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PODCAST

Ground Floor Government

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public

government

All Episodes

17:00

From Community Organizer to County Executive (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/29

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Steuart Pittman, the elected County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Pittman shares his journey from community advocacy to local government leadership, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights significant projects, such as the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park, and emphasizes the importance of public engagement in restoring trust in government

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14:19

From Administrative Assistant to City Clerk (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/26

SummaryIn this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Addie Balester, the Clerk of the Council for Cleveland Heights, Ohio. They discuss Addie's journey into local government, the challenges she faced, the importance of finance in council actions, and the need for transparency and accessibility in government processes. Addie shares insights on cross-department collaboration, opportunities for aspiring local government workers, and the passion that drives her in her role.TakeawaysUnexpected is a common

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19:45

From Secret Service to County Leadership (with Harold...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/24

SummaryIn this episode, Harold Collins shares his journey from aspiring to join the Secret Service to becoming the Chief Administrative Officer of Shelby County, Tennessee. He discusses his early experiences in local government, the challenges he faces in administration, and the significant projects aimed at improving community health and education. Collins emphasizes the importance of public service and encourages others to consider careers in local government, highlighting the fulfillment that

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19:16

Navigating the Challenges of Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/22

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, Ricky Hatch, the clerk auditor of Weber County, shares his journey from the corporate world to local government. He discusses the misconceptions about government jobs, the challenges and rewards of public service, and the importance of transparency and teamwork in government operations. Ricky highlights impactful legislation he worked on, the significance of finances in local government, and the essential people skills needed to navigate the

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19:27

From Minimum Wage to City Clerk (with Melissa Coyne)...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/19

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Melissa Coyne, the City Clerk of Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from minimum wage jobs to a fulfilling career in local government. She discusses the importance of persistence in job applications, the opportunities for career growth within local government, and the value of education and certifications. Melissa also highlights the challenges faced in her role and the passion that drives

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20:07

Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with Tom...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/17

SummaryIn this episode, Tom Stolz, the county manager of Sedgwick County, Kansas, shares his journey in local government, highlighting the various opportunities for career advancement and the challenges faced in leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and problem-solving in public service, as well as the need for preparation and adaptability in a changing environment. Tom reflects on impactful projects throughout his career and encourages aspiring public servants to

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24:19

Leadership Lessons from a County Administrator (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/16

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Patrick Bloomingdale, the County Administrator of Douglas County, Nebraska, shares his inspiring journey from a low-paying job to a successful career in local government. He discusses the importance of hope, resilience, and hard work, especially in the face of bullying and challenges. Patrick highlights his proud accomplishments in mental health initiatives and the complexities of budget management. He emphasizes the significance of disaster preparedness and the role

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19:37

Navigating Public Information During a Crisis (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/15

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Tricia Wajda, a public information officer from Monmouth County, New Jersey. Tricia shares her unique journey into local government, discussing her early career, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impactful community projects she has been involved in. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, effective communication, and the need for creativity in public information roles. Tricia also

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20:24

The Impact of IT on Community Services (with Kent...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/10

SummaryIn this conversation, Kent English, Director of Communications and Information Systems for Donetta County, shares insights into the role of IT in local government. He discusses his journey into local government, the importance of technology in enhancing public services, and the challenges of budgeting and collaboration across departments. Kent highlights innovative projects like AI translation for Board meetings and emphasizes the personal rewards of working in local government despite the

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18:28

How to Succeed as a Clerk of Council (with Julie...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/08

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Julie Gibbons, the first female clerk of council in Toledo, Ohio. Julie shares her journey into local government, the challenges she faces, and the impactful projects she has worked on, including domestic violence protection for public employees. She discusses the importance of staying apolitical, understanding the budget process, and the essential people skills needed in local government. Julie emphasizes the

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22:41

Navigating Challenges in Government IT (with Bob...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/05

