By LTC Steve Tillet (RET.) Greetings Neighbors and Happy New Year! Just a brief note to say thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and effort during the holiday season to make things just a bit brighter for our neighbors. I want to especially thank my fellow veteran and fraternity brother Major Pete Smith for his extraordinary work to help so many people in our neighborhood. Pete has led Maryland's "Toys for Tots" effort with great integrity and energy for the past 15 years. I appreciate his friendship and look forward to his continued service to our community and country. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the Divine Nine with a special nod to my fellow fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi. In the spirit of togetherness and support, I want to close out my comments by offering information below about a few resources that may prove beneficial to your family. We are stronger as a community when we're united. Let's continue to work together to create stronger neighborhoods and to support every family in need throughout our community throughout the year. Please stay tuned to this space for future updates about exciting initiatives and resources to help every family meet essential needs. Resources to Help Our Neighbors We're all working these days to stretch our dollars. Below is an important resource for anyone in need of food, emergency rental assistance, utility assistance, and other support. Contact the resource line for important resource information to support the entire family. It's Never Too Late to Create A Plan for Your Family January is a great time to start thinking about plans for your family's future. I'm grateful for great organizations in our community committed to helping everyone protect their family's future. I plan on attending this FREE and informative webinar and I hope you will too. Call Arundel Community Development Services at 240-391-6370 to register for this important webinar. FREE Will & Estate Planning by two great resources in our community. Here's to A Healthy Start to the New Year! Check out this resource to help with your " New Year - New You" Resolution. I am committed to helping identify resources that help address various health needs. Utility Bill Assistance Here are a few options that may assist your family while we continue to work together to fight rising utility costs. Click on the image to find options for managing your utility costs. LINK:    BGE Assistance Finder

“ I have lived the affordability crisis as a child. I know the struggle in painful and personal terms that far too many families are facing right now at their kitchen tables. We can do better." - Pete Smith, Anne Arundel County Executive, Candidate As the holiday season approaches, Pete Smith, a major in the United States Marines Reserves,  is busier than ever. For more than 15 years, Smith has served as a state lead for Maryland’s U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots  campaign, helping ensure that children and families experience joy during what can be an especially difficult time of year. Smith's work has led to nearly 70,000 toys being donated to 17,000 families across Anne Arundel County. For Smith , the mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Chicago, he saw firsthand how easily families can fall through the cracks—and how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. “Helping others is part of who I am,” Smith said. “Happiness shouldn’t come with a cost for children. I want to make sure I play a role in bringing joy to kids and families who have very little this holiday season—families like the one I grew up in.” That lived experience shapes Smith’s campaign for Anne Arundel County Executive , which he says is grounded in compassion, military service, and action. Drawing on both his upbringing and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps , Smith believes the county needs leaders who understand hardship and are prepared to confront urgent challenges—especially affordable housing. “I'm a proud Marine and the military literally saved my life,” Smith said. “I grew up with a single mother in a difficult home environment. I know what it’s like to go without food. I know what it’s like to bounce from couch to couch, not knowing where I’d sleep the next night. No other candidate in this race can say that. 'Affordability crisis' isn't just an empty campaign slogan for me as it is for others.” Smith says those experiences drive his commitment to addressing the county’s housing crisis head-on. Recently, he introduced legislation in the Anne Arundel County Council to expand cottage and small-scale housing options—an approach already gaining traction in jurisdictions such as Loudoun County, Virginia. “I’m committed to using every lever of government to address affordable housing in our community,” Smith said. A two-term member of the County Council, Smith has built a record of advocating for local schools, veterans, and economic development. As County Executive, he says his priority will be creating a business-friendly environment that expands opportunity for working families. “We win when small businesses succeed,” Smith said. “They grow our economic base, and every new business means someone gets a job—another tool they can use to build a better life.” Smith points to Arundel Mills  as a model for smart, diversified economic development. While widely known for retail and entertainment, the project also attracted cybersecurity firms and defense contractors in Smith's council district, which help broaden the county’s economic base. “It's way too hard to start a small business in Anne Arundel but we already have a template like Arundel Mills,” Smith said. “I’m the only candidate in this race with the experience to lead large-scale efforts like this and deliver lasting economic growth for Anne Arundel County.” Smith’s campaign has earned the support of respected community leaders like Alice Sophocles and fellow veterans like Colonel Mike Rogers (Ret.) , Anne Arundel County Board of Education President CSM Gloria Dent (Ret.) , and civil rights advocate and retired Lt. Colonel Steven Tillett . Rogers praised Smith’s work ethic and commitment to service. “Pete has what feels like ten jobs—all focused on serving either the community or our country,” Rogers said. “There is no other candidate who works as hard, day in and day out, to help families in Anne Arundel County.” Tillett echoed those sentiments, pointing to Smith’s ability to build bridges across communities. “His lifelong commitment to Toys for Tots has brought together organizations across ideologies,” Tillett said. “He’s the only candidate in this race whose life’s work has united so many people. That’s exactly what we need right now in communities like Severn, Russett, Watershed, and Maryland City.” Dent summed up Smith’s appeal simply: “Everybody likes Pete because he has a big heart—and we see it every year during the holiday season. I'm really excited to have Pete serve as our next County Executive.”

