Elevate Maryland
156 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 37 ratingsA biweekly podcast with Maryland focus and Howard County roots, exploring the policies, people, and stories that affect the state of Maryland. Each episode we’ll talk to newsmakers and everyday people in order to elevate the conversation and find out what matters most.
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Episodes
Satire in the Age of Trump with The Daily Show's Zhubin Parang
May 23, 2020 16:27 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIn this episode, Candace and Tom sit down with Zhubin Parang, producer and writer at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He discusses the process of deciding what to cover and whether they consider themselves an appropriate source of "news". Zhubin also discussed his path from a big law firm to one of the most important comedy shows of our generation. Three Things: 1) Reopen Protests 2) Biden's Veepstakes 3) Disparate impact of COVID deaths on people of color
Prepared Fierce with Cecilia Munoz
May 22, 2020 14:48 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this interview, Candace and Tom sit down with President Obama's Domestic Policy Advisor and author Cecilia Munoz to discuss her new book "More Than Ready". In this discussion, we hit on the importance of elevating the voices of women and people of color. We also hit on the idea that the progressive movement sometimes masks important discussions about real inclusion and empowerment. Cecilia also has advice for how to moderate among competing egos and personalities. This is not an intervi...
"Love Will Save the Day" with Wes Moore
May 20, 2020 13:51 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBCandace and Tom interview author, philanthropist, and community activist Wes Moore about his new book "Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City", which was co-authored with Erica L. Green. In this discussion, Wes describes the many manifestations of poverty and inequity, including the uprising of 2015. He talks about how his experience has guided his work and the importance of "proximity" when trying to do the work of social justice. Three Things: 1) Howard County Public Schoo...
The "Essential Moral Gesture" with Dan Porterfield, President & CEO of The Aspen Institute
May 08, 2020 14:40 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBIn this episode, Candace and Tom interview Dan Porterfield, the President & CEO of The Aspen Institute about his career in higher education, his Baltimore roots, and where he believes we should be investing during this time of crisis. He also explains why he sees education as the "essential moral gesture" our society offers to its members and must be protected in times of limited resources. Three Things: 1) Maryland schools close for the year 2) Loosening of restrictions under quaranti...
What's Dividing the Progressive Movement? Housing - An Interview with Randy Shaw
May 06, 2020 13:59 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this interview, Candace and Tom talk with housing activist and author Randy Shaw about how progressive jurisdictions across the country are divided over the subject of housing. They discuss his new book, Generation Priced Out, and the generational divide that is exacerbating the high cost of housing. Mr. Shaw also touches on some of the opportunities provided by the COVID-19 crisis to help restaurants thrive and provide more people-centric cities. Three Things: 1) Pulitzer Prize Awar...
Elevate Maryland's 100th Show with County Executive Calvin Ball
May 02, 2020 11:46 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBCandace and Tom celebrate their 100th show by welcoming County Executive Calvin Ball back for his fourth appearance. They discuss Howard County's response to COVID-19, the FY2021 Budget, Howard County's new online dashboard, and the importance of every citizen completing the 2020 Census! The County Executive had a surprise up his sleeve for the end, which you won't want to miss! Three Things: 1) The end of Red Maryland 2) Howard County's Commencement Speaker 3) Patriotism of stayin...
Look for the Helpers: Nonprofits and Citizens Respond to COVID-19
April 24, 2020 13:56 - 1 hour - 73.4 MB“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” - Mister Rogers In this episode of Elevate Maryland, Candace and Tom sit down with the "helpers" to find out what they're doing to address the socio-economic crisis that has accompanied and, in many cases, has been revealed by COVID-19: Bita Dayhoff, Community Action Council/Food Bank of Howard County Erika Strauss-Chavarria, Colum...
