Blake Aued was born in Kentucky and grew up in Alpharetta and Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the University of Mississippi, graduating with a degree in journalism. Aued worked at the Daily Tribune News in Cartersville, Georgia, before becoming a staff writer at the Athens Banner-Herald in 2005. Aued is currently news editor for Flagpole Magazine in Athens where he writes the weekly “City Dope” column. He is also a regular contributor to WUGA's Athens News Matters with Alexia Ridley. Aued resides in Athens.
Aued begins by talking about his childhood growing up in Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama. The conversation moves to his time at the University of Mississippi and decision to pursue a career in journalism. He talks about his early career as a reporter and staff writer covering politics and news for the Athens Banner-Herald and Flagpole. Aued assesses the role of media in politics. Aued discusses the nature and character of Georgia political history and analyzes the impact of recent elections and forecasts the 2018 election in Georgia. Considerable time is devoted to local Athens politics, especially the growing progressive element in Athens-Clarke County.
Scott discusses his childhood growing up in Savannah, serving in the U.S. Army, and attending Armstrong State University. He talks about his time in the Georgia House of Representatives, including his impressions of Speaker Tom Murphy and major legislation passed. Scott also recounts his decision to run for the Georgia State Senate and his subsequent work in the upper house, including legislation related to the Plant Vogtle. He talks about his unsuccessful campaign for Public Service Commission in 1992 and experience serving as Georgia Commissioner of Labor, the state’s first African-American constitutional officer. He recounts his decision to reenter politics and his time as Chatham County Commission Chair. During the latter portion of the interview, Scott offers his take on Georgia political history, the short- and long-term effects of the 2016 presidential election, and the possible impact of the forthcoming 2018 midterm elections.
]]>Scott discusses his childhood growing up in Savannah, serving in the U.S. Army, and attending Armstrong State University. He talks about his time in the Georgia House of Representatives, including his impressions of Speaker Tom Murphy and major legislation passed. Scott also recounts his decision to run for the Georgia State Senate and his subsequent work in the upper house, including legislation related to the Plant Vogtle. He talks about his unsuccessful campaign for Public Service Commission in 1992 and experience serving as Georgia Commissioner of Labor, the state’s first African-American constitutional officer. He recounts his decision to reenter politics and his time as Chatham County Commission Chair. During the latter portion of the interview, Scott offers his take on Georgia political history, the short- and long-term effects of the 2016 presidential election, and the possible impact of the forthcoming 2018 midterm elections.