We Lost a Rare One in Ms. Christine Davenport We lost a rare one this week in Christine Davenport . Few people in Anne Arundel County so gracefully embodied the true spirit of community service and devotion. Ms. Davenport’s legacy is vast and enduring. She will be remembered as a beloved educator, a steadfast community advocate, a mentor to many, and a noble voice on the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee – routinely reminding even Democrats that they had more work to do to advance meaningful leadership that values the voices of its African American voters. They didn’t get a pass with Christine. Yet, her greatest contribution may be in how she helped weave the social fabric of African American life in Anne Arundel County—creating spaces of cultural affirmation, refuge, and dignity. She was instrumental in establishing the Continental Societies, the Jack and Jill of America Arundel Bay Area Chapter, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women Anne Arundel County Chapter . She was a life-long member of the NAACP and a cherished member of the North County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Christine Davenport was Ms. Anne Arundel County —our own Fannie Lou Hamer , Ella Baker , Mary McLeod Bethune , Sojourner Truth , Ida B. Wells , Rosa Parks , and Shirley Chisholm  all in one. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inform and shape the lives of countless children and families for years to come. Everyone should know her name and value her many contributions to advance the well-being of our community. Well done good and faithful servant! May her memory and legacy be a blessing to her family and many friends.

Emmanuel Temple Church is providing FREE food this Saturday, November 15, 2025 starting at 11AM until supplies are gone. Address: 10005 Old Columbia Road, Suite N165 Columbia, MD 21046 Former Meade High School and North County High School principal Eric Jefferson is the pastor.

Tillett is Helping to Lead Statewide Push to Redistrict Maryland’s Congressional Seats to Fight Voter Suppression Lt. Colonel (ret) Steve Tillett , Air Force veteran and well-known civil rights advocate, has announced his candidacy for Maryland State Senate in District 32. Tillett says he is stepping forward to be “a voice for the people” at a moment when working families are facing rising costs, economic uncertainty, and political division. His announcement comes in the wake of a series of major Democratic victories across the country on November 4, 2025, signaling a renewed momentum among voters concerned about inflation, the federal government shutdown, and efforts to weaken the social safety net. Tillett’s candidacy reflects a generational shift in leadership as Russett and District 32 communities look to new voices to step into roles long held by officials such as Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and Pam Beidle — elected leaders whose average age between the three is 82. “This moment requires new energy, new urgency, and new solutions,” Tillett said. A Lifetime of Service to Country and Community Tillett emphasized that this campaign is a natural continuation of decades of service to our country and to communities throughout District 32 — including Russett , Watershed, Fieldstone, Bacontown, and Maryland City. “As an Air Force veteran, I took an oath to protect our country,” Tillett said. “As a civil rights leader, I’ve worked to secure and protect voting rights nationwide. Now, as State Senator, I will be a strong and clear voice for every family feeling the pressure of rising costs, shrinking wages, and political gamesmanship.” Leading the Push Against Voter Suppression Tillett launched his campaign by joining leaders from across Maryland in calling for changing Maryland’s congressional districts to ensure fair representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Speaking at a press conference outside the Maryland State House in Annapolis , Tillett said the stakes are too high to ignore efforts in other states to manipulate district boundaries and suppress votes. "In this season, to stand by and watch the lawless takeover of our government would be wrong, unconscionable, and put us in league with the policy violence being forced on the American people,",” Tillett said. “We must protect the voice of every voter — in Maryland and across America.” He pointed to reforms adopted by states like California, where voters on November 4, 2025 approved Proposition 50 to allow for redistricting to combat voter suppression. “Maryland must meet this moment,” Tillett said. “I agree with Governor Wes Moore and will work with him to encourage the General Assembly to redistrict Maryland's congressional maps right away and I encourage others to join me. This is a big moment for all of us." A Proven Builder of Coalitions Tillett highlighted coalition-building as one of his greatest strengths. He has helped organize and lead Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT) to advocate for affordable housing, community safety, and economic opportunity for all regardless of income. He has also worked alongside his fellow pastors throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, as well as his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, which works year-round to support community needs. “I have always worked to bring people together,” Tillett said. “I’ve always worked to be the people’s voice — and I will continue to do so, especially when others constantly work to divide us.” Campaign Kickoff Event Tillett will hold his formal campaign kickoff event on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 PM  at Fresh Start Church  in Glen Burnie. Community members are invited to attend and join the movement.

