” Near the end of the episode, McNeal was asked why voters should choose him. His answer was simple: He believes he is a workhorse, not a show horse. McNeal said some people in politics are gifted speakers, but voters should look beyond speeches and examine what a candidate has actually done. He pointed to his business background, his community investments, his relationships, his concern for quality of life, and his desire to work for the people of the district. He said elected officials must remember who they work for. Not the system. Not the title. The people. Candidate Contact Information To learn more about Wendell McNeal’s campaign: Website: www.wendellmcneal.com [https://wendellmcneal.com] Phone: 706-752-7400 McNeal encouraged voters to reach out, ask questions, request campaign signs, and talk with him directly about the issues affecting their communities. Election Reminder Early voting is underway for the May 19 primary. Voters are encouraged to confirm their district, polling location, and election information before casting a ballot. Visit: www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/vote [https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/vote] May matters. Thank You to Our Episode Sponsors  Relevant IT Services Relevant IT Services partners with businesses and nonprofits to increase productivity and cybersecurity through technology that fits each individual client. From computers and networks to printers, phone systems, cybersecurity training, and proactive threat protection, Relevant IT helps organizations stay secure and efficient. Call Relevant IT Services at 470-864-4037 or visit their website [https://relevantsvcs.com] to schedule a free assessment. Mention The Town Square Podcast to receive 25% off onboarding. Luther Rice College and Seminary Luther Rice College and Seminary offers biblically based, affordable, accredited, and 100% online education for students pursuing their calling. Their programs include dual enrollment, undergraduate degrees, certificates, and doctoral-level study designed for high school students, adult learners, ministry leaders, and working professionals. Learn more at LutherRice.edu. [https://www.lutherrice.edu]