Episode 36: "The Chairman’s Vision: Lanier Sims Discusses Newton County's Growth, Diplomacy, and Community Leadership"

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Lanier Sims, Chairman of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), to dive deep into his leadership journey and vision for the future of Newton County. Known for his diplomatic approach and dedication to community development, Lanier shares insights on the growth of the county, his pivotal role in bringing major industries like Archer Aviation to the area, and his time leading the Chamber of Commerce. With a focus on "community first," Lanier’s philosophy is to ensure that growth benefits both businesses and residents alike, preserving the charm of our small town while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

This engaging conversation explores Lanier’s strategy for quality development, the challenges of balancing politics and business, and the importance of building relationships across political divides. Whether you're curious about the economic landscape of Newton County or looking for inspiration from a local leader, this episode has it all. Click to read more and hear firsthand how Lanier Sims is shaping the future of our community with his commitment to unity and growth.

Episode 33: "Next Gen Leadership with Zayvion Sheppard: A Conversation with Newton County’s Future Leader"

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Zayvion Sheppard, a rising leader in Newton County and the youngest-ever Student Body President at Georgia State University. Zayvion shares his inspiring journey of leadership, mentorship, and community service, including his work with the Young Democrats of Newton County (YDNC) and his nonprofit, For Atlanta By Atlanta (FABA). From opposing harmful legislation like House Bill 581 to tackling poverty in Atlanta, Zay’s passion for social impact and public service shines through. He talks about his vision for the future of Newton County and how young voices like his can shape the policies that will impact the next generation.

This episode highlights the potential of the next generation of leaders in Newton County. Zay’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership, mentorship, and community engagement are key to building a brighter future. Whether it’s advocating for education, economic empowerment, or creating opportunities for change, Zay’s dedication to making a difference is sure to inspire. Tune in to hear more about how Zay is leading the charge for positive change in Newton County and beyond.

In Episode 32 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with District 3 Commissioner Stephanie Lindsey for a candid and laughter-filled conversation that explores the messy middle of race, politics, and community. The episode covers a range of important local topics, including Black History Month, the legacy of The Newton Six, and the challenges of navigating complex issues like House Bill 581. With plenty of humor and lighthearted moments, Stephanie opens up about her relationships with fellow commissioners, the impact of her district’s development, and the struggles of balancing outspoken advocacy with the perception of being an "angry Black woman."

This episode is a true reflection of what The Town Square Podcast is all about—engaging in tough but essential conversations while finding common ground through humor, honesty, and a shared commitment to building unity in Newton County. Get ready for plenty of laughs, some thought-provoking insights, and a deep dive into the challenges facing local politics today—all served with a dose of fun and realness.

In this bonus episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey engage in a candid and respectful conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They delve into the historical context of the US Constitution and the founding fathers while examining the ongoing challenges of racism in America. With passion and cordiality, Gabriel and Trey explore how DEI is often used as a shorthand for focusing on "black and brown people" and the ways it has been both helpful and, at times, misused. Their goal is to meet in the messy middle—where different perspectives can be shared and common ground can be found.

This episode offers listeners an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of DEI and how we can engage with its initiatives in a way that promotes unity without demanding uniformity. As always, The Town Square Podcast encourages open dialogue, understanding, and respect for diverse opinions. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the way we think about inclusion and the ways forward for a more cohesive society.

In Episode 27 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Stan Edwards, District 1 Commissioner for Newton County, Georgia. A lifelong resident of the county, Stan brings nearly 9 years of experience on the Board of Commissioners and a deep commitment to his community. During the conversation, Stan discusses his approach to policymaking, focusing on the needs of current residents rather than future growth, and shares his thoughts on controversial issues like the Save Our Homes Act (HB 581) and Governor Kemp’s Tort Reform initiative. His perspective on balancing development with the preservation of community values offers a refreshing take on leadership.

The interview also covers Stan’s vision for District 1 and Newton County’s future, touching on successes, challenges, and his dedication to ensuring thoughtful, sustainable growth. With candid reflections on his personal experiences and mistakes made in his early public service, Stan’s story is one of humility, integrity, and a clear plan for navigating the county’s evolving needs. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the pressing issues facing Newton County today and Stan’s long-term goals for its future.

"In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Representative Tim Fleming, who represents District 114, covering much of Newton County, Morgan County, and parts of Walton County. Fleming offers insights into the recent local elections, discussing the victories of LeAnne Long and Stan Edwards, as well as the surprising defeat of long-time Coroner Tommy Davis by newcomer Kimberly Griggs. He also shares his perspective on the broader national political landscape, from the Presidential election results to the Republican party's momentum in Congress.

Fleming emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship in government, revealing how he collaborates with both Republicans and Democrats to pass meaningful legislation for the people of Georgia. The conversation also delves into local issues like population growth, transportation challenges, and affordable housing, as Fleming discusses potential solutions to ensure the continued prosperity of his district. Tune in to hear a thoughtful, in-depth discussion about Georgia’s future and the path forward for Newton County."

In the latest episode ofThe Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey return to the mics to address the whirlwind of feedback following their bombshell interview with attorney Stephanie Lindsey. The previous episode left listeners buzzing, both online and around town, and now Gabriel and Trey are diving deep into the conversation it sparked.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on some of the local comments and share their honest responses, making this one of their most personal and authentic conversations yet. Just like the discussions you'd have at your local town square or barbershop, this episode is rooted in the kind of real talk that brings communities closer together.

Attorney Stephanie Lindsey’s conversation with Gabriel and Trey is as enlightening as it is candid. As she prepares to step into her potential new role, she opens up about a range of topics, including some of the more controversial aspects of her career and public life. Notably, the episode doesn’t shy away from addressing the ongoing federal indictment involving Lindsey and Chairman Marcello Banes. While details surrounding the indictment remain sensitive and complex, Lindsey speaks openly about her perspective on the situation, offering listeners an insider’s view into the legal and political intricacies at play.

Brent discusses his vision for the Tax Commissioner’s office and the local tag office, alongside a candid conversation about the challenges he faced during his campaign, including resistance due to not being a “native” of Newton County despite his qualifications.