Legislative Session 2023: State Representative Chris Bell
State Representative Chris Bell joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about why he ran for office, the importance of having a strong transportation network, bipartisanship and more.
State Representative Chris Bell joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about why he ran for office, the importance of having a strong transportation network, bipartisanship and more.
- Show intro, introducing State Representative Chris Bell - 00:28
- Why run for public office and become an elected official? - 01:27
- How did Rep. Bell get down to Mississippi from Chicago? - 02:33
- On the different committees that he is a member of - 03:26
- On the measures going through the legislature, including a focus on the City of Jackson - 04:24
- An update on what's going on with tourism in Mississippi - 05:19
- Important legislation to Rep. Chris Bell including a public transit bill - 05:59
- Bipartisanship in the Mississippi legislature? - 08:30
- On the importance of having a strong transportation network in the state - 09:25
- Favorite place or new place to grab a bite to eat - 10:37
- Any other message for Rep. Bell's constituents - 12:12
- Contact information for Rep. Bell - 13:14
- Show wrapup and outro - 13:54
Creators and Guests
Host
Paul Katool
Paul Katool joined the Mississippi Department of Transportation Public Affairs Division in 2016 as the agency’s first Social Media Strategist. In 2019, he was promoted to Digital Media Manager, where he led the creation of MDOT’s nationally award-winning Extra Mile Podcast. In 2022, Paul assumed the role of Deputy Director of Public Affairs, which includes helping to run the day-to-day operations of the division.
Host
Will Craft
Will Craft joined MDOT in 2018 after serving on Senator Thad Cochran’s and Senator Hyde Smith’s staffs. Beginning in the Government Affairs role at MDOT, Will assisted executive leadership in matters of policy, stakeholder engagement, legislative affairs, and external communications. Since joining the Public Affairs team in 2023, Will is most often recognized as one of the “podcast guys”. The Award Winning Extra Mile Podcast is hosted by Will and Paul Katool, and produced by Drew Hall.
Producer
Drew Hall
Drew Hall is a media producer with experience in video production and journalism. He currently works in the Public Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where he shoots and edits a range of content, including producing the award-winning podcast The Extra Mile. Drew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University and has received industry recognition, including an AASHTO Best Audio Production Award. Previously, Drew worked as a photojournalist for News Channel 12 and Fox 40 News, developing his skills in visual storytelling and news production. Drew is married to Courtney Ann Hall, of Corinth, MS, and has one son, Jackson.