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The Town Square Podcast

The Town Square Podcast

Auteur(s): Trey Bailey Gabriel Stovall
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Not just another podcast, but a place to meet in the messy middle and have difficult discussions with transparency and diplomacy where the outcome is unity, not uniformity.

The primary topics will be the local interests of Newton County, Georgia residents and those in the surrounding community.

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  • D114 Rep. Tim Fleming: From Newton County Roots to Secretary of State Candidate – Episode 56

    D114 Rep. Tim Fleming: From Newton County Roots to Secretary of State Candidate – Episode 56
    Sep 9 2025
    On Episode 56 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey welcomes back Georgia House Representative Tim Fleming (District 114) for an in-depth conversation about government, elections, and the road ahead for Georgia.Representative Fleming has lived his entire life in Newton County, raised a family here, and built small businesses alongside his wife, Lacey. After years of public service—including time as Chief of Staff in the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office under Brian Kemp—Fleming is now serving his fourth year in the Georgia House of Representatives.In this wide-ranging conversation, Fleming opens up about his roots in Newton County, his time navigating the Great Recession as a young County Commissioner, and his unique perspective on how the Georgia General Assembly works. Most importantly, he shares his vision as he announces his candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State.This episode is part civics lesson, part local history, and part look forward to the 2026 elections. If you’ve ever wondered how laws are made under the Gold Dome, or why election integrity and professional licensing are central to Georgia’s future, this episode will keep you glued in.Who Is Tim Fleming? Newton County RootsFleming grew up on the west side of Newton County, where his parents ran a small independent grocery store on Brown Bridge Road and Highway 212. Those small-town roots—and the values of hard work and community service he learned early—continue to shape his political philosophy today.At age 25, Fleming was elected to the Newton County Board of Commissioners, making him one of the youngest commissioners in Georgia at the time. But his first four years in office came during the Great Recession, a trial by fire that forced him to make tough budget decisions, including painful staff layoffs.Fleming recalls walking into meetings knowing that hundreds of thousands of dollars had to be cut. “We cut the fat, and then we had to start cutting to the bone,” he said. These decisions were personal, affecting friends and neighbors he would still see at the grocery store or church.From County Commissioner to the Gold DomeAfter four years on the County Commission, Fleming joined then–Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s team, first as campaign manager, then as Assistant Director of Elections, Deputy Secretary of State, and later Chief of Staff.He helped manage the Secretary of State’s $35 million budget and 250 employees, overseeing everything from elections to corporate filings to professional licensing. Later, when Kemp ran for Governor in 2018, Fleming again managed the campaign—one of the toughest and most closely watched races in recent Georgia history.Following Kemp’s victory, Fleming served as his first Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office, helping to set the tone for a new administration.Returning to PoliticsIn 2021, Representative Dave Belton of Morgan County announced he would not seek re-election. With Newton County at the heart of the redrawn district, Fleming was encouraged to run. He did—and won with over 64% of the primary vote and nearly 80% of the general election vote.Now in his second term (fourth year) under the Gold Dome, Fleming represents a district that includes East Newton County, South Walton County, and all of Morgan County.Why Secretary of State?Fleming says his decision to run for Secretary of State in 2026 is rooted in both experience and passion. Having spent nearly eight years in the office already, he knows firsthand how it operates and where improvements are needed.When most people think of the Secretary of State’s Office, two things come to mind:ElectionsProfessional LicensingBoth areas, Fleming argues, need urgent attention.Elections: Secure, Honest, TrustedGeorgia’s elections have drawn national attention since 2020, but Fleming insists on keeping the focus clear: “We must have fair, secure, honest, and trusted elections. If people lose faith in the system, they stop participating.”As chair of the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Elections Procedures, Fleming has traveled across Georgia hearing directly from local election superintendents, staff, and citizens. His committee is examining:Voter roll maintenanceFuture voting systems (paper vs. machines)Early voting length and costsMunicipal flexibility on Saturday votingFleming emphasizes that solutions must work on the ground at the county level, not just in Atlanta. “If it doesn’t work for local election officials, it doesn’t work,” he said.Professional Licensing: Getting Government Out of the WayThe Secretary of State’s Office also oversees licensing for hundreds of thousands of professionals—from nurses and electricians to hair stylists and general contractors. Fleming says this system is currently bogged down, with delays hurting workers and small businesses.“When I left the office in 2019, new licenses were turned around in five days and ...
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    59 min
  • 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
    Sep 2 2025
    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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    55 min
  • Senator Brian Strickland: From the Farm to the Fight for Georgia’s Future – Episode 54

