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 notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is
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From Minimum Wage to City Clerk (with Melissa Coyne) | Ep. 81
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 her to make a difference in her community. The conversation encourages aspiring local government employees to pursue their dreams and emphasizes...
Unlocking Opportunities in Local Government (with Tom Stolz) | Ep. 80
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 embrace the rewarding nature of their work.</p><p>Takeaways</p>Local government offers diverse career paths and opportunities.Tom Stolz transitioned from police work...
Leadership Lessons from a County Administrator (with Patrick Bloomingdale) | Ep. 79
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 of local government in rebuilding communities. The conversation also touches on leadership, team dynamics, and the future of work in the context of AI, encouraging...
Navigating Public Information During a Crisis (with Tricia Wajda) | Ep. 78
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 highlights the rewarding nature of working in government and encourages others to consider careers in this field.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p>Tricia Wajda's journey...
The Impact of IT on Community Services (with Kent English) | Ep. 77
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 lower salaries. He also provides advice for those considering a career in local government IT, stressing the stability and community impact of such roles.</p><p><...
How to Succeed as a Clerk of Council (with Julie Gibbons) | Ep. 76
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 significance of accessibility in digital governance and the value of historical records. She concludes with advice for those considering a career in local government, highlighting...
Navigating Challenges in Government IT (with Bob Henderson) | Ep. 75
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 concludes by advocating for the value of working in local government, where one can make a direct impact on their community.</p><...
A Journey in Public Service (with Joseph Vizard) | Ep. 74
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 encourages those considering a career in local government to pursue it despite the challenges.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p>Joseph Vizard grew up in...
Navigating the IT Landscape in Local Government (with Rolland Kornblau) | Ep. 73
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 importance of people skills in resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration within the organization. Ultimately, he expresses his passion for technology and the fulfillment he finds...
The Journey of a City Clerk (with Russell Jones) | Ep. 72
<p>Summary</p><p>In 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 to serve his community. He encourages those considering a career in local government to embrace the opportunity to make a difference.</p><p><...
