Flagship 2022's Government Day session on Thursday, October 14, 2021 provided direct connection with State, County and City elected leaders and understanding of how each level of governments works; and how they work together.
The day began at the Banneker Douglas Museum with a welcome from Executive Director and FLG22 participant, Chanel Compton. Then, opening remarks from LAA graduates and elected leaders, State Senators Pam Beidle (FLG96) and Ed Reilly (FLG05) and Delegate Ned Carey (FLG95) set the stage for the day. The group was then joined by Senator Sarah Elfreth, Delegate Shaneka Henson, Delegate Brian Chisholm, Delegate Mark Chang, Delegate Sandy Bartlett and Delegate Heather Bagnall for speed "meet your legislator" rounds.
The class took a short walk over to the legislative complex and split into two groups for a role play session in a Senate Committee Room, joined by Senators Beidle, Reilly and Elfreth and Delegates Bagnall and Dana Jones and a "backstage" Legislative Complex Tour with Mary Mulvihill, Visitors Program Coordinator, Department of Legislative Services, Maryland General Assembly.
Following a class photo at the State House, the class enjoyed lunch at the infamous Harry Browne's before proceeding to the County Council for the afternoon session, joined by County Councilwoman Sarah Lacey, Councilwoman Jessica Haire, Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler and City Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles.
Government Day for Leadership Anne Arundel is a unique opportunity that I am always happy to participate in. Sharing the details of the job of the council, how we work as a body, and how we work with the state legislature, gives each leadership class a better understanding of government where they live and work. Thank you, Leadership Anne Arundel
Special thanks to Session Sponsor Comcast (Chris Comer, FLG02) and the Session Planning Committee: David Bohannon - Chair (FLG20, Senator Pam Beidle (FLG96), Chris Barber (FLG16), Robert Johnston (FLG00) and Allison Taylor (FLG21)
Photos by Joshua McKerrow