Commissioner Stephanie Lindsey: Navigating Tough Conversations of Racial and Political Differences in an Unfiltered, Serious AND Humorous Way - Episode 32
Welcome to Episode 32 of The Town Square Podcast hosted by Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey! This week, we’re diving into a lively and unfiltered conversation with Stephanie Lindsey, District 3 Commissioner for Newton County. Recorded on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, before Governor Brian Kemp’s suspension of both Commissioner Lindsey and Chairman Marcello Banes on March 7, 2025, this episode is filled with candid stories, plenty of laughs, and thoughtful perspectives on local issues. You can read more about the suspensions in this Covington News article [here].
The Messy Middle in Action
If you know Stephanie, you know she’s full of energy, passion, and a whole lot of personality. From discussing the complexities of local politics to diving into cultural differences, this conversation is anything but ordinary. We laughed hard (think stomach-hurting laughter) as we navigated the differences in culture—black and white—and did so in the spirit of lightheartedness, with no discrimination or prejudice. It's the messy middle, and that’s exactly what The Town Square Podcast is all about: creating unity, not uniformity.
Black History Month & The Newton Six
We started the episode by honoring Black History Month, specifically recognizing The Newton Six, a group of local Black leaders who made a lasting impact on Newton County. Stephanie shared how important it is to preserve that history, and why she advocates for using SPLOST dollars to restore the Historic Jail—a major topic at one of the recent Board of Commissioners meetings. We also discussed the importance of events like A Time to Remember, which honors local Black leaders, and you can find a YouTube video of that event [here].
Joking Around, But Serious Conversations
Stephanie is known for her candidness, and this episode is no exception. She jokingly talked about her long-standing relationship with fellow Commissioner J.C. Henderson, laughing about how she can’t hide her facial expressions during his speeches. If you’ve seen her at a meeting, you know exactly what we mean—her face speaks volumes, even when her mouth isn’t moving!
We also touched on the Nelson Heights Community Center in J.C.’s district and the potential for improving its use for families and children. Stephanie is all about making sure the community’s resources are used to their fullest potential.
House Bill 581: A Heated Debate
The conversation took a fun turn when Stephanie poked fun at Trey, teasing him about the grief he got on Facebook for his outspoken advocacy of the Newton County Board of Education opting out of House Bill 581. The social media backlash was real, but Stephanie, always the one to lighten the mood, had us all laughing about how Trey became the subject of a Facebook mob calling for his ousting in the next election. Good-natured ribbing at its best!
The "Thelma & Louise" Dynamic
One of the most fascinating parts of this conversation was Stephanie’s relationship with District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long. She calls it a "Thelma and Louise" relationship, where LeAnne’s fiery, outspoken personality is respected—yet when Stephanie says the same things, she’s often labeled as the "angry Black woman." This conversation gets right to the heart of the messy middle as we explore how race and gender affect how we are perceived in positions of power.
Stephanie also shared her thoughts on the label "urban," particularly used to describe the western side of the county (Districts 2 & 3) adjacent to Rockdale County. She pointed out how the term is often used as a euphemism for "those Black people over there," highlighting the need for more nuanced language and understanding.
Data Centers and Overgrowth
We also talked about the potential for a new data center at the corner of Interstate 20 and Highway 11, across from River Cove. Stephanie shared her thoughts on the pros and cons of this development and the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of community character.
In a more technical discussion, Stephanie talked about her meticulous approach to the new Unified Development Ordinances (UDO). She recounted how she went line-by-line with consultants to ensure that her district wasn’t overrun with apartments and townhomes. This is one of those cases where she proves she’s deeply invested in protecting her community, and you can watch a video of that meeting [here].
A Fun and Memorable Interview
Beyond the politics and policy, this episode is full of Stephanie’s infectious energy and hilarious anecdotes. She joked about staying in her lane (as a policy-maker, not a pothole-fixer) and encouraged people to use the Notify Newton app to report issues in the county. This app is a great tool for getting things done quickly—whether it’s road issues or other local government services. Get the app [here].
Support The Town Square Podcast
We hope you enjoy this fun, enlightening, and thought-provoking conversation with Commissioner Stephanie Lindsey. Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as it helps us grow and continue bringing these important conversations to the messy middle of Newton County.
The Town Square Podcast runs on donations from our amazing listeners. If you’d like to support the show, consider making a one-time gift or a small monthly recurring donation to help us keep the conversation going. You can donate at https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate.
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors
We couldn’t do this without the support of our wonderful sponsors. Please take a moment to check them out:
Main Street Land & Properties
2141 Emory St NW, Covington, GA 30014
Bizzy Bee Exterminators
770-787-3718
For a free online quote: [www.BizzyBeeExterminators.com]
And don’t forget, Newton Piedmont is hosting Concert for a Cause with the special guest NoDiggity Band on Saturday, April 26 at the Ohco District in Covington. Tickets and sponsorships are available [here](https://give.piedmont.org/newtonconcert).
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Thank you for listening and for supporting The Town Square Podcast. Stay tuned for more exciting, messy middle conversations that help build unity in Newton County!
