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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

17:38

From Crossing Guard to City Clerk (with Tina...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/30

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Tina Mastroianni, the City Clerk of Providence, who shares her inspiring journey from a crossing guard to a city clerk. Tina discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced in local government, and the role of technology in improving public access to information. She emphasizes the significance of serving the community with a willing heart and offers valuable advice for those considering a career

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16:11

Mastering Systems and People Skills (with James...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/27

SummaryInthisepisodeofGroundFloorGovernment,hostHughPlappertinterviewsJamesMcKechnie,theDeputyCityManagerofWichitaFalls,Texas.TheydiscussJames'suniquecareerpathinlocalgovernment,theimportanceofstrategicplanning,andthechallengesofnavigatingsystemsandfinanceinpublicservice.Jamessharesinsightsonthesignificanceofpeopleskills,ADAaccessibility,andoffersvaluableadviceforyoungindividualsconsideringacareerinlocalgovernment.TakeawaysGoodstrategicplansincludemorethanjuststepsandprocesses.Youhavetoweighinthefina

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22:56

From HR to County Leadership (with Julie Karins) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/25

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert welcomes Julie Karins, the Deputy County Manager of Johnson County, Kansas. The conversation begins with Julie sharing her unexpected journey into local government, transitioning from a career in human resources within the hospitality industry to her current role. She reflects on the differences between corporate and public sector work, emphasizing the sense of purpose she found in local government, which she believes has a direct

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13:28

Managing Elections and Community Impact (with Jessica...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/23

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert welcomes Jessica Bailey, the Clerk of the Courts from Porter County, Indiana. Jessica shares her journey from the private sector to local government, highlighting her initial involvement in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and her subsequent election to the school board. She discusses the significant transition she faced when moving from running a business to managing the responsibilities of a full-time government role, which

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26:52

A Passion for Public Service (with Valerie Lemmie) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/20

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert welcomes Valerie Lemmie, a seasoned expert in local government with over four decades of experience. Valerie shares her journey into local government, emphasizing her passion for ensuring equitable access to services and education for all citizens. She reflects on her family's history and the importance of quality education, which fueled her desire to work in local government. Valerie discusses the challenges and rewards of her

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23:45

From Humble Beginnings to City Management (with Tommy...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/18

SummaryIn this conversation, Tommy Gonzalez, the City Manager of Midland, Texas, shares his journey into city management, discussing the complexities and responsibilities of his role. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, community engagement, and effective budgeting. Tommy also recounts significant challenges he has faced, including navigating a firefighter pension fund issue, and highlights impactful community projects that have enhanced local life. He stresses the need for strong

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14:07

From Marine to Mayor: Journey in Local Government...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/16

SummaryIn this conversation, Nick Edwards, the city manager of Joplin, Missouri, shares his journey into local government, the challenges he faces, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the impact of his military background on his leadership style and the significance of strategic planning in managing city resources. Nick emphasizes the need for collaboration among city departments and the role of location in enhancing city services. He also offers valuable advice for those

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16:53

From Media to Municipal Leadership (with Hombre...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/13

SummaryIn this conversation, Hugh Plappert speaks with Hombre Darby, the Director of Communications and Outreach for Wheeling Township, Illinois. They discuss the importance of newsletters in community engagement, the challenges and rewards of working in local government, and the strategies for effective communication with diverse audiences. Hombre shares his journey into local government, highlights impactful community projects, and emphasizes the need for innovation and adaptability in

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18:34

Mastering Local Government: Strategies for Turnaround...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/11

SummaryIn this conversation, Harry Black shares his extensive experience in local government, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that come with the territory. He discusses his journey from a management trainee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to becoming a city manager, emphasizing the importance of resilience, financial planning, and making tough decisions. Black reflects on his turnaround experiences in Baltimore, where he successfully navigated financial crises and

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24:09

10 Lessons on Successful Government Tech Projects...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/09

SummaryIn this conversation, Hana Schank discusses her journey in local government and the importance of public interest technology. She emphasizes the need for effective technology solutions that address community needs while navigating the challenges of procurement and project management. The discussion highlights the significance of people skills, ethical considerations, and future-proofing technology in government projects. Hana also shares insights on how individuals can start their careers in