Board Steps In to Address Some Issues Homeowners in the Russett Community Association say they remain frustrated with the performance of FirstService Residential , the community’s management company. Many cite ongoing problems such as lax parking enforcement on private streets, poor oversight of rental properties, and inadequate maintenance of lawns and homes — all reasons, they say, to replace the company altogether. Complaints have continued to grow ahead of the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, set for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM . “It’s a lot of money to keep spending for so little in return,” said one homeowner who requested anonymity. “The management company is a problem, and it reflects poorly on those of us trying to maintain our properties. We need to act — and soon.” Longtime homeowner Devin Tucker agrees, noting that while he’s had constructive conversations with the board, the evidence of poor performance by FirstService Residential is undeniable. “My discussions with board members have been productive,” Tucker said. “I asked them to walk the parcel and see FirstService’s mismanagement firsthand — and two of them did. The board has taken some steps to address a few issues, but we’re still miles apart on inoperable cars that sit for months without action.” Tucker explained that most of the streets in Russett are private, and the management company has failed to enforce the covenant requiring vehicles to be moved periodically. The covenant was implemented to prevent vehicle storage, ensure that all cars are operable, discourage on-street car repairs which pose environmental hazards, and maintain the community’s appearance. According to Tucker, FirstService Residential and some Russett board members have claimed that the covenant is not enforceable on private streets — an assertion he strongly disputes. “It’s still unclear how they arrived at that conclusion after all of these years of actually enforcing the covenant,” Tucker said. “Every management company has enforced the covenant since the beginning of Russett.  The lack of enforcement denies owners their equal right to enjoy what is fundamentally a community amenity." Another owner, who also requested anonymity, said that the HOA's failure to enforce parking rules has created real problems . "We don’t even know if all the cars parked here belong to residents or renters with proper leases filed with the HOA. It's a problem." Tucker added that FirstService Residential is the only management company in Russett’s 30-year history to claim that the covenant on private streets cannot be enforced , calling the position “unhelpful and unsupported.” While Tucker credits the board for continuing dialogue about FirstService’s management, he emphasizes that parking — and its connection to rental oversight — remains the community’s most pressing concern. “I appreciate the board’s willingness to engage,” Tucker said, “but the core issue remains: FirstService’s failure to enforce the covenant contract is eroding the quality of life in Russett.”  Tucker added that while the conversations have been promising, owners have no choice now but to consider legal action against the board and FirstService Residential if not corrected soon.    Dump FirstService Residential Petition Drive In response to the growing concerns about FirstService, a group of owners have started Dump FirstService Residential ( www.dumpfirstserviceresidential.com ) to document concerns about the company.  Tucker said that owners must also attend board meetings and be prepared to work.  “It’s easy to have a complaint.  We have a good board but we also need more volunteers to serve on committees like the one that will decide on a new management contract.  The time to start thinking about a new management company is now.”

The awards were presented Monday during the annual grantee ceremony and luncheon at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland Event Center. Among this year’s recipients were FirstTeam —an initiative that mobilizes veterans to mentor students at Meade High School—and the Meade High School PTSA . Russett resident and FirstTeam volunteer Devin Tucker accepting a grant award on behalf of the organization. County Executive candidate Pete Smith praised the grants as vital investments in the community. “I am here because organizations like yours made a difference in my life growing up in Chicago,” Smith said. “I stand here as a United States Marine because of your work. When my family needed food, mentors, or help with utilities, it was organizations like the ones funded here today that stepped in. I want to thank each of you for the causes you champion every day. Our community is fortunate to have you.” Pete Smith presenting a check to the Meade PTSA. Pictured with Russett residents Jacquetta Jacobs and Rita Savage Since 2012, the initiative has directed more than $387 million in gaming tax revenue to strengthen public safety and to support nonprofits like FirstTeam and the Meade PTSA.