SummaryIn this episode, Bob Henderson, Director of IT in Cass County, North Dakota, shares his journey in local government and the various opportunities available in this field. He discusses the importance of communication and transparency in IT, especially during crisis situations, and highlights innovative projects that enhance public services. Bob also explains the financing of IT projects in government and emphasizes the need for strong relationships and people skills in the IT sector. He

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18:02

A Journey in Public Service (with Joseph Vizard) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/03

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Joseph Vizard, the city clerk of Waltham, Massachusetts. They discuss Vizard's journey in local government, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of community engagement in local projects. Vizard shares insights on effective communication, the budgeting process, and the skills needed to navigate the complexities of local government. He emphasizes the rewarding nature of public service and

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21:26

Navigating the IT Landscape in Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/06/01

SummaryIn this episode, Rolland Kornblau, Director of IT at the City of San Bernardino, shares his journey from education to local government IT. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in local government, the importance of balancing IT needs with departmental requirements, and the impact of technology on community services. Rolland emphasizes the significance of budgeting, navigating unexpected challenges, and ensuring ADA compliance in digital projects. He also highlights the

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20:35

The Journey of a City Clerk (with Russell Jones) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/29

SummaryIn this conversation, Russell Jones, the city clerk of Opelika, Alabama, shares his journey into local government, highlighting the diverse career paths available and the importance of community service. He discusses the daily challenges faced in his role, the impact of civic projects, and the complexities of managing budgets while satisfying various stakeholders. Russell emphasizes the significance of servant leadership and teamwork in local government, as well as the passion that drives him

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26:33

The Journey of a County Executive (with Mark...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/27

SummaryIn this episode, Mark Hendrickson, the County Executive Officer of Merced County, shares his journey in public service, emphasizing the importance of attitude, community impact, and mentorship. He discusses the challenges of navigating local government, balancing budgetary constraints with human needs, and the joy of working in public service. Mark encourages aspiring public servants to embrace the opportunities available in local government and highlights the significance of teamwork and

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22:18

From Tech Enthusiast to County Clerk (with John...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/26

SummaryIn this episode, John Warren, the County Clerk of Dallas County, shares his extensive experience in local government, discussing the diverse opportunities available, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions implemented during his tenure. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, budget management, and the impact of technology in enhancing public service. Warren also encourages new generations to consider careers in local government, highlighting the rewarding nature of public

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24:05

From Private Sector to Public Service (with Dan...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/22

SummaryIn this conversation, Dan Hoffman shares his unique journey in local government, discussing the challenges and rewards of leadership, the intricacies of budgeting, and the importance of people skills. He emphasizes the need for a balance between governance and public service, the role of technology in enhancing government operations, and offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the field.TakeawaysDan Hoffman's career path is non-traditional, starting in the private sector.He

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20:24

From Civil Engineer to Public Leader (with Weston...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/20

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Weston Young, the Chief Administrative Officer of Worcester County, Maryland. They discuss Young's career journey from civil engineering to public service, the importance of local government infrastructure, the challenges faced in administrative roles, and the intricacies of budgeting in local government. Young shares insights on the rewarding aspects of public service and offers advice for those interested in pursuing

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25:14

Navigating Crises in Local Government (with Justin...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/18

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Justin Clifton, the city manager of Murrieta, California. Justin shares his unique journey into local government, starting from an internship to becoming a city manager. He discusses the challenges he faced, including navigating crises, managing budgets, and balancing community needs with tourism impacts. Justin emphasizes the importance of transparency, relationship-building, and the passion for public service in local

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20:41

Navigating a Career in Local Government (with Louise...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/05/15

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Louise Miller, the town clerk of Needham, Massachusetts. Louise shares her unique career journey from being an attorney to various roles in local government, emphasizing the importance of community impact and the challenges faced in public service. The conversation covers topics such as navigating unexpected challenges, the significance of budgets, dealing with unfunded mandates, and the collaborative nature of local

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126 results

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