Every month, Georgia residents get an energy bill. The amount on that bill may seem out of our control, but it's actually determined by a group of five officials we elect: Public Service Commissioners. But as a local environmental justice activist learned while fighting a rate increase, who is - and most importantly, who isn’t - represented on the Public Service Commission matters a lot to the number we see on our energy bills.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;Every month, Georgia residents get an energy bill. The amount on that bill may seem out of our control, but it's actually determined by a group of five officials we elect: Public Service Commissioners. But as a local environmental justice activist learned while fighting a rate increase, who is - and most importantly, who isn’t - represented on the Public Service Commission matters a lot to the number we see on our energy bills.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Every month, Georgia residents get an energy bill. The amount on that bill may seem out of our control, but it's actually determined by a group of five officials we elect: Public Service Commissioners. But as a local environmental justice activist...

The Powerful Five

In some counties around the country, sheriffs don’t just enforce local laws - they also choose to enforce federal immigration laws. One sheriff’s office in Georgia has been working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the last 10 years. But this may all change after November.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;In some counties around the country, sheriffs don’t just enforce local laws - they also choose to enforce federal immigration laws. One sheriff’s office in Georgia has been working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the last 10 years. But this may all change after November.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In some counties around the country, sheriffs don’t just enforce local laws - they also choose to enforce federal immigration laws. One sheriff’s office in Georgia has been working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the last 10...

The badge of 287(g)

District Attorneys play a big role in our criminal legal system and many are asking if change can come from within that system. We follow the story of two women in Georgia working in criminal law, each standing on a different side of how change happens.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;District Attorneys play a big role in our criminal legal system and many are asking if change can come from within that system.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;We follow the story of two women in Georgia working in criminal law, each standing on a different side of how change happens.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

District Attorneys play a big role in our criminal legal system and many are asking if change can come from within that system. We follow the story of two women in Georgia working in criminal law, each standing on a different side of how change happens.

Pressing Changes

In Georgia, Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges are supposed to be chosen by voters in non-partisan elections. But in the 100-year history of the Georgia Court of Appeals, only 9 judges have been elected to an open seat.  More often than not - judges find their way to these seats not through an election, but by an appointment, from the Governor. Listen to the story of one woman campaigning to be the 10th judge elected to an open seat and the series of events that changed her election and two others.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;In Georgia, Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges are supposed to be chosen by voters in non-partisan elections. But in the 100-year history of the Georgia Court of Appeals, only 9 judges have been elected to an open seat. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;More often than not - judges find their way to these seats not through an election, but by an appointment, from the Governor.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: 400;"&gt;Listen to the story of one woman campaigning to be the 10th judge elected to an open seat and the series of events that changed her election and two others.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In Georgia, Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges are supposed to be chosen by voters in non-partisan elections. But in the 100-year history of the Georgia Court of Appeals, only 9 judges have been elected to an open seat.  More...

By Appointment Only

Over the last three years, one Southwest Atlanta neighborhood saw home prices go up 275%. Higher home prices drive property taxes increases, which can make it nearly impossible for some residents to afford to stay in their homes. One man is determined to collect those property taxes - even if it leads to residents losing their homes.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Over the last three years, one Southwest Atlanta neighborhood saw home prices go up 275%. Higher home prices drive property taxes increases, which can make it nearly impossible for some residents to afford to stay in their homes.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;One man is determined to collect those property taxes - even if it leads to residents losing their homes.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Over the last three years, one Southwest Atlanta neighborhood saw home prices go up 275%. Higher home prices drive property taxes increases, which can make it nearly impossible for some residents to afford to stay in their homes. One man is determined...

The Commissioner in Your Mailbox

Small Power tells stories about the surprising and often hidden power behind local political offices and issues in Georgia. Learn alongside us as our stories dive into what is on the ballot, why it matters, and how to make your voice heard in these big decisions.

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