“FirstService Residential absolutely sucks!  They just take our money with no accountability.” David Diestel, CEO, FirstService Residential That’s how one Russett homeowner described the frustration that many residents now share. Across the community, homeowners are voicing growing dissatisfaction with FirstService Residential , the management company overseeing Russett’s 3,000 homes. Several residents have launched an online petition at DumpFirstServiceResidential.com , urging the Russett Board of Directors to end the company’s contract. Their concerns point to chronic neglect of key responsibilities, including: ·        Illegal parking and inoperable vehicles with expired or dubious tags on private streets ·        Overflowing trash and poor parcel maintenance ·        Unsafe and unkept community trails and landscaping ·        Lack of enforcement on illegal rentals ·        Unprofessional behavior and privacy concerns from management staff ·        Longstanding safety Hazards One Parcel 10 homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, described a dangerous tree hazard along the community’s trails. “There’s a tree that looks like it was destroyed by lightning. It has jagged edges and has been sitting there for almost a year. Some jogger or child on a bike is going to get hurt. It’s lazy and inept management.” Neglected Trail Hazard in Russett Growing Frustration Over Inaction Devin Tucker, a longtime Russett homeowner, said he’s concerned that FirstService Residential is more concerned about accommodating renters than being responsive to the owners who pay the management fee. “The biggest issues now are illegal rentals and inoperable cars. There’s a red car on Woodland Manor that hasn’t moved in over a year. That’s no exaggeration. The management company has the photos, but nothing has been done. It's a private street. The reason for the covenant forbidding inoperable vehicles is to prevent blight and to maximize parking availability in fairness to all owners. We've never had a management company fail on this!.” Cathy Payne echoed the sentiment. "I’m also tired of residents having 3 to 5 cars and taking up all the parking spots." Inoperable Car in Russett Another resident raised concerns about FirstService Residential’s professionalism and handling of private information. “Their staff leak owner information, and it creates problems. They are no longer trustworthy.” Tucker added that he personally spoke to the site manager Anna McCauley about a FirstService Residential staff member sharing his correspondence to the HOA with a renter — a violation of owner privacy. Maintenance Neglect Across Parcels Homeowners in Parcels 4 and 2/16 point to worsening trash conditions and neglected properties. “There’s a house on Londonleaf that’s a complete eyesore — rotting wood, broken rails, you name it. How long does it take to make repairs? It’s like the management company doesn’t even try to contact the owners.” Dennis Earle said simply that "I would like to see grass outside my house and not dirt!" The governing documents of the Russett Community Association require the management company to keep leases on file for rental properties, and county law requires landlords to register with the county. Homeowners doubt that either rule is being enforced. “They can’t even handle the small things. Why would anyone believe they’re handling something that important?” said a former parcel representative. Neglected Property in Russett Accountability Shifts to the Board While much of the anger has been directed at FirstService Residential , some residents say the responsibility now rests with the Russett Board of Directors. “We have a good board, but FirstService Residential has made their job harder,” said Tucker. Tucker added that he believes the only reason we are having these problems is that we have a diverse community.  No one would tolerate FirstService Residential’s performance if the HOA was located in Severna Park.  It’s insulting the way FirstService Residential is managing the community.   Homeowners are angry — and the board will be face-to-face with that anger at the upcoming annual meeting.”

Anne Arundel County Offices Closed In Response. Impact on Residents In Russett, Watershed, Fieldstone, and Maryland City Is Unclear The Pittman administration closed county offices on Monday, citing an "ongoing cyber incident." However, officials have yet to provide any details about the nature or extent of the incident, leaving both the public and members of the Anne Arundel County Council and Maryland General Assembly in the dark. As the disruption entered its fourth day, some employees affected by Monday’s closures were instructed to "work remotely using Google or internet-based systems"—a directive that left cybersecurity experts baffled. One expert called the guidance "wild" and stressed that the administration must offer more clarity on the situation. (L-R: County Executive Steuart Pittman and County Councilman Pete Smith Anne Arundel County Council member Pete Smith confirmed that he and his colleagues have not been briefed on the incident. "I cannot answer any specific questions because the administration has not disclosed—even to council members—which systems are impacted," Smith said. He noted that he has received several inquiries from constituents and hopes that the county executive's team will provide more transparency in the coming days. Meanwhile, the FBI recently issued an advisory about a potential ransomware threat known as "Ghost." According to the warning, "Ghost" attackers exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in software and firmware to infiltrate internet-facing servers before deploying ransomware. While it's unclear if this attack is related to the county's ongoing cyber issues, the lack of information from officials has fueled speculation. As residents and local leaders push for answers, questions remain about the severity of the incident and the administration's ability to safeguard taxpayer data its digital infrastructure. Press Release: Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman

Endorsed by Democrats Serve and the Bipartisan "With Honor" Political Action Committee Retired Army Colonel Mike Rogers , a two term Delegate in the General Assembly, has announced his run for US Congress to represent the Third District. The seat is currently occupied by Jon Sarbanes who announced in the Fall that he will not seek re-election. Rogers, who lives in Laurel, is perhaps the best known candidate in a growing field. Rogers spent several years as a board member for his HOA, served as PTSA President for Fort Meade High School, served as a football coach for the Severn Seminoles, and is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma. Rogers' candidacy for office got a major endorsement today from Democrats Serve , a national organization which supports former veterans for office. The organization cited Rogers' deep and broad community service, in addition to his 29 years of service in the military, as the reason for its endorsement. "Public service isn't just a job for Mike; it's his way of life," said Brett Broesder, Executive Director, Democrats Serve . Rogers is hosting his "Big Canvass" kickoff tomorrow, January 6, 2024, to mark the third anniversary of the deadly Capitol Insurrection. Rogers said that tomorrow is a solemn occasion but that it's also an important day to go door-to-door to remind our neighbors about what's at stake during this year's election. "I've invested so much time volunteering in our communities because it is a very important function in a healthy Democracy. Civic involvement as a PTSA President help make our school betters. Coaching kids in football helps build important skills that lead to success in school and the workplace. Everything I do in this election is about protecting our right to vote. Too many people have made great sacrifices for the right to vote which is under attack. Protecting our vote helps us fight for women's rights, civil rights, for better services for our veterans, and better schools for our children. To quote our ancestors, 'we ain't gone let nobody turn us around" said Rogers. Rogers added that he took a solemn oath to defend this country and that he will continue to do so as a United States Congressman. Rogers has touted the endorsement of several major leaders including County Council Chair Pete Smith , former County Council Chair Sarah Lacey , Delegate Shaneka Henson , and Anne Arundel County Sheriff Everett Sesker as evidence of broad support for his Congressional bid. Pete Smith, a fellow veteran, says that Rogers is by far the better candidate in the race. "I've seen Mike raise funds for neighbors going through a medical crisis. I've seen Mike fly across the country to congratulate and thank a fellow veteran for their service. I've seen Mike mentor youth through hard times. As a retired Army colonel, Mike has consistently shown his dedication to our country and to Maryland, " said Smith. Rogers added that he feels very good about where this campaign is headed. "Veterans across the district are participating in the campaign, our sororities, our fraternities, people I've coached with, my former PTSA colleagues are supportive and it's just a great start for us," said Rogers. The "Big Canvass" for Mike Rogers for Congress will take place tomorrow, January 6, 2024 at 7256 Connelley Drive, Hanover, MD 21076 from 10AM to 2PM. Rogers said that light refreshments will be provided for the canvass.

Sarah McDermott, a local advocate and community volunteer, announced her run for the District 4 School Board Seat. McDermott said that she is excited for the opportunity. "As a mother to two Arundel Middle School students and a product of public school myself, it is deeply important to me that we continue to make great strides toward increased opportunities for all students across Anne Arundel County. Whether it be a pathway to the mechanical trades, serving in the military, or heading to one of Maryland's unbeatable two or four-year academic institutions (go, Terps!), students in District 4 deserve to have options when they graduate," said McDermott. McDermott was accompanied by her husband, a Marine veteran, to the board of elections to file her candidacy. The General Election for the seat will take place in the Fall.

Sponsorship of House Bill #982 I'm honored to share that I've sponsored and presented the first reading of House Bill #982. This bill aims to eliminate the state tax on military retirement pay over three years. During my testimony, I had the opportunity to share the deeply personal reasons behind my commitment to this cause. I want to extend my gratitude to David Dragics from MD Mil Coalition for his invaluable testimony in support of this bill.   I was also honored to have served as the guest speaker for the Bowie State Bulldog Battalion ROTC Ball. I had the opportunity to discuss “military customs, courtesies, and traditions and why it's important to serve! It was great to have been joined by Mr. and Mrs. Collins, the parents of slain 1LT Richard Collins, who graduated from the Bulldog Battalion ROTC program. Their continued advocacy and service were inspiring, and the scholarship that carries their son’s name has produced more than 260 military officers. Keeping costs down for insulin and other vital medications is a priority for me. I had a wonderful time speaking with the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition on how we can maintain access and affordability for those who need assistance. As someone who has collaborated with experts in the pharmacy industry, it's always enriching to hear from such dedicated advocates.   As a small business owner, it's important for me to understand how we can best support new businesses. It's always a pleasure when the Chamber of Commerce visits to discuss their legislative priorities. And it's even more rewarding when Kristi Simon is among the team members. Finally, it's always great to meet with young people in our district. I had a fantastic visit from students and parents of Chesapeake Science Point (CSP). CSP is one of the top performing schools in our district and I am happy to support this excellent charter school in Hanover.     Resource Spotlight: