Franklin County Media

This episode was recorded in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.

Kenneth Wilson is joined by Commissioner Denise Winfrey and Commissioner John O'Grady to discuss the vital yet often understated role of county governments. Commissioner Winfrey, representing Will County, Illinois, and the immediate past president of the National Association of Counties (NACo), shares her experiences and the importance of counties in providing day-to-day services.

Commissioner Winfrey emphasizes how counties are key in attracting and retaining a talented workforce by offering competitive benefits through payroll system portals. She points out the leverage that counties have in negotiating favorable rates for essential services like insurance, as well as perks such as travel deals. She also sheds light on her intensive travel schedule and responsibilities during her tenure as NACo president, which involved a significant amount of remote work and fostering important relationships with federal administration in Washington, D.C.

The conversation then turns to the common public oversight of the roles of county commissioners. Despite their critical function in managing various essential services, such as health departments, judicial systems, police services, and more, they are often overshadowed by mayoral and other high-profile positions.

The conversation shifts its focus to the economic and cultural characteristics that define Will County, Illinois. As a rapidly growing county with a population of about 700,000, it boasts an inland port and a significant intermodal presence, along with warehouses and bustling river activities. Cultural elements are also highlighted, including the county's historical significance, as seen with locations like the old Joliet Prison featured in the Blues Brothers movie. Furthermore, the county's dining scene is a testament to its cultural diversity, offering an array of cuisines that reflect the mosaic of its population.

Kenneth Wilson compares the similarities and differences between the food scenes of Franklin County, Ohio and the greater Chicago area, acknowledging the intricacies of each locality's culinary landscape.

Commissioner Winfrey remarks on her significant contributions to NACo, particularly her efforts in convening commissions that focus on relevant issues like housing affordability, mental health, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on county operations. A notable project she mentions is the AI-generated children’s book about counties set to be distributed in libraries, which underwent a rigorous process to ensure it was representative and free from bias.

They further explore how counties can utilize AI to automate redundant tasks, leading to a more efficient delivery of services, though they caution that human oversight remains imperative. The commissioners and Kenneth Wilson agree on the value of NACo's role in bringing together various voices to share best practices, advocate at the federal level, and provide leadership training programs like the High Performance Leadership Academy.

In recognition of their unique responsibilities, the guests discuss the county's instrumental role during the pandemic — from setting up daily administrative calls and monthly health updates to addressing needs such as maintaining roads, ensuring food access, and managing facilities like nursing homes. They highlight how various initiatives, from drug and veterans courts to tackling issues like gun violence and racism, stem from cooperative ideas shared among counties. Progress tracking after policy implementation is another key aspect underscored.

As the episode ends, Commissioner Winfrey and Commissioner O'Grady encapsulate the purview of county commissioners' responsibilities, their pivotal role in community service, and the challenges faced when taking mandatory but sometimes unpopular decisions.

Top Takeaways

1. **The Value of County Workforces**: Commissioner Winfrey stresses the importance of offering competitive benefits to attract and retain highly skilled workers in county governments, leveraging collective bargaining to secure favorable rates for county employees.

2. **Underappreciated Role of County Commissioners**: Commissioners Winfrey and O'Grady discuss the significant yet often overlooked role of ...

In this powerful episode of "Talk Of The County," host Kenneth Wilson leads an insightful conversation on Black history and the evolution of the civil rights movement with eminent guests Dr. Hasan Jeffries and Kevin Boyce. The discussion probes into the educational disparities, media influences, and social justice activism in the context of Black history.

Dr. Jeffries sheds light on the uneven understanding of civil rights history across different regions, pinpointing the underlying issues of racism and inequality that persist in Ohio. The panel talks about systemic racism and its increased visibility amongst students, particularly following the George Floyd protests in 2020. Dr. Jeffries emphasizes the significance of grassroots movements and the role of everyday people in shaping civil rights activism, which is often overshadowed by the media's portrayal.

