Fireworks! An "Anything Goes" Conversation with Mayor of Covington, Fleeta Baggett - Episode 18
In this exciting episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down for a fun and wild conversation with Fleeta Baggett, the dynamic mayor of Covington, GA. A 7th generation Newtonian, Fleeta brings a rich family legacy to the table, being the granddaughter of Carl Smith, the founder of Newton Electric—an essential part of Covington’s history.
As a leader known for her candidness and approachable style, Fleeta doesn’t shy away from discussing challenging topics, making for an engaging dialogue. Throughout the episode, we dive into the concept of next-level leadership, exploring what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Fleeta’s self-professed “loose tongue” leads to some memorable moments, as she shares her honest thoughts on local governance and the pressing issues facing the community.
One of the highlights of our conversation revolves around the recent firework debacle that ignited tensions on The Square. Fleeta details her perspective on the drama surrounding the divided City Council and her veto of a controversial decision, shedding light on the current state of affairs. With metaphorical fireworks flying around the discussion, the episode is packed with insights into how local politics can often mirror personal passions and community values.
We explore the implications of this fallout, discussing how it affects not just the governance of Covington but also its citizens. Fleeta's unwavering commitment to her community shines through as she articulates her vision for a collaborative and inclusive future.
Show Timeline and Breakdown:
0-12mins : Hurricanes and banter
12-14 : Carl Smith, Fleeta's grandad
14-19 : Intro to "Just Fleeta", family, politics, COVID, questions, and the learning curve
19-20 : Why is everyone standing around?
20-27 : Next-level leadership, connections, and BioLab
27-28 : Where to hear updates
28-34 : Having fun, speaking openly, and Billyisms
34-48 : Fireworks about the fireworks, crowd control, safety, and capacity
48-49 : Council disagrees agreeably
49-50 : Bad local blogs and fake news social pages
50-56 : Zoning, empty buildings around the Square, and the fire
57-1:00 : Give the Mayor a toolbox and a five gallon bucket
1:00-1:09 : Small town charm, quality growth, and vision continuity
1:09-1:14 : Infrastructure: sewer & storm water, Dig a hole once
1:14-1:16 : "This mouth of mine", contact info, and the Apocalypse
As always, we encourage our listeners to engage with the podcast and the issues discussed in this episode. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Town Square Podcast on your favorite platforms. We’d also love to hear your feedback, so please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
For more information about the City of Covington, including contact details, visit the following links:
- Email: questions@cityofcovington.org
- Phone: 770-385-2000
Join us for this entertaining and thought-provoking episode, and let’s keep the conversation going!
