The Open Agenda

The Open Agenda is a weekly series designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and the issues shaping the community of Queen Anne's County Maryland. Hosted by QACTV’s Bruce Grove and Queen Anne’s County Public Information Manager Beth Malasky, The Open Agenda aims to make government more accessible, transparent, and engaging. Each episode will feature conversations with county leaders, staff, and community partners, offering insight into county operations, current initiatives, and opportunities for public involvement. Topics will range from public safety and infrastructure to communications, economic development, and community services. The podcast will also highlight ways residents can get involved, from attending public meetings to serving on boards and commissions. “The Open Agenda is about creating a more open and accessible line of communication with our residents,” said Commission President Jim Moran. “This podcast gives people a chance to hear directly from those serving the community, better understand the decisions being made, and stay connected to the work happening across Queen Anne’s County.” “ Through QACTV, we’re always looking for ways to better connect residents with their local government, and this podcast gives us the opportunity to have more in-depth, meaningful conversations,” said Bruce Grove, QACTV Producer and Host. “We wanted to create something that helps people better understand how their local government works and feel more connected to what’s happening in their community,” said Beth Malasky, Public Information Manager for Queen Anne’s County. For more information about Queen Anne’s County Government programs and services, visit qac.org.

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Featured Episode

May 5, 2026

29 sec

Welcome to The Open Agenda

The Open Agenda is a weekly series designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and the issues shaping the community of Queen Anne's County Maryland.

Episodes

Latest Episodes

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2 days ago

The Warden's Journey: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

2 days ago

51 min

PART I

LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

2 days ago

51 min

2 days ago

More Than a Warden: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

2 days ago

41 min

PART II

LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

2 days ago

41 min

Aug 24, 2026

Hook, Fine, and Regulation: Catching Some Fresh Info with the Department of Natural Resources

Aug 24, 2026

1 hr 10 min

The Department of Natural Resources covers a lot of things in the realms of nature and resources and yes, they are a department. I'll let them fill you in with some guidance from Bruce and Beth.

Aug 24, 2026

1 hr 10 min

Aug 17, 2026

Edge of our Seats: Bobby Wooley Talks Sports and Giving Back to the County

Aug 17, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Join hosts Bruce Grove and Beth Malasky as they sit down with Bobby Wooley, owner of The Edge and founder of the Giving the Edge Foundation.
Through athletics, mentorship, and community partnerships, Bobby has spent years creating opportunities that encourage leadership, confidence, and healthy choices for young people across Queen Anne’s County.
In this episode “Edge of Our Seats”, we talk about Bobby’s journey, the vision behind Edge Arena, the work of the Giving the Edge Foundation, and how partnerships with our schools, local organizations, and the Drug Free Coalition are helping make a difference in the lives of local youth.
We also highlight something at the heart of The Open Agenda: residents who choose to get involved. Bobby’s story is a great example of how one person’s passion and commitment can have a positive impact throughout the community.

Aug 17, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Aug 10, 2026

Water We Talking About?: Engineering and Flood Management with Lee Edgar and John Kling

Aug 10, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Have you ever wondered what a flood plain is? Have you ever heard of a flood plain? Are you an engineer? Would you like to be an engineer (Yes, like Scotty). Why am I asking these questions? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode.

Aug 10, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Aug 3, 2026

Don't Shoot the Messenger: Getting Information from the PIO's

Aug 3, 2026

49 min

Whats a PIO? What do they do? How do they do what they do? In this episode we chat with two Public Information Officers and let them give you, the public, all of the information that they officially have. You know, because they are being official which is close to officer because and officer is official.
You know what? I'll let them explain. :)

Aug 3, 2026

49 min

Explore Episodes

Welcome. Get Informed While Having Fun.

The Open Agenda is a weekly series designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and the issues shaping the community of Queen Anne's County Maryland.

Hosted by QACTV’s Bruce Grove and Queen Anne’s County Public Information Manager Beth Malasky, The Open Agenda aims to make government more accessible, transparent, and engaging. Each episode will feature conversations with county leaders, staff, and community partners, offering insