Tomcast
Tomcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to Tomcast – the unapologetically real podcast straight outta Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hosted by Tom, we dive into the stories, scandals, and side-splitting moments that make this city tick. From off-the-cuff interviews with locals and wild conversations about life in the Spa City to the kind of small-town tea you won’t hear anywhere else, Tomcast is your backstage pass to Hot Springs. We’re raw, we’re fun, and we’re bringing you the real Spa City — one episode at a time.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes the rich tapestry of life in Hot Springs, covering themes such as local politics, personal narratives, and social issues. Examples include intimate conversations with Congressman Bruce Westerman on the future of the 4th district and profound interviews with historical figures like Margaret Yoshida, who recounts life in a Japanese American internment camp.
Welcome to TomCast – the unapologetically real podcast straight outta Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hosted by Tom Wilkins, we dive into the stories, scandals, and side-splitting moments that make this city tick. From off-the-cuff interviews with locals and wild conversations about life in the Spa City to the kind of small-town tea you won’t hear anywhere else, TomCast is your backstage pass to Hot Springs. We’re raw, we’re fun, and we’re bringing you the real Spa City — one episode at a time.
What role should technology, transparency, and citizen involvement play in the future of Hot Springs?
On this episode of TomCast, Tom Wilkins sits down with Garrett Collier, a Hot Springs native and candidate for Hot Springs City Director, District 5.
Garrett discusses his background in software development and public administration, why he decided to enter public service, and how he believes technology, communication, transparency, and citizen involvement can help shape the future of Hot Springs.
The conversation covers some of the biggest issues facing the city, including downtown parking, public participation in city government, the future of District 5, redevelopment of the Hot Springs Mall, economic development, affordable housing, and possibilities for the Majestic site.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to TomCast 00:18 Meet Garrett Collier 00:44 Software to Public Service 01:55 Why Politics? 04:38 Making City Government More Transparent 09:16 Giving Citizens a Stronger Voice 12:58 Is Parking Hurting Downtown? 19:43 Listen to the People Doing the Work 23:50 What Is the Future of District 5? 25:11 What Happens to the Mall? 33:46 A Blank Check for Hot Springs? 39:10 An Idea for the Majestic Site 45:22 A Closing Message for District 5
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Garrett Collier’s Hot Springs roots and education • His career in software development • Why he decided to pursue public service • Transparency at Hot Springs Board meetings • Making city information easier for citizens to access • Giving residents a stronger voice • Downtown parking and the visitor experience • The importance of listening to advisory boards • The future of District 5 • Redevelopment possibilities for the Hot Springs Mall • Economic development and affordable housing • Ideas surrounding the Majestic property • Garrett’s message to District 5 voters
Disclaimer
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