This week on Pittman and Friends, County Executive Pittman talks with Jessica Leys, the Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, also dubbed the "Department of Fun."

In this episode, learn about Jessica's remarkable 20-plus-year career journey with Anne Arundel County, starting her early days as a paralegal and budget analyst to becoming a key player in transforming community recreational spaces. Her innovative leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been pivotal in redefining the role of parks in community engagement and well-being. You'll also gain insights into her passion for fostering real-life connections and promoting active lifestyles, tackling the digital age's challenges with creativity and determination, and much more.

If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below.

Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExec

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExec

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

Each year I report directly to our residents on what I perceive the state of our county to be.

Are we managing our finances responsibly, facilitating future economic prosperity for all, managing growth and development in accordance with Plan2040? Are we contributing positively to the social determinants of good health, things like housing, transportation, parks, public safety, and education?

These are important questions, and I’ll answer them. Tune in this week to hear my answers and about the work we are doing to make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.

If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below.

Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExec

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExec

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

What happens when a mural sparks a political journey? This week on Pittman and Friends, City of Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley joins to share his unconventional path from small business owner to public servant. Buckley shares his story about how a mural on his restaurant wall led to legal action and ignited his run for mayor. We also reflect on our shared frustrations with government inefficiencies and how those experiences drove us into the realm of politics.

Facing a budget crisis, Annapolis took steps, including raising taxes to stabilize finances, and ultimately achieved a coveted AAA bond rating. Gavin also shares his insights from travels to the Netherlands and Sweden, and his inspiration for urban resilience and sustainable transportation. These experiences are shaping a vision for a forward-thinking Annapolis, underscored by innovative multimodal transport and electrification efforts that aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate flooding challenges at the City Dock.

In this episode, we also discuss the vital role of public water access and the responsibility political leaders have to ensure sustainable growth. Through cooperation among city, county, and state officials, City Dock aims to protect our natural resources and enhance our community for future generations.

If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below.

Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExec

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExec

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV