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Marshall “MB” McCart: Citizen Journalism, Local Politics, and the Esoteric South – Episode 55

Marshall “MB” McCart: Citizen Journalism, Local Politics, and the Esoteric South – Episode 55

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 IntroductionIn Episode 55 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey welcomes local writer, real estate instructor, and self-proclaimed “semi-professional ant-hill kicker” Marshall “MB” McCart to the studio. Known throughout Newton County and the broader Georgia Piedmont as the voice behind The Piedmont Chronicles, McCart is not afraid to stir up conversation, challenge the status quo, or highlight issues others might prefer left in the shadows.From rising property taxes and local development battles to the hot-button Rivian plant and the so-called “Morgan County Six,” this conversation ventures deep into the messy middle of community life and governance. McCart doesn’t just opine; he contextualizes decades of local history, family ties, and political activism, all while reflecting his unique, sometimes eccentric worldview.If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a “citizen journalist” in today’s world—or why Covington, GA finds itself at the crossroads of growth, governance, and grassroots activism—this episode is for you.Who is Marshall “MB” McCart?Marshall McCart describes himself as:“A jack-of-all-trades, amateur philosopher & theologian, and a semi-professional ant-hill kicker that resides deep in the heart of the Georgia Piedmont. A man perhaps of some talents, McCart claims mastery of none. At his core, he seeks to explain the peculiar essence of The Esoteric South while maybe sometimes thinking about the meaning of life.”Beyond his colorful self-description, McCart is the editor and primary writer for The Piedmont Chronicles, an online blog that mixes political commentary, local history, and cultural reflections. His work is often equal parts informative and provocative—designed to spark dialogue across ideological divides.He is also:A real estate instructor and lead teacher at American Real Estate University.A proud father and husband.An enthusiast of UGA athletics, Americana music, and Led Zeppelin.A lover of cooking, Hunter S. Thompson, and the enduring quirks of Southern life.The Origins of The Piedmont ChroniclesMcCart shares how The Piedmont Chronicles began almost by accident. Originally the title of an unfinished novel he started writing in 2000, “The Piedmont Chronicles” resurfaced years later as the perfect moniker for his blog.“It was going to be my version of the great American novel … a semi-autobiographical tale. But the spark died and I shelved it. Years later, when blogs were becoming popular, I needed a place to house my pieces for About Covington to Madison magazine. That’s when The Piedmont Chronicles was born.”By 2015, McCart had shifted from light local history and human-interest stories into the realm of citizen journalism—covering local politics, land use debates, and government accountability. That shift cemented his reputation as someone unafraid to kick the proverbial anthill when necessary.Citizen Journalist, Not Political PunditAlthough some describe McCart as a political pundit, he prefers the term “citizen journalist.”“Citizen journalist … that’s the term I prefer. Politico, pundit, muckraker—sure, those fit too. But at the heart of it, I’m just a citizen who loves this community and feels compelled to speak up when things don’t add up.”This distinction matters. While pundits often amplify partisan talking points, McCart’s writing focuses on local accountability—from city council decisions and rezoning approvals to county-level tax debates. He sees his role not as swaying voters to one side, but rather as ensuring transparency and elevating conversations often buried under bureaucracy.Real Estate, Teaching, and Community TiesWhen he’s not writing, McCart wears several other hats. He’s the lead instructor at American Real Estate University, where he has taught over 40 licensing classes and countless continuing education courses. He also manages compliance for a real estate group spanning multiple states.Yet, despite the paperwork-heavy demands of his day job, he continues to invest time and energy into civic engagement.“I have to have an outlet,” McCart says. “Otherwise, it’s just paperwork all day long. Writing is how I make sense of what’s happening around me.”This balance—between professional rigor and community watchdogging—makes his voice both grounded and passionate.Rising Taxes and the Scope of GovernmentA central theme of this episode is taxation and local government spending. McCart has been outspoken about recent 10% and 11% millage rate increases in Newton County and the City of Covington.“We’re pricing a lot of folks out—especially seniors on fixed incomes and working-class families. I’m all for services like police, fire, and schools. But the size and scope of government is too high, and the administrative costs are where things balloon.”The discussion touches on House Bill 581, which capped property assessment growth but ...
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