Around the Districts Podcast

In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Armstrong, we explore the critical challenges facing Legislative District 13 and Arizona at large—education funding, affordability, and smart growth policies. Dr. Armstrong, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and candidate for State Representative, shares her frontline experience and policy insights on how these issues intersect and impact everyday lives.
Topics covered include the strain of rising housing and childcare costs, the real toll on teachers beyond salary concerns, the controversy around the ESA voucher program, and the urgent need for public accountability and investment in communities.
LD13 voters face a rare open seat and a crucial choice that will shape the district’s future. This episode is a call to action to register, vote, and demand representatives who prioritize real solutions over distraction politics.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-raquel-rockee-armstrong
== Learn more about Dr. Rockee Armstrong ==Website: https://rockee4az.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockee4AZ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockee4azX: https://x.com/Rockee4AZ

Armando Montero’s approach is simple: put down the performative politics and pick up real dialogue. Bridging divides and fighting voter apathy starts with listening and acting.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-3-armando-montero
== Connect with Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

In Part 2 of our series with Tempe Union School Board President and State Representative candidate Armando Montero we discuss Arizona’s broken public school funding system and the damaging effects of the universal voucher program. Discover why structural reform and accountability are urgent for Arizona’s students and communities.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-armando-montero
== Learn more about Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

Join us on Around the Districts as we dive into the inspiring story of Armando Montero, Tempe Union High School District Board President. From student activism to policy wins on mental health and education, Armando is now running for State Representative to tackle Arizona's systemic challenges. Watch to learn about the real stakes for public education and youth advocacy in our state.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-armando-montero
== Connect with Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

In this episode, Gabi Mazar talks with AJ Kurdoglu, owner of Home Mart Interiors in Chandler, about how tariffs are squeezing small businesses and shaking consumer confidence in Arizona. With imports driving costs up, local businesses are on the frontlines of a self-inflicted economic crisis impacting our whole community.
Discover why supporting local businesses has never been more critical to keeping our economy resilient and neighbors thriving.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/tariffs-squeeze-small-business

In this episode, we dive into the rare intersection of trauma, compassion, and law enforcement with Constable Karyn Lathan of the University Lakes Justice Precinct. Focused on eviction enforcement, Lathan’s trauma-informed, human-centered approach rejects the cold, cut-and-dry norm. 
She shares her lived experience of trauma and how it fuels her relentless compassion—bringing dignity to families on their hardest days. This is a call for systemic eviction reform and a new model of public service.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-karyn-lathan-constable
== Learn About and Support Karyn Lathan ==Website: https://constablekaryn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstableKaryn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constablekaryn

The "No Kings" protests are surging across America, a powerful grassroots response to the threat of authoritarianism. Join Gabi in conversation with AJ Kurdoglu, leader of Chandler Gilbert Indivisible, as they talk about the significance of these millions-strong, peaceful demonstrations. This movement is about people reclaiming democracy when institutions fail.
With 7 million already in the streets, we’re more than halfway to the tipping point, the call is clear: organize, show up, and resist. Find your local Indivisible chapter and join the fight to defend democracy.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/power-of-people-no-kings-2
== More About Chandler Gilbert Indivisible ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ban4tdtnD/

Dive deep into the life and work of Karyn Lathan, the elected Constable of Tempe’s University Lakes Justice Precinct. In this episode, Gabi interviews Constable Lathan about the complex, emotionally taxing duties she performs daily, especially around evictions and homelessness prevention. This role is far from the Old West image — it’s a modern, compassionate frontline between the housed and unhoused, balancing legal authority with restorative justice and community care.
Learn how Constable Lathan uses empathy, mediation, and resource connection to serve those facing their hardest days. This is a story about hope, pain, and the crucial need for compassion in law enforcement.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-karyn-lathan-constable
== Get to Know Karyn Lathan ==Website: https://constablekaryn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstableKaryn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constablekaryn

The authoritarian playbook is not theoretical. It’s unfolding right here in the United States. In this episode, Ajlan Kurdoglu shares his firsthand experience from Turkey, exposing how media control, disinformation, and the erosion of trust systematically dismantle democracy. We dive deep into how these tactics silence dissent, undermine elections, and corrode the institutions meant to protect us. But democracy’s survival depends on grassroots resistance. Neighbors organizing, supporting local leaders, and rebuilding trust at the community level.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/the-authoritarian-playbook

Tempe is facing a crossroads with urgent challenges in housing, government transparency, and community care. Brooke St. George offers a bold plan for city-owned social housing to counter skyrocketing rents and keep families rooted. She demands openness in city council decisions—no more behind-closed-doors deals, but early and honest public input to rebuild trust. Seniors aging in place and the unhoused need affordable, dignified solutions, with real investments in neighborhood programs and support for grassroots efforts. This campaign is about justice, dignity, and building a Tempe that works for everyone. Learn more and join the movement for real change.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/brooke-st-george-4-tempe-part-2
== Connect with Brooke St. George ==Website: https://brookefortempe.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578065753929TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookefortempeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeforTempeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brookefortempe.bsky.social