Todd McCollum is joined by Eileen Cunningham - filling in for Russell Dryer who is out on special assignment - and this week's guest J.D. Longo, Mayor of Slippery Rock and Pennsylvania Chairman of the America First Policy Institute. Longo joins the podcast to talk about his background, his experience in local government, and the work he is doing with AFPI across Pennsylvania.

The conversation covers energy, education choice, taxes, deregulation, government spending, economic opportunity, and the importance of keeping government accountable. Longo also discusses his experience managing Slippery Rock’s finances, including controlling spending, reducing debt, and avoiding property tax increases. This discussion is in comparison to the current financial challenges facing Pittsburgh - including pensions, public spending, transparency, and the role local leaders play in protecting taxpayers.

Later, the discussion turns to license plate readers and surveillance technology, including concerns about privacy, constitutional protections, and how law enforcement tools should be used. The episode closes with a look at the 100th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, college students getting involved in civic life, and some of the political issues shaping Pennsylvania.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and JD Longo.