Howard County Schools & Remote Learning with Dr. Michael Martirano
April 23, 2020 13:47 - 53 minutes - 49 MBIn this episode, Candace and Tom interview Howard County School Superintendent Michael Martirano about the roll-out of Howard County's remote learning program. He explained the timeline for getting things set up, the measures put in place to ensure consistency in learning, and how HCPSS is reaching its most vulnerable students. Dr. Martirano also addresses last fall's redistricting process and how the school system is continuing to prepare for the reassignment of schools next year. Three ...
Health Disparities, Equity, and COVID-19 w/ Dr. Shawn Bediako
April 21, 2020 14:29 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this episode, Candace and Tom interview UMBC professor Dr. Shawn Bediako about health disparities made apparent by COVID-19 that are rooted in systemic racism. He also discusses concerns related to the stigma of having the virus and recovered.
College in the Age of COVID-19
April 18, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBCandace and Tom sit down with four college students to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their college experience, how they are coping with this disruption, and the advice they would give to students about to enter college in the Fall. This is a can't miss show. Our future is bright. Featuring: Alex Berland- Sophomore, St Mary’s College Alexandra Ethridge- December, 2019 graduate from Hampton University who had planned to walk in May Milan Reed- Sophomore, Villanova University Cam C...
Racial Dynamics of COVID-19 with Delegate Nick Mosby
April 15, 2020 15:37 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBIn this episode, Candace and Tom interview Delegate Nick Mosby about his efforts to get data on the racial dynamics and geographic impacts of COVID-19. In particular, Delegate Mosby discusses how Baltimore has been uniquely impacted by this pandemic and policy prescriptions that should be implemented to respond to the needs of city residents.
Equity in Remote Education with Dr. John B. King, Jr.
April 07, 2020 23:36 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBAs school districts across the country implement remote learning practices, former Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King, Jr. has sounded the alarm on ensuring that the under-privileged and left behind are not excluded from the opportunities of public education. In this episode, Candace and Tom discuss those concerns with Dr. King and what citizens should be looking for from the federal, state, and local leaders to ensure that education continues to be the great equalizer and a path of op...
New Connections with the Same People - Oakland Mills Online
March 28, 2020 17:50 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBJoin Candace and Tom as they sit down with the creators of Oakland Mills Online, Amy Brooks and Jessica Mahajan. They discuss their motivation for creating an online learning platform, how it has helped build a community, and why this is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll also learn more about how to participate, what you may learn, and even how you can sign up to teach a class!
Cannabis Health with Gina Dubbe & Dr. Leslie Apgar
March 24, 2020 00:16 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBIn this episode, Tom and Candace interview the owners of Greenhouse Wellness, Gina Dubbe & Dr. Leslie Apgar. They discuss the medical cannabis industry, challenges presented by federal law, and how Marylanders become registered with the Medical Cannabis Commission.
"Hope is Not Cancelled" with Dr. Kate Tracy
March 21, 2020 23:18 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBTom and Candace sit down with University of Maryland Medical Center epidemiologist and public health professional Kathleen Tracy, PhD to discuss COVID-19, what to expect in the months ahead, and the other public health issues this crisis has exposed. Dr. Tracy makes some recommendations on self-care and empathy that you won't want to miss.
HoCo Innovation with Angela Cabellon
March 10, 2020 00:40 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBIn November of 2018, County Executive Calvin Ball appointed Howard County's first Chief Innovation Officer - Angela Cabellon. In this episode, Candace and Tom had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Cabellon to discuss her new role, innovation grants, and the policy pillars that guide Howard County decision-making. Three Things: 1) State of the Presidential Race 2) Howard County Board of Education campaigns 3) Coronavirus and "pay walls"
Baltimore Bold with City Council-member Brandon Scott
March 03, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBBaltimore City Council-member Brandon Scott was born and raised in Baltimore City. He's now running for Mayor to "break the status quo" and implement a new vision on crime, education, and support services. Among the ideas Scott is considering is a Universal Basic Income for Baltimore City residents, which received great prominence during the Presidential Democratic Primary. If you're a policy wonk and love Baltimore, this is a podcast for you.
Baltimore Anew with TJ Smith
February 29, 2020 13:27 - 1 hour - 67 MBIn this interview, Candace and Tom had a chance to hear TJ Smith's plan for addressing crime in Baltimore, address community trauma, and repair Baltimore's image nationwide. Recently polling shows this race in a statistical tie with less than two month to go. Listen to this episode to hear why TJ believes a "non-politician" is best suited to move Baltimore past its recent struggles with corruption and crime. Thank you to our sponsors, Howard Hughes, the Merriweather District, and Cured/1...
A Night in Annapolis with Del. Vaughn Stewart & Del. Maggie McIntosh
February 27, 2020 02:20 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBHousing is the humanitarian issue of our time. Delegate Vaughn Stewart has made national news with his "Homes for All" package, which offers a three-pronged approach to the housing crisis: zoning, public housing, and tenant's rights. During this interview, he explains why the state needs to step in over local rule, how zoning perpetuates segregation, and why he sees a pressing need to act now. We then had the unexpected opportunity to interview Delegate Maggie McIntosh, one of the most i...
From Prof to Pol with F. Michael Higginbotham
February 04, 2020 01:53 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBOn the eve of the Special Election Primary, Candace and Tom sit down with law professor F. Michael Higginbotham to hear his case for serving in the U.S. Congress. They discuss his policy prescriptions for Baltimore and racial justice as well as the fundamental question of whether elected official is accessible to all who want to run. Three Things: 1) CB 8-2020 - Fiscal Note Legislation 2) Iowa Caucuses 3) Special Elections to fill vacancies
From Afghanistan to Annapolis with State Senator Will Smith
January 31, 2020 14:54 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBThis week, Candace and Tom took the show on the road to Annapolis to interview State Senator Will Smith. Smith has recently been selected as chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and shared some of his views on how he intends to shape policy in this new role. The Senator also comments on his time in Afghanistan, including working in the same space as presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Three Things: 1) Live streaming of General Assembly; 2) Why We're Polarized by Ezra...
Campaigning Through Loss with Maya Rockeymoore Cummings
January 28, 2020 12:54 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with congressional candidate Maya Rockeymoore Cummings to discuss her campaign to replace her late husband, Congressman Elijah Cummings. She discusses her HOPE for Baltimore plan, the need for affordable prescription drugs, and addresses some of her more controversial moments as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. Three Things: 1) BLM week at Howard County Public Schools; 2) Kobe Bryant; and 3) Howard County Board of Education elections.
Putting a "Doctor in the House" with Delegate Terri Hill
January 22, 2020 11:53 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBThis week, Candace and Tom had the opportunity to welcome Delegate Dr. Terri Hill back to the show to discuss her run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. This is a wide ranging interview covering everything from Title 1 drugs to Howard County redistricting. You won't want to miss this!
Episode 82 with HoCo Transportation Administrator Bruce Gartner
January 16, 2020 12:49 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBTransportation policy effects our daily life, yet rarely gets the attention it deserves. In this episode, Candace and Tom sat down with Howard County Transportation Administrator Bruce Gartner to discuss the highways and byways of Howard County, a renewed emphasis on multimodal transportation, and how the local mass transit system is being made more approachable to attract new passengers. Thank you to our sponsor Cured/18th & 21st!
Episode 81 with Keith Ellison & Saafir Rabb
January 12, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBThis week, Candace and Tom interview Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and candidate for Congress Saafir Rabb. AG Ellison was the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress. He flew to Maryland to endorse Saafir Rabb in his bid for Congress. Tune in to hear why and how this relates to the ongoing struggles of Baltimore and the Seventh District. Book, Movie, & Music: Ellison - book(s): Dying of Whiteness, American Sickness; movie: Just Mercy; music: Kendrick Lamar Ra...
