Rev. Al and I are set to finish the Vegas Series this week and today we have a Superstar sitting poolside with us, the great Aaron Tomarchio. He's having a huge impact on our City and County by leading the redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel site, aka Sparrows Point, now Tradepoint Atlantic. I met Aaron when he was working in Harford County during the O'Malley days, he was always ready to get things done, not much has changed.

At Tradepoint his responsibilities include overseeing government and regulatory affairs, public and community relations, and corporate marketing efforts. He has an extremely strong team around him but let's reflect on this place, it's got rail, it's got 50' Berths, and it's got tons of land. It's an understatement that this is a complex site, Aaron is handling it with grace and class.

Before joining Tradepoint Atlantic, Tomarchio had an extensive career in public administration, serving in various executive roles in Maryland's state and local government, including nine years as Chief of Staff to the Harford County Executive Jim Craig. He also held positions with the Maryland Department of Planning and worked in corporate affairs at Erickson Living.

At Tradepoint Atlantic, Aaron has been instrumental in engaging with the community, ensuring transparency in the site's redevelopment process, and securing critical federal and state support for infrastructure development. Under his leadership, they are transforming the 3,300-acre site into a key economic driver for the region, with projections of creating over 10,000 jobs and generating $2.9 billion in annual economic impact. Tradepoint has played a major role in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse and we get into the details of Tradepoint's immediate and long term plans resulting from that tragedy.

Come along with us as you roll down the road to a Thanksgiving Dinner and learn about this guy, he's a superstar, and definately Holy along with the Rev, and I'm Knott...

Happy Thanksgiving....

As we break through 50 Episodes we are surrounded by Angels as we bring forward Baltimore's Police Commissioner - Richard Worley, Nancy Hines - the Executive Director of the Signal 13 Foundation, Barb Clapp - the President of the Board of the Signal 13 Foundation and Jerry Heid - our liaison to the Police Department. Jerry Heid is the second longest serving officer in the history of the BCPD.

This Commissioner comes to the job with an unprecedented level of experience. During his 30 plus years at the BCPD he has performed just about every job you can imagine. We haven't had one of our own at the job for this long in decades. The result is a department that has someone that has walked in their shoes, leading the way. As Jerry Heid agrees, this simple cultural improvement is being felt in all 9 Districts and has lead to major reductions in crime. We dive into his ascent to the top and learn what makes this incredible man tick.

Next we turn to the Frank J. Battaglia Signal 13 Foundation which provides hardship support for the men and woman of the Baltimore Police Department. They also provide scholarships for the children of these brave men and women. The Signal 13 Foundation stands as a beacon of support, providing essential resources for police officers and their families in times of need. We get an update on our Capital campaign which is going along great and will provide for more opportunities for scholarships for more kids.

The Commissioners Office and the Signal 13 Foundation work tirelessly to uphold law enforcement excellence and foster positive relationships with residents. Here's to their unwavering dedication to serving and protecting the vibrant city of Baltimore!

Thank you Richard, Nancy, Barb, and Jerry! Angel's at work!

Rev. and I are so excited to continue the Vegas series. This one features a good friend in Johnny Olszewski Jr. Johnny O, as he is often referred to, is the current Baltimore County Executive, a position he has held since December 2018. Born and raised in Dundalk, Maryland, Olszewski is deeply connected to the Baltimore County community. He attended Sparrows Point High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Goucher College and later a master's degree in political science from The George Washington University. He also holds a doctorate in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Before becoming County Executive, Olszewski served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2006 to 2014, representing District 6. During his time in the General Assembly, he was known for his focus on education, economic development, and environmental issues. His leadership in Baltimore County has been marked by efforts to increase government transparency, improve public education, and address issues of equality and inclusion within the county.

Johnny O is the Democratic nominee for Congress in the 2nd District. His roots are deep when it comes to our Government, both local and at the state level. He grew up in a family that elevated service, was elected to the legislature when he was 23....now 41 and working hard on his Congressional Race. Johnny shines a light on his education and all that it brought to his life.

We talk about the Bridge and the positive light it has shined on our City and the effort at all levels of Government to bring the relief to that community.

It's Johnny O, a kid that grew up in Dundalk, a hard working patriotic community. Next stop, Congress.

We love ya Johnny!

Dr. Calvin Ball has been around and both the Rev and I have known him for a long time. He's been patient and focused on making Howard County the best it could be his entire career. He served as a Member of the County Council, which he lead for at least two cycles and now as the County Executive, he's leaving his mark on a County that doesn't come to decisions easily.

We were so happy to catch up with him poolside, one thing Calvin Ball knows is where business get's done and that's in person face to face at the ISSC Maryland Party in Las Vegas. Calvin has been friendly to the development community and continues to work together with them as Howard County continues to expand.

Calvin is well known for his focus on education, public safety, and environmental sustainability. During his time as County Executive, he has been a strong advocate for improving public schools, expanding affordable housing, and fostering economic development in the region. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by efforts to ensure public health while supporting local businesses and communities through various challenges.

Calvin Ball's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality has also been a hallmark of his administration, as he continues to work towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous Howard County for all its residents.

Let's hear from our friend as we dive into what makes this leader tick...

