In Episode 3 of For Forsyth, we talk with a candidate for Congress, hear from two Forsyth County residents, and return to our recurring segment focused on helping us understand how government actually works.

Dan Naber sits down with Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of High Point and Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. Their conversation covers Jefferson’s roots in Forsyth County, his background in education, and his experience as mayor. They also discuss affordability, healthcare, housing, education, government accountability, gerrymandering, congressional war powers, and the issues Jefferson says he would prioritize if elected. You can learn more about Cyril Jefferson at ⁠https://cyrilforcongress.com⁠ .

Then Jeremiah talks with Keniyah and Tiarney, two local residents he meets at a community cookout. They share their perspectives on homelessness, childcare, rising housing costs, public schools, roads and sidewalks, jobs and opportunities, activities for young people, and what they hope to see in Forsyth County over the next five years.

And finally, Ron Jones returns as The Civics Guy.

In this episode’s “The Civics Guy” segment, Ron explains why voting is only the beginning of our civic responsibility. He explores the importance of civic education, following elected officials after Election Day, comparing campaign promises with voting records, understanding the influence of money in politics, and consistently holding government accountable.

In This Episode:

• 00:00 — Welcome to For Forsyth
• 00:56 — Episode overview
• 01:29 — Early voting public service announcement
• 02:17 — Interview with High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson begins
• 03:41 — Jefferson’s Forsyth County roots and path to public service
• 04:49 — From education to city government
• 06:53 — High Point’s progress on public safety and economic development
• 08:12 — Why Jefferson is running for Congress
• 11:22 — What the 6th District has in common
• 12:57 — Healthcare, housing, and the affordability crisis
• 16:44 — Jefferson’s personal experience with economic assistance
• 20:04 — Healthcare reform and access to preventive care
• 22:04 — Education as a pathway to economic mobility
• 23:46 — Transparency and accountability in government
• 25:39 — Ending gerrymandering
• 26:46 — War, congressional oversight, and executive power
• 27:24 — The congressional race and public accountability
• 29:51 — Political distractions and the issues that matter
• 31:39 — Jefferson’s closing message to voters
• 33:28 — Community interview with Keniyah and Tiarney
• 34:14 — Homelessness, childcare, and local concerns
• 35:10 — Whether local leaders are listening
• 35:54 — Rising costs and housing pressures
• 36:12 — Public schools and young people’s futures
• 36:43 — Roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure
• 37:15 — Jobs, opportunity, and reentry challenges
• 37:55 — Youth activities and community investment
• 38:23 — Hopes for Forsyth County’s next five years
• 39:25 — The Civics Guy: Why voting is only the beginning
• 40:17 — The case for stronger civic education
• 42:05 — Why civic knowledge does not always stick
• 44:42 — Voting, political loyalty, and accountability
• 47:56 — How to monitor elected officials
• 49:50 — Campaign money and political influence
• 51:04 — Consistency, participation, and democratic power
• 52:25 — Closing thoughts and where to find For Forsyth