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17:52

Firefighter to County Manager: A Journey of Public...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/06

SummaryIn this engaging interview, Eric Mosley shares his journey from a forest firefighter to a county manager, highlighting the diverse paths to local government leadership, key responsibilities, and the importance of community involvement.Key TopicsPathways to local government leadershipResponsibilities of a county managerCommunity development projectsCrisis management and problem-solvingEngaging with the community and transparency TakeawaysExperience and community involvement are key to a career

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20:01

Breaking Barriers in Local Government (with Donesia...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/03/02

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Donesia Gause, the first African-American city clerk of Riverside. Donesia shares her journey into local government, the role of a city clerk in advocating for democracy, and the importance of community engagement. She discusses significant projects like the redistricting process and the City Hall Insider initiative aimed at demystifying public proceedings. Donesia emphasizes the need for accessibility in local

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24:53

The Art of Budgeting in Local Government (with Donald...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/26

SummaryIn this conversation, Donald Duncan, the city manager of Asheboro, NC shares his journey into local government, discussing the importance of budgeting, the differences between city and county management, and the challenges faced in political environments. He emphasizes the need for effective leadership development and offers advice for those aspiring to enter local government, highlighting the significance of community engagement and understanding local dynamics.TakeawaysMoney management is

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21:29

Soldier to City Manager: A Unique Journey (with Dean...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/25

SummaryIn this conversation, Dean Huard shares his unique journey transitioning from a military career to local government. He discusses the importance of networking, the cultural aspects of local governance, and the challenges faced in city management. Dean emphasizes how his military experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and problem-solving in the public sector, highlighting the significance of adaptability and community service in his role as a city manager. In this conversation,

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18:31

How Do You Go From Student to Clerk? (with Andrew...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/23

SummaryIn this conversation, Andrew Ghobrial shares his journey into local government, detailing his experiences as a clerk of committees and the challenges he faced in election administration. He discusses the importance of transparency, public records, and the skills needed to succeed in local government roles. Andrew also highlights innovations in processes like dog licensing and the complexities of budgeting in a government setting. He emphasizes the value of networking and community engagement

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19:21

From Youth Council to Local Government (with Caitlan...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/16

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Caitlan Biggs, the Assistant Town Manager and Secretary of Little Elm, Texas. Caitlan shares her unique journey into local government, discussing the various roles and responsibilities she holds, the challenges faced during her career, and the importance of community engagement. She emphasizes the need for collaboration across departments and offers valuable advice for those looking to start a career in local

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22:25

Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/13

SummaryIn this episode, Anthony Mejia shares his journey in local government, highlighting the various opportunities available for individuals, especially at-risk youth. He discusses his experiences, challenges faced, and the importance of mentorship in developing future leaders in the field. The conversation also covers the significance of budgeting, community engagement, and the skills necessary for city clerks, including navigating complex political landscapes and ensuring accessibility for all

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18:58

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

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/09

SummaryIn this episode, Blaine Oborn shares his extensive experience in local government, discussing his journey from finance to city administration. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, the challenges faced in local government, and the passion required to make a difference in communities. Blaine also provides valuable advice for those looking to start a career in local government, highlighting the significance of mentorship and public service.TakeawaysBlaine O'Byrne has worked in local

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15:54

From Classroom to City Hall (with Angela Allen) | Ep. 28

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/05

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Angela Allen, the city treasurer of Inglewood, California. Angela shares her unique journey from education to local government, discussing the challenges she faced, the importance of finance in city management, and her commitment to community engagement. She emphasizes the need for organization and the value of mentorship for those aspiring to enter local government. Angela's passion for public service shines through as

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17:35

The Journey of a City Clerk (with Belinda Munson) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/02/02

SummaryIn this conversation, Hugh Plappert interviews Belinda Munson, the city clerk of Muncie, Indiana, discussing her journey into local government, the modernization of public records, and the challenges faced in her role. Belinda shares insights on the importance of people skills, the intricacies of local governance, and offers advice for those looking to enter public service. The discussion highlights the significance of community engagement and the evolving nature of local government

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127 results

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