Episode 80 with State Senator Jill Carter
January 07, 2020 12:48 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with State Senator Jill Carter to discuss her run for Congress to represent the 7th District. We cover her family's passion for civil rights, her work to help Baltimore, and why Senator Carter sees herself as the "only progressive candidate" in the race. We also address criticisms Senator Carter has received regarding the vote for same-sex marriage in 2011. Thank you to our sponsors, Howard Hughes - Merriweather District, Cured/18th & 21st, and the Dow...
Episode 79 with Delegate Shelly Hettleman
January 03, 2020 12:51 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBThis week, Tom and special guest host Ian Kennedy interview Delegate Shelly Hettleman to discuss her campaign for the State Senate seat vacated by Bobby Zirkin. Delegate Hettleman has represented Baltimore County's District 11 since 2015. During this interview, we discuss rape kit legislation, Kirwan, and proposed legislation to create "overdose protection sites" for monitored use of previously purchased drugs. Thank you to our sponsors - Howard Hughes - Merriweather District, the Downto...
Episode 78 - 2019 Year in Review
December 31, 2019 12:48 - 1 hour - 81 MBOur annual "Year in Review" show! This week, Candace and Tom review the ups and downs of 2019 and look forward to 2020 - a "year of solutions". From redistricting to changing leadership in Annapolis, there is plenty to discuss. Thank you to everyone who made 2019 Elevate's best year yet!
Episode 77 with Kweisi Mfume
December 11, 2019 12:57 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with former congressman and NAACP President Kweisi Mfume. We discuss his background developing from a high school drop-out to the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the changes to the Democratic party since he left office, and what it means to run in a primary against a field full of women. Thank you to our sponsors, Howard Hughes - Merriweather District, Cured/18th & 21st, and the Downtown Columbia Partnership.
Episode 76 - Priya and the Lost Girls
December 08, 2019 14:45 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with the artists behind the world renowned comic book Priya and the Lost Girls: Ram Devini, Dipti Mehta, and Syd Fini. They discuss how using the comic book as a medium to broach difficult human right subjects, specifically gender violence and cultural stigmas. And, a Elevate Maryland FIRST - one of the guests sings. Thank you to our sponsors, the Merriweather District and Cured/18th & 21st!
Episode 75 with Delegate Eric Luedtke
November 26, 2019 12:33 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sat down with Delegate Eric Luedtke to discuss the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission regarding Maryland's education system. Delegate Luedtke is the newly appointed Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates and has been an outspoken supporter of the Kirwan recommendations, which will be converted to legislation as the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future". Thank you to the Merriweather District, Cured/18th & 21st, and the Downtown Columbia Partnership...
Episode 74 - Equity in Education
November 19, 2019 12:18 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBThe eyes of the nation have been on Howard County as it grapples with a simple, yet undefined, concept - equity in education. While most jurisdictions redistrict their schools solely to redistribute capacity, Howard County considered a plan that would also balance poverty and wealth in one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in the country. We invited three people to the show to discuss - New York Times Magazine journalist Dana Goldstein, The Century Foundation's Michelle Burris, and Wilde La...
Episode 73 with Howard Hughes Regional President Greg Fitchitt
November 09, 2019 14:17 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBJoin Candace and Tom this week as they sit down with Greg Fitchitt, the Regional President of Howard Hughes's Columbia, Maryland region. Curious about what's next for Columbia? How is affordable housing being addressed? How is Howard Hughes building off of the legacy of a larger-than-life predecessor like Jim Rouse? This show covers it all. This week's three things: 1. Voter registrations in Howard County 2. Silence in the context of contentious redistricting 3. Howard County's A...
Episode 72 with Lawrence Lanahan
October 29, 2019 00:32 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBThis week, Candace and Tom interview the author of The Lines Between Us, Lawrence Lanahan. This book focuses on the legal and geographic boundaries that keep us separate and the real life consequences from growing up on different sides of the lines. This interview touches on affordable housing, schools, zoning, and the manner in which suburban counties thwart inclusive housing. Thank you to our hosts at The Common Kitchen.
Episode 71 with Howard County Council-member Opel Jones
October 15, 2019 01:01 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with District 2 County Council-member Opel Jones to discuss the boundary adjustment process, advertising school districts in real estate sales, the school surcharge tax, and working with stakeholders to design a "solution" instead of just passing legislation. Thank you to our host, The Common Kitchen in Clarksville, MD!
Episode 70 with Busboys and Poets Founder Andy Shallal
September 25, 2019 21:58 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB"Food is bait." - Andy Shallal This week, Candace and Tom welcome Andy Shallal, the founder of Busboys and Poets, to Howard County. Busboys and Poets is described as "a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted – a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul – a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide." What should we expect in the newest restaurant? Why do art, culture, and food mix so well? Why does Andy Shal...
Episode 69 with History-Makers C. Vernon Gray & Frank Turner
September 24, 2019 00:30 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThis is the third in our Elevate Maryland History-Maker series! In 1982, C. Vernon Gray became the first African American elected to the Howard County Council. In 1995, Frank Turner was elected to be the first African American to represent Howard County in the General Assembly. We are excited to have these trail-blazers on the show to discuss their historic careers in public service! Thank you to The Common Kitchen for hosting!
Episode 68 with former Education Secretary Dr. John B. King, Jr.
September 10, 2019 22:54 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBHoward County is in the midst of historic redistricting that will not only balance capacity, but also look to incorporate socio-economic balance amongst our schools. How will we respond? In 2016, Dr. John B. King, Jr. was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 10th United States Secretary of Education. We sit down with him this week to discuss equity in education, the interface of land use policies and school segregation, the central importance of pre-K intervention and education, an...
Episode 67 with Sheila Dixon
September 04, 2019 00:52 - 54 minutes - 50 MBAs goes Baltimore City, so goes the state of Maryland. Sheila Dixon was the last mayor who experienced a decrease in violence during her term. Tune into this episode of Elevate Maryland to hear her discuss how she took on city crime, what it means to "know city government", and how to take a holistic approach to regional challenges. You'll even hear her identify the qualities she would like to see in the next mayor of Baltimore! Thank you, as always, to our host The Common Kitchen!
Episode 66 with Just Up the Pike's Dan Reed
August 30, 2019 01:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThis week, Candace and Tom interview Just Up the Pike's Dan Reed about his advocacy for inclusive housing in Montgomery County. They not only address affordable housing, but also the "missing middle" that normally is left out of discussions about housing. This week's three things include: 1) Howard County school redistricting, 2) the School Surcharge tax, and 3) Howard County for All! Thank you to our host, La Palapa in Ellicott City!
Episode 65 with Claire Bolden McGill & Jel McGill
August 14, 2019 11:03 - 58 minutes - 54 MBIn this special UK Edition of the podcast, Tom sits down with ex-expats Claire & Jel McGill, who lived in Howard County from 2013 to 2016. During that time, Claire made a mark with her "UK Housewife in the USA" blog and charming personality. We chat about their reflections on Howard County and the United States since they've moved back, Brexit, and the parallels we can find in US politics. Tom's Note: During the episode, I repeatedly referred to the Ellicott City Flood Plan under the pre...
Episode 64 with HoCo Housing Commission CEO Peter Engel
July 31, 2019 00:02 - 44 minutes - 41 MBHoward County, Maryland has an affordable housing deficit of 5,500 units. According to our guest Howard County Housing Commission Executive Director Peter Engel, those men, women, and families are already living in Howard County and are either in substandard living conditions or over-exposed in their rent. Mr. Engel has spent his career working to create housing solutions and his experience shines through in this episode. Join Candace and Tom as they discuss the President's attacks on Bal...