A poignant segment of the conversation delves into how the media historically treated Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, discussing the complexities of their representations. After King's assassination, Dr. Jeffries notes a shift in public opinion that led to a sanitized narrative that conformed to the status quo, often glossing over King's message of economic and social justice.

Kenneth Wilson turns the spotlight on the media's power in crafting historical narratives, influencing how racial issues are perceived, and the dynamic nature of racism. Guest Kevin Boyce, while sharing his personal experience of being maced during protests, acknowledges a new era in American history marked by George Floyd's death.

The dialogue then broadens to cover the significance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in society. Boyce stresses the need for fair opportunities based on qualifications, not identity, advocating for a more just and equitable world.

Throughout the conversation, Boyce and Dr. Jeffries acknowledge recent social upheavals that have generated fresh opportunities while meeting resistance from beneficiaries of the existing power structures. The episode also explores the polarizing political landscape post-Obama's presidency, the backlash from the MAGA movement, and the politicization of the Tea Party.

The 2010 midterm elections come under scrutiny as a critical juncture influencing the current political atmosphere. The guests discuss the sense of neglect felt by Black men within traditional political ideologies, leading some towards far-right allegiances. They stress the importance of organization and setting tangible expectations for political change, highlighting the community's overemphasis on the mere act of voting.

COVID-19's impact on exacerbating health disparities and emphasizing the necessity for minority business loans is also broached. Boyce and Dr. Jeffries speak on the ongoing struggle for racial health equality, tracing its roots back to previous civil rights and black power movements.

Kevin Boyce, discussing voting's significance, likens it to preparing ingredients for cookies – essential but requiring patience and commitment. He urges for a collective black political agenda, emphasizing electoral participation for influencing government decisions.

As the conversation progresses, the topic of homeownership, education, and community engagement surfaces, framed as success ingredients and preparations for seizing opportunities. Dr. Jeffries discusses the diminishing prospects for the younger generation in the wake of student debt and limited job opportunities.

Both guests lament the exploitation of fear and racism in politics, pointing out its dangerous application from border crises to negative ad campaigns. Special attention is given to barbershops and beauty shops as influential community hubs for discourse and collective decision-making.

The episode wraps up with reflections on personal growth and the importance of inclusivity. Dr. Jeffries and Boyce highlight the power of each vote by citing significant electoral impacts such as the loss of a Senate candidate in Wisconsin due to a narrow margin. Dr. Jeffries advocates open-mindedness towards difficult truths to incite change at various societal and personal levels.

Commissioner Boyce shares his experience as the first African American county commissioner in Franklin County, emphasizing the potential for change that such positions hold and the importance of his legacy. The increase in African American county commissioners since 2016 is celebrated, pointing to progress in representation.

The topic of mentorship is detailed as crucial for the advancement of underrepresented groups, illustrating that mentors come in various forms and that such relationships can profoundly impact professional and personal development.

Top Takeaways

1. Education on Civil Rights: The significance of regional differences in the understanding of civil rights history and the importance of comprehe...

Franklin County Media

1 2 Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

We welcome Stacy Rogers, the Chief Administrative Officer for Baltimore County, Maryland, and President-Elect of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA).

Host Kenneth Wilson engages Stacy in a comprehensive discussion covering a wide range of topics, from regional collaboration and securing federal funding to the challenges and priorities of the Baltimore County government.

Stacy Rogers highlights the critical role of strategic regional collaboration in accessing federal resources for transportation, water, and sewer issues. She emphasizes the need for partnerships and concerted efforts to address these infrastructural challenges. Additionally, she discusses the successful initiatives in Baltimore County to secure federal funding for digital equity, particularly through partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Kenneth Wilson underscores the importance of affordable connectivity programs and introduces the upcoming NFBPA conference, indicating the podcast's commitment to promoting relevant events and initiatives within the public administration sphere. This sets the stage for Stacy's discussion of her upcoming role as NFBPA president and the organization's dedication to mentorship and leadership development programs.

Ken and Stacy talk about the importance of mentorship for African American leaders and the promotion of public administration as a profession, particularly within HBCUs and higher education in general. This focus on mentorship and leadership development underscores the podcast's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of public administration.

The episode provides an insightful look into Baltimore County, the third largest jurisdiction in Maryland, with a population of 850,000 residents. Stacy notes that the county operates under a charter government and has an annual operating budget of $4.4 billion, employing nearly 10,000 workers. The budget reflects the county's priorities, allocating 48% to the school system and significant portions to public safety, emphasizing the commitment to education and public safety within the community.

The discussion also sheds light on the county administration's efforts to prioritize community engagement in the budgeting process. This entails conducting budget town halls in various jurisdictions and utilizing response polls to align budget priorities with community needs. Additionally, the administration has implemented a county-wide strategic plan focusing on community, accountability, sustainability, ethics, and workforce development, showcasing a proactive approach to governance and planning.

The challenges of the "great resignation" and the increasing demand for work-life balance within the government workforce are also explored. The impact of these factors, particularly in competing with the federal workforce and navigating teleworking options, presents a complex landscape for the county administration.

Moving beyond the county level, they talk about the potential for regional collaboration within the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) on issues such as natural disasters, sustainability, and renewable energy. The recognition of the collective regional impact and the need for collaborative solutions underscores the podcast's commitment to addressing broader societal challenges.

Stacy Rogers also shares insights into the versatility of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the significance of understanding law in government work. She emphasizes the importance of legislative references, codes, and state laws that exist in government planning and operations, offering valuable advice to aspiring public administrators.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Baltimore County: 3rd largest in Maryland, $4.4B budget, 10,000 employees.

04:59 Prior admin faced budget testimony limitations, but we expanded community input through town halls and polls, aligning budget goals with public priorities and implementing a prize-wide strategic plan based on community, accountability, and sustainability.

08:09 Focus on flexible teleworking for the intergenerational workforce.

11:58 Seek federal resources and tackle regional issues proactively.

15:13 NTIA funding supports digital access in Maryland.

24:32 MPA offers versatile skills with a strong foundation.

Top Takeaways

1. Strategic Regional Collaboration: The importance of collabo...

Franklin County Media

1 1 Talk of the County Podcast | Cultivating Community Through Art: A Conversation with Columbus's Cultural Leaders

The latest episode of Talk of the County opens with County Administrator Kenneth Wilson hosting a discussion with two distinguished guests: Brooke Minto, CEO of the Columbus Museum of Art, and Tom Katzenmeyer, CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The engaging conversation delves into various aspects of art, culture, and their impact on the community of Central Ohio.

Tom Katzenmeyer highlights the collaborative efforts with local artists to create murals on plywood after the George Floyd murder and their documentation in a compelling book. He emphasizes their support for Transit Arts, recognizing the positive influence of art on the city's youth. The episode also showcases the annual event honoring emerging art talent from local high schools and the substantial investment of public funds into art. The commitment to championing creativity and innovation in young people is a key theme throughout the episode.

Brooke Minto shares her newfound interest in soccer and her support for the Columbus Crew's recent MLS championship win. The hosts and guests discuss the vibrant soccer culture in the city, the new soccer-specific stadium, and the strong community support for professional soccer. They also touch upon the transformative gift received by the museum from the Art Bridges Foundation, which allows free Sundays to continue through 2026.

The importance of art in creating a sense of wholeness and creativity, especially in a world heavily focused on science and technology, is a recurring theme. The guests and host highlight the planned public art initiatives funded by the Franklin County Commissioners that aim to create and maintain public art throughout the city and county.

Public art is celebrated for its role in fostering community identity and pride, as well as its substantial economic, health, and wellness benefits. The impact of specific public art installations, such as Janet Echelman's creation at the Gay and High Streets intersection, is also acknowledged.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the art community and its accessibility to all residents are highlighted. Tom Katzenmeyer emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in their programs, reflecting on the board, staff, and the Aminah Robinson Fellowship for black artists. Brooke Minto underlines the efforts to ensure the art museum reflects the evolving Central Ohio demographic and remains accessible to all audiences, especially with free admission for Franklin County residents on Sundays.

The podcast acknowledges the collaborative effort involving private and public entities, including the city, arts council, arts institutions, and philanthropists in bringing public art projects to fruition. The potential for public art installations to attract tourists and drive economic development is also discussed, along with the positive impact of cultural tourists on the local economy.

Brooke Minto shares pleasant surprises and challenges at the Columbus Museum of Art, including national funding initiatives, partnerships with The Ohio State University's History of Art department for exhibitions, and the museum's role in incubating future museum leaders. The connection between the Columbus Museum of Art and the Columbus College of Art and Design, as well as the ongoing development in the King Lincoln District, is explored in detail.

Tom Katzenmeyer discusses the Greater Columbus Arts Council's support for local and emerging talent, its partnership with local institutions for art projects, and the significant changes made to its grant programs, resulting in more money being awarded to artists. New guidelines for the programs are already in place, leading to increased opportunities for artists.

The podcast also draws attention to th...

We have a special Pride Month edition lined up for you. Joining us are two incredible guests: Densil Porteous and Dr. Leo Taylor. Together, we talk about the importance of understanding the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, the historical evolution of Pride events, and the vital role of empathy and advocacy in promoting LGBTQ+ rights.

We explore the significance of inclusive advocacy, the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ issues, and how everyone—from allies to corporate partners—can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.

You'll hear powerful stories of personal journeys, community initiatives, and transformative actions that are paving the way for a brighter future.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Embracing authentic self in a strong community.

06:48 Comparing current and past activism in Columbus.

14:10 Living openly and proudly as LGBTQ+ daily.

23:17 Acknowledgment of marginalized identities and inclusive leadership.

33:16 Realized impact of cultural norms on diversity.

36:31 Quality treatment and inclusion are essential everywhere.

42:57 Trevor Project's growth supports young people.

47:44 Acknowledge privilege, uplift different voices, advocate for change.

53:31 Allies and accomplices are essential in activism.

57:18 Questioning discomfort; promoting empathy and understanding.

01:03:07 Slow, ongoing conversations lead to societal change.

01:17:17 Wide stratification within the LGBTQ+ community in the county.

01:19:34 Transferable skill set for working with diversity.

01:25:37 Tourism attracts residents, strengthens community bonds.

Top Takeaways

Dr. Leo Taylor emphasizes the importance of empathy, even for those who don’t understand LGBTQ rights, suggesting that empathy can bridge gaps in understanding.

Densil Porteous expresses concern about actions that steal joy and advocates for supporting everyone's happiness through intentional and inclusive actions.

Both guests draw inspiration from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, and Bayard Rustin, and their personal experiences, emphasizing the power of speaking out and allyship.

The Pride movement has evolved from protests to a blend of celebration, protest, and recognition, emphasizing visibility, support, and year-round commitment.

Allies and accomplices play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, standing up for rights, and ensuring visibility and representation, especially when LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t present.

Promoting economic inclusion by empowering marginalized individuals through job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and addressing systemic employment barriers is vital for equity in Franklin County.

Advocacy should be inclusive, considering the diverse identities within the LGBTQ community, ensuring representation, and engaging in civic activities like voting and running for office.

DEI initiatives should be deeply ingrained in organizational culture, focusing on inclusion first to naturally promote diversity and making sure everyone feels they belong.

Local community needs and intersectional issues like economic conditions and addiction recovery should be considered in supporting LGBTQ individuals, recognizing that broader issues impact the community.

Efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights must go beyond temporary fixes, involving permanent changes, continuous dialogue, and private reflection to foster a genuinely inclusive environment.

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