Pittman and Friends Podcast

• Beyond the Library Shelves with Skip Auld

  Modern libraries have transformed far beyond their traditional role as book repositories, evolving into dynamic community hubs that serve diverse needs. During his conversation with County Executive Steuart Pittman, Skip Auld, CEO of Anne Arundel County Public Libraries, shares his 50-year perspective on this evolution.The Anne Arundel library system now offers a "library of things" - fishing poles, museum passes, and sewing machines alongside books, e-books, and audiobooks. Their 16 branches plus mobile outreach vehicles function as vital community centers where people gather, study, meet, and participate in programming that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. The Discoveries Library at Westfield Annapolis Mall exemplifies this innovative approach, drawing visitors from across Maryland with its specialized programming.During challenging times, these libraries have proven themselves essential. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they distributed masks, test kits, and gun locks as part of broader public health initiatives. When faced with book-banning movements, the Board of Trustees boldly declared the system a "book sanctuary," affirming their commitment to intellectual freedom and diverse materials.The future looks bright with several new branches in development. A state-of-the-art Glen Burnie Library will include a cultural resources lab and local history center. A unique partnership with the YMCA will create a new library in Millersville, while plans for a permanent Mountain Road branch are underway. These expansions reflect the county's recognition of libraries as essential community assets.Behind these services stand approximately 470 dedicated staff members who select materials, develop programming, and ensure libraries remain responsive to community needs. Their kindergarten readiness initiatives are particularly impactful, helping prepare children for school success in partnership with public and private educational institutions.Whether you're seeking knowledge, community connection, or practical resources, today's libraries stand ready to serve. 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-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

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• Art and Life with Comacell Brown

  In this conversation, the Annapolis-born muralist Comacell Brown speaks with County Executive Steuart Pittman on how his artistic journey evolved from painting t-shirts in middle school to creating large-scale public art throughout Anne Arundel County and beyond.Brown takes us behind the scenes of the stunning Arundel Center mural, where he collaborated with fellow artist Cindy Fletcher Holden to transform a four-story "Great White Wall" into an interactive celebration of county life. The project's innovative augmented reality component brings elements of the mural to life through smartphone technology, complete with ambient sounds of birds chirping and Blue Angels flying overhead.What makes Brown's approach unique is his commitment to community involvement. Rather than imposing his vision, he conducts "jam sessions" where residents and stakeholders contribute ideas that shape his designs. This collaborative process creates unexpected connections: "Even when I leave, you'll see community members that maybe have lived next door to each other for years and never spoken. And then we get out on an art project, and you all are assisting and helping each other paint a straight line, and now you're talking every day."As creative director for Tunnel Vision and through his work with the Chase Your Dreams Initiative, Brown extends his artistic impact by engaging youth in basketball court renovation projects. These transformative experiences show troubled kids that "they just needed something to keep them active and show them a real role model."Brown's passion for community-building through art offers a powerful reminder that public spaces matter. Whether it's a basketball court in Meade Village or a downtown gathering place, art creates environments where diverse community members connect across generational, economic, and cultural divides. His closing advice to parents of artistic children resonates with anyone who believes in nurturing creative potential: "If you see them drawing, if they're one of the ones getting in trouble in school because they're always drawing – there's a silver lining in that artwork."Ready to see your community through an artist's eyes? Listen now and share this episode with someone who believes in the power of public art to transform neighborhoods and lives.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-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

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• Governing with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott

  Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins County Executive Steuart Pittman for a candid conversation about Baltimore's remarkable public safety turnaround. The city is experiencing its lowest homicide rate in 50 years through a comprehensive public health approach to violence prevention. With $50 million invested in community violence intervention programs, Baltimore has expanded from four to ten Safe Streets sites where credible messengers – often those who previously participated in street life – intervene in conflicts before they escalate."When the community steps up to do it in a different way, some folks push back," Mayor Scott notes, addressing the resistance he's faced from traditional power brokers. Despite this opposition, his administration has implemented innovative strategies, including hospital-based violence response teams and a focused deterrence model that combines support services with accountability.The conversation reveals how prevention plays an equally crucial role. Under Scott's leadership, Baltimore has increased its Recreation and Parks budget by 40%, investing $200 million in capital projects, including new pools and recreation centers with extended hours. This summer alone, 12,000 students participated in learning programs while 8,500 young people secured employment through YouthWorks.Mayor Scott also addresses Baltimore's structural challenges, particularly its limited tax base with 25% of property being tax-exempt due to hospitals, universities, and government buildings. His administration has reduced vacant properties from 16,000 to 12,000 through innovative financing approaches, with a $3 billion plan to eliminate vacancies entirely.Ultimately, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott's journey from Park Heights to City Hall represents a profound shift in leadership – one where lived experience meets 18 years of government service to create transformative change. More importantly, his leadership proves that when core cities thrive, entire regions benefit. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in governance, violence prevention, and equitable community development.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-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

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• Housing, Land, and Regulation with Secretary Jake Day

  Housing is at a crisis point in Maryland, with a shortage of nearly 100,000 units driving up costs and leaving communities struggling. In this eye-opening conversation, County Executive Steuart Pittman sits down with Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day to unpack not just the problems, but the potential solutions.Secretary Day brings a fascinating background to his role—from small-town Eastern Shore kid to Salisbury mayor to state cabinet secretary. His journey through architecture school, military service, and local government has shaped his perspective on how housing connects to every aspect of community well-being. "I never sought to become the housing mayor," Day explains, "but it became a thing that happened" as he witnessed firsthand how the pandemic accelerated existing housing challenges.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the candid discussion of policy approaches. Day outlines his "three-legged stool" framework—increasing housing supply through reduced regulations, ensuring affordability through targeted interventions, and implementing renter protections for vulnerable populations. Beyond policy mechanics, the conversation delves into the philosophy of community building. Day reflects on his early work with a land conservation organization, where he learned that thriving towns need both environmental protection and smart development. This balanced approach, respecting local character while acknowledging the urgent need for more housing, offers a distinctly "Maryland solution" to a problem facing communities nationwide.Whether you're a policy wonk, a community advocate, or simply someone concerned about housing affordability, this episode provides valuable insights into one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today. How can we build more housing without sacrificing the character that makes our neighborhoods special? The answers might surprise you.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-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

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• Talking Tourism with Kristen Pironis

  Tourism is evolving beyond simple transactions – it's now about creating transformational experiences that benefit both visitors and residents alike. In this enlightening conversation with County Executive Steuart Pittman, Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, reveals how she revitalized the organization during a challenging transition period to become a dynamic force for community development.Pironis took a leap of faith when she left a comfortable 16-year career at the Naval Academy Alumni Association to lead a tourism organization during a pandemic. That confidence has transformed the organization, which now champions both visitor experiences and community wellbeing across Anne Arundel County.The statistics speak volumes – Anne Arundel County represents 20% of Maryland's tourism while containing just 10% of the state's population. This remarkable impact stems from the county's extraordinary assets: 530 miles of coastline, the internationally recognized Chesapeake Bay, vibrant historic districts, and diverse attractions from BWI Airport to South County's agricultural treasures.Exciting developments include federal funding for electric ferry service connecting Annapolis with Baltimore and across the bay, the transformation of City Dock from parking lot to vibrant public space, and the organization's new role leading international tourism marketing for the entire state of Maryland. Pironis has also established a 501(c)(3) foundation alongside their existing organization to address tourism's broader impacts on workforce housing, transportation, and sustainability.What truly distinguishes Anne Arundel's approach is its commitment to authentic storytelling and inclusive history. From expanding the narrative at historic sites to creating award-winning civil rights guides, the organization ensures visitors connect with the full spectrum of the region's heritage. Programs like Anne Arundel River Days introduce local schoolchildren to their waterways, fostering community pride while building future environmental stewards. You can find out more about all their events and attractions at visitannapolis.org. 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-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

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