Episode 63 with State Senator Dr. Clarence Lam
July 16, 2019 00:45 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBThis week, Candace and Tom interview State Senator Dr. Clarence Lam about his legendary campaign work ethic, the Kirwan Commission, and his Op-Ed criticizing Governor Larry Hogan about his appointments to the University of Maryland Medical System Board. This week's three things include: 1) Washington Post story on Glenelg High School hate speech/vandalism, 2) the Immigration Crisis, and 3) A ban on single-family detached zoning (??). Thank you, as always, to our hosts at the Common Kitchen!
Episode 62 with Delegate Eric Ebersole and Saketh Sundar
July 02, 2019 00:48 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBJoin Candace and Tom for this episode with Delegate Eric Ebersole. They discuss education funding, "community schools", and the intersection of gambling and our local schools. You'll also want to stick around for our special guest - Howard County's National Spelling Bee Champion Saketh Sundar. Saketh reviews his experience as a national star and how he prepared for the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage! Thank you, as always, to the Common Kitchen for their hospitality!
Episode 61 with State Senator Guy Guzzone
June 25, 2019 00:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBThis week, State Senator Guy Guzzone joins Candace and Tom to discuss the Kirwan Commission, Democratic leadership in Annapolis, and public discourse. More than that, Senator Guzzone shares guiding principles that he uses to make decisions and govern his actions as a legislator. If you thought you knew Guy Guzzone, you're probably wrong (or at least incomplete). Thank you to the Common Kitchen for hosting!
Episode 60 with Delegate Terri Hill
June 20, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with State Delegate Terri Hill. They talk about how her background as a physician informs her work as a legislator, particularly with regard to youth sports (and maybe even birds). For this week's 3 things, the Elevate Team honors Juneteeth, celebrates Howard County Pride, and highlights the 5,000 unit deficit in affordable housing. Thank you for our good friends at The Common Kitchen for their continued support as hosts for the show!
Episode 59 with Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr.
June 05, 2019 01:08 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBSpecial guest host Ainy Haider-Shah joins Tom again for this interview with Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr., also known as "Johnny O". They discuss Baltimore County's budget woes, transparency through technology, and the importance of being accessible to the public (down to what you let people call you). Three Things: 1) Eid Mubarak; 2) Housing Policy as Immigration Policy and the future of Democratic progressivism on this issue; and 3) Final word on the Howard County...
Episode 58 with Delegate Courtney Watson
May 30, 2019 00:54 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBThis week Tom sits down with special guest host Ainy Haider-Shah (of Episode 37 fame) to interview Delegate Courtney Watson. They discuss Howard County, the vote for Speaker of the House, and how Howard County politics have changed since her father, Ed Cochran, was County Executive. Three (or Four) Things: 1) Howard County Budget Politics; 2) Anniversary of 2018 Flood; 3) Deceptive Social Media Practices; 4) Buy Soulful Symphony Tickets - www.dcacc.info Thank you, as always, to ...
Episode 57 with Delegate Jessica Feldmark
May 17, 2019 00:33 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBThis week, Candace and Tom sit down with State Delegate Jessica Feldmark. They talk about the lasting influence of Speaker Mike Busch, her front-page unemployment legislation, populism, and affordable housing. You'll also want to tune in for this week's 3 things, when the Elevate Team takes on the Alabama abortion ban, education budget politics, and WJZ's Mary Bubala. Thank you for our good friends at The Common Kitchen for their continued support as hosts for the show!
Episode 56 with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
April 30, 2019 01:07 - 49 minutes - 45 MBHoward County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball joins Candace and Tom on this show this week. They talk budgets, bond ratings, and the importance of diversifying leadership in local government. Dr. Ball also provides some insight about how he's taken his experience as a certified mediator into the County Executive's office. A "mixed up" Elevator Speech: TV Show that you would watch even if its a repeat: Star Trek Best Breakfast in Howard County: Victoria's Gastropub Best Vacation: Germany ...