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Columbia County manager rebuts social‑media parking claim, spotlights youth work program
Summary
County Manager Scott Johnson told a County Compass podcast audience that a social‑media post alleging Columbia County discriminates against people with disabilities over parking is "absolutely ridiculous," saying county buildings meet accessibility requirements and that a campus parking expansion will add and re‑stripe accessible spaces. The episode also highlighted the Camp Sweat youth work program and featured guest Jalil Fraley, a teen podcaster.
County Manager Scott Johnson addressed a circulating social‑media post on the County Compass podcast, calling a claim that Columbia County is "discriminating against the handicap" over parking spaces "absolutely ridiculous" and saying the county’s buildings comply with accessibility laws.
"There are laws that protect that," Johnson said, adding, "Our building is completely ADA accessible." He told listeners a parking expansion behind the campus is planned and that the county will re‑stripe and re‑mark spaces when the work is complete so there will be "plenty of handicap parking for everybody."
The remarks came during a recorded episode of County Compass in which Johnson was interviewed by 16‑year‑old podcaster Jalil Fraley of the Save the Time podcast. The episode mixed human‑interest questions about Johnson’s career and personal life with county business updates; Johnson described his public‑service background and urged young people to persevere.
Johnson said he has been county manager since 2011 and has worked in government and law enforcement for decades, including service with the Georgia State Patrol. "I've been the County Manager since 2011," he said, describing a path that included three years as deputy county manager and 21 years in law enforcement. He said the county manager role brings pressure from staff, elected officials and the public.
On how he manages stress, Johnson recommended work–life balance and keeping perspective. "You have to learn to play the hand that you're dealt," he said, advising young listeners not to let setbacks define them.
Fraley, who earlier in the episode said he started his podcast after a personal vision and that he enjoys interviewing a range of guests, also discussed youth programs. Johnson praised Columbia County Community Connections and its Camp Sweat program, which he said gives teenagers work experience and opens doorways to opportunities such as the podcast appearance.
Fraley told listeners he is a rising junior at Curtis Baptist and said he hopes to major in English and become an elementary school teacher. "I had a vision," Fraley said of why he started the Save the Time podcast, describing the show as a way to listen to other people's ideas and gain knowledge.
Johnson closed the episode by directing listeners to the county website and PR director Cassidy Harris for additional questions. He did not provide a specific timeline for the campus parking work discussed on the show.
The County Compass episode is available through Columbia County channels; Fraley’s Save the Time podcast appears on YouTube and social platforms under his name.
