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

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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

Leah Paley, Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, shares her compelling journey from AmeriCorps to leading one of the most crucial community resources in the county. Learn how the food bank is operating after 40 years of service with a $5 million annual budget, all while innovatively sourcing food through community food drives, strategic retail partnerships, and purchasing fresh proteins and produce. As the holiday season nears, hear how the food bank is addressing increased food assistance demands through vital community involvement and fundraising efforts.

In this episode, we also uncover the ambitious plans for the food bank's expansion and relocation to a new facility. This move will not only support operational growth but also aim to reduce their environmental impact. Together with the county's food council, the food bank is setting the stage for innovative policy changes to tackle food insecurity. Stay connected with us for more engaging discussions and learn how you can contribute to making a difference.

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

Curious about how design can honor history and inspire the future? Listen this week as Cecily Bedwell from Design Collective shares the vision behind the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park Draft Master Plan. We dive into the site's complex legacy, the role of Antonia Hylton's book Madness, and how community input is guiding this innovative idea and shaping this transformative project.

From plans for a museum and racial healing spaces to a contemplative "Path of Reverence" and a potential university satellite campus, this episode explores how history, community, and design come together to reimagine Crownsville as a place of nature and healing at the center of Anne Arundel County.

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

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

Hear about challenges and progress in efforts to build trust and collaboration between the people and their local government in an administration led by a former community organizer. You’ll get to know Vincent the Peacemaker.

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

Unlock the secrets of government IT transformation with Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Information Technology Officer Jack Martin. Discover how IT innovations are revolutionizing government efficiency and service delivery, from transitioning paper-based processes to streamlined digital systems. Jack shares his inspiring 20-year journey, offering insights into the evolving role of IT in the government and the strategic importance of making technology accessible and understandable amidst budget challenges.

Experience the power of modern technology as we explore significant advancements in land use management and public safety. Learn about the transformative shift to electronic systems, enabling efficient zoning, inspections, and permit applications online. The creation of the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) at the police department showcases how video feeds and data sources enhance resource management and public safety. We delve into the challenges and successes of implementing these cutting-edge systems, emphasizing their impact on accountability and transparency for both county employees and constituents.

Our conversation highlights the pivotal role of IT in supporting government operations and the professionals bridging the gap between technology and business. Discover how advanced technologies like body-worn cameras, GIS data, and CAD systems are integrated into emergency response strategies, while Paymentus simplifies bill payments for county residents. We reflect on the dedication required to secure funding, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to improve county services, and the ongoing cycle of project completion and innovation that transforms the lives of residents and department heads alike.

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

Join Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman for a compelling conversation with Carl Snowden, a prominent author, activist, and community leader. Discover how Carl's early life on a Maryland farm, where he witnessed racial injustices, ignited his lifelong commitment to civil rights and propelled him to influential roles in government and with the Caucus of African American Leaders. Through Carl's powerful stories from his youth, listeners gain a deep understanding of the roots of his activism and the significant impact of his work across local and state levels.

The episode takes you through the spirited student activism of the 1970s in Annapolis, revealing how black students' demands for representation led to meaningful policy changes. Learn about the collaboration with the NAACP that led to the adoption of body-worn cameras for police officers, transforming perspectives on police-community relations. Reflecting on historical milestones like the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a national holiday, the discussion extends to future societal challenges and hope for the next generation. With storytelling at its core, this episode promises an insightful journey through past struggles and future aspirations.

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