Articles from the “Article” Category
“Leading with Heart in Hard Times”: Cayce Mayor Elise Partin Shares the Power of Local Government Article
Cayce, SC – On the latest episode of The Good Government Show, Mayor Elise Partin delivered a candid and inspiring reflection on her 16 years of service leading the City of Cayce. In conversation with host Dave Martin, Mayor Partin offered listeners a window into the beauty and complexity of municipal leadership—where sidewalks, stormwater, […]
From Tech to Traffic Safety: Saratoga’s Mayor, Belal Aftab, is Bringing a New Voice to City Hall Article
In his first 30 days as mayor of Saratoga, California, Belal Aftab has already made one thing clear: leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about action. “It’s not about being mayor. It’s about doing things as mayor,” he told Dave Martin on The Good Government Show. Aftab, who grew up in Saratoga and now represents a […]
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone: Why Saving Libraries Is Saving America Article
In a time when government programs face deep cuts and disinformation floods the internet, one institution still offers free access to knowledge, community, and opportunity: your local public library. On The Good Government Show, host Dave Martin takes listeners on a tour of the Fairfield, Connecticut Public Library—and what he uncovers is nothing short of […]
From Coal to Coffee Shops: Glenville Mayor Dr. Mark Sarver Champions Rural Reinvention on The Good Government Show Article
In a recent episode of The Good Government Show, Glenville Mayor Dr. Mark Sarver offered a hopeful blueprint for rural coal towns facing economic decline. As both mayor and business professor at Glenville State University, Dr. Sarver has spent the last two years helping lead the “Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities” initiative—a national cohort […]
Berkeley’s ‘Can-Do Mayor’: Adena Ishii Charts a Bold New Course for Local Leadership Article
Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii may be new to elected office, but she’s already making a name for herself as a bold, collaborative, and future-focused leader. In a recent interview on The Good Government Show podcast, Ishii—described by local media as The Can-Do Mayor—shared how her journey from student activist to mayor is shaping her approach […]
Faith & Values: Finding faith without the comfort of certainty Article
By Jim Ludlow My pastor recently stated that we cannot truly be believers in the scripture without also believing in spirits and supernatural intervention in human affairs. His sermon, like his others, was very studied and well delivered. Yet this statement struck at the heart of my lifelong struggle with religious teachings. Spirits play very […]
“You Can Leave for Cool Places — or Make This One Cool”: Gabe Peña on Reviving Appalachian Downtowns Article
“You Can Leave for Cool Places — or Make This One Cool”: Gabe Peña on Reviving Appalachian Downtowns In the heart of West Virginia coal country, Fayetteville City Councilmember Gabe Peña is proving that small towns can be both historic and forward-thinking. Appearing on The Good Government Show, Peña shared how his Appalachian community is […]
From Logistics to Legacy: Mayor Acquanetta Warren on Building a City That Works for Everyone Article
In the Inland Empire, Mayor Acquanetta Warren is proof that logistics and leadership go hand in hand. On her appearance on The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, the long-serving mayor of Fontana, California made the case that smart infrastructure—and a relentless commitment to service—is what powers a truly thriving city. “We’re not just moving […]
Faith in Fate: Mayor David Billings on Growth, Brisket, and the Real Work of Government Article
In the fast-growing city of Fate, Texas, Mayor David Billings is building more than roads and businesses—he’s building trust. Appearing on The Good Government Show, Mayor Billings sat down with host Dave Martin for a wide-ranging conversation about managing rapid development, balancing property rights, and keeping government transparent and personal. “If you have a good […]
Debbie Goettel and the Mighty Mississippi Makeover Article
In a time when environmental action often feels stalled at the federal level, Hennepin County Commissioner Debbie Goettel is proving that real change flows from the local level—quite literally. On the latest episode of The Good Government Show, Commissioner Goettel detailed how her county rallied an army of 2,800 volunteers to remove over 20,500 pounds […]