Thanks Calvin for all you do! As we top off our Vegas series conversations with County Executives this is another great one and we want to thank all of them for joining us...

Two more great poolside conversations coming and we're outta Vegas...

Enjoy!

Rev. and I are thrilled to be warming everyone up with a series of interviews we conducted in Las Vegas at the ICSC this past Spring....here comes the Vegas Series...

A full cast of amazing Marylanders including Howard Perlow, Johnny O, Steuart Pittman, Calvin Ball, Aaron Tomachio and Nestor Aparicio. We were thrilled to welcome them Poolside at our Moblile Podcast Center for chats about everything politics, Baltimore Sports, the work that's being done at TradePoint Mid Atlantic and so much more...

Let's get it started with our first guest of the day Nestor Aparicio where we talk sports and crabcakes two of his favorite subjects.

Nestor Aparicio began his career in 1984 chronicling sports for The News American and The Baltimore Sun before hosting sports radio in 1992. In 1998, he purchased WNST-AM 1570 and retired in 2006 after hosting 14 years of daily sports radio - including three as a nationally-syndicated host on Sporting News Radio - assuming a full-time role as C.E.O. of WNST.net where "We Never Stop Talking" Baltimore sports has extended to the mobile web with the area's largest social media footprint and around the clock conversation, news and views.

He loves the Ravens, Orioles and all the local teams. If you didn't know it he has written three books including "Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football - A Baltimore Story" & "Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac."

He doesn't hold back as usual and this turned out to be a great conversation......Vegas Series...we have acheived lift off.....

Enjoy!

Reverand Al and I can't wait to dive into the life of this Anne Arundel County Farmer turned County Executive.

I first met Steuart in my office, Laura Neuman, the former Anne Arundel County Executive, who has a good eye, wanted me to meet him. I was immediately impressed and optimistic that a real person with real concerns for the community, starting with our precious land was interested in making a run. I also sensed he had the energy to win an election.

Well, it happened, Steuart Pittman, Jr. was elected as Anne Arundel County Executive after his first campaign for public office in 2018 and he was re-elected in 2022.

Born and raised on his family farm in Davidsonville, Steuart graduated from the University of Chicago and then went on to work as a community organizer in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. In that role, he built neighborhood organizations, confronted environmental hazards, and attracted private investment to blighted communities.

Steuart’s philosophy of government is both conservative and progressive. As a farmer, he worked hard against onerous regulations that had no public benefit and promoted policies to make the industry commercially viable. As a Director of the Anne Arundel County Soil Conservation District, he pushed for compliance with erosion and sediment control standards to protect local waterways, important work.

As County Executive, Steuart has pledged to make Anne Arundel County “The Best Place - For All,” by “Putting Communities First.”

We catch him poolside, our second in a long day of recordings. He's fired up to be with the development community and he knows that the phenomenon of putting everyone in the same place at the same time is electric. This is a great conversation with a great guy.

Thanks Steuart!

Rev. Al and I are so excited to welcome Johnathan Davis the CEO of Baltimore Crisis Response Inc. This amazing non profit, which is lead by my friend Jennifer Curran.

Jenn is an amazing woman who married into two amazing Baltimore Families the Currans and the O'Malley's. Under Jenn's leadership along with an incredible board this non profit not only serves the Baltimore but stretches west to Oakland, Maryland and East to Dundalk. All of these centers deliver with compassion and expertise, ensuring individuals in crisis receive the support they need.

As CEO, Jonathan is dedicated to providing prompt and effective assistance, guiding the organization's mission to serve Baltimore's community members during challenging times. With his leadership, Baltimore Crisis Response continues to be a beacon of hope and help for those facing mental health emergencies.

988 is the number to call in times of crisis, especially mental issues, 988, not hard to remember, we even came up with a jingle...This sometimes life saving number is available on any phone at any time connecting individuals with trained professionals ready to assist in a crisis situation.

Here's to Johnathan Davis, a native of Georgia and a lover of the gym....his muscles are as big as his heart and he get's real close to being declared Holy...

Thanks Jonathan for joining us and to his team for their commitment to caring for others!

Dr. Kevin Slayton is a multifaceted individual making waves in public affairs, ministry, and literature. As a public affairs professional, he navigates the complexities of policy and communication with finesse. He has been and continues to be a key advisor for many of Baltimore City's elected officials, simultaneously, as an ordained minister, he offers guidance and compassion to those seeking spiritual solace.

Born in Courtland, Alabama and raised in Chattanooga, Tennesee, when he got to Baltimore he started his journey at the Associated Black Charities where he was introduced to some of Baltimore's best men and women. He loves himself some Baltimore and he's a fan of the culture of crabs where people gather, crack crabs and talk.

Being one of the first in his family to attend college Dr. Slayton received his BS in Finance and Economics from Alabama A&M University. He went on to aquire a Master's in Divinity from Howard University in DC, and a Doctorate from the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester NY. He's an accomplished author and his book 'Politically Preaching" is a great dive into the relationships betweens Baltimore's Political Leaders and Baltimore's incredible African American churches.

Here's to Kevin Slayton, a true Renaissance man, making a difference on multiple fronts! We broke the record on this one, our longest Podcast yet with two Holy's and one Knott.

Enjoy!