    Senator Brian Strickland: From the Farm to the Fight for Georgia’s Future – Episode 54
    Aug 19 2025
    Welcome to The Town Square Podcast, where local advocates for a better Newton County bring their different perspectives to the messy middle. Our aim is unity, not uniformity. Hosted by Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey, The Town Square has become a space where tough conversations happen with respect, nuance, and a deep commitment to community.In this powerful episode, Trey sits down with Georgia Senator Brian Strickland (District 42), who has recently announced his candidacy for Attorney General of the State of Georgia in 2026. Their conversation dives deep into his upbringing, his legal career, his time in the Georgia General Assembly, his philosophy of service, and the vision he hopes to carry into the statewide office of Attorney General.This is not just a political interview. It’s a candid look at leadership, perseverance, faith, family, and the challenges of serving a diverse state in a polarized era.Growing Up in Georgia – From Farm Life to the LawSenator Strickland begins by sharing the story of his roots. Raised in Henry County, he comes from a long line of farmers. In fact, his father is still farming today. Brian recalls the defining moment in his teenage years when Henry County government sought to take land from his family to build a high school. Watching his father and uncle navigate that eminent domain battle introduced him to the legal system for the first time.Although the family ultimately lost the land, the experience left a mark. Strickland describes watching the jury trial and realizing just how powerful – and intimidating – the law could be for everyday Georgians. That experience planted the seed for him to pursue a career in law, becoming the first in his family not to follow farming, but instead to follow justice.Entering Public Service – From the House to the SenateStrickland was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2013, representing a district that leaned Democratic. As a Republican, he faced tough reelections, but he emphasizes that his victories were not because he compromised his values but because he worked hard, listened to people, and stayed connected to his constituents.In 2018, he transitioned to the State Senate, where his current District 42 includes most of Newton County, all of Morgan County, parts of Henry County, Walton County, and diverse communities stretching from urban areas to rural farmland. He describes it as a “light purple district” – a microcosm of Georgia itself.That diversity has shaped him. He’s had to listen across political lines, find compromise, and lead through the messy middle. He argues that this makes him uniquely positioned to run statewide in 2026.Why Attorney General?Strickland’s announcement to run for Attorney General in 2026 is rooted in his belief that the office should be a working office, not a political stepping stone.The Attorney General is Georgia’s lawyer. The role involves representing the people in cases against organized crime, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud, and consumer protection issues. It also involves advising state agencies, ensuring government accountability, and defending Georgia’s sovereignty in federal disputes.“I want to restore faith in the legal process,” Strickland says. “Too many people feel the justice system is weaponized for politics. As Attorney General, I won’t play politics. I’ll get up every day and fight for everyday Georgians, no matter how they voted.”Family, Faith, and PerspectiveThe Senator also opens up about life outside politics. Married with two young sons, Strickland shares stories of family life – from soccer games and horse lessons to his son’s fascination with the courthouse snack machine. These anecdotes highlight the grounding influence of fatherhood and faith in his public service.“When you start thinking you’re all important, kids bring you back to earth,” he jokes.Tackling Major Legislation – Fentanyl, Tort Reform, and Law Enforcement SupportThe conversation shifts to legislative highlights from recent sessions:The FEAR Act (Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act): Strickland supported legislation strengthening Georgia’s laws against fentanyl possession and distribution. Inspired by the Walters family, who lost their son to fentanyl poisoning, the Act makes even the smallest possession of fentanyl a felony. Strickland acknowledges the controversy but insists, “I’d rather my son face a criminal charge than have to bury him.”Tort Reform: Strickland chaired Judiciary Committee debates on Georgia’s civil justice system, balancing the needs of small businesses and insurers with the rights of individuals seeking justice. The legislation was contentious, but Strickland emphasizes the importance of compromise, transparency, and listening to all sides.Law Enforcement Benefits: Strickland championed a law ensuring that officers injured in the line of duty receive full pay during recovery, instead of the previous 66%. ...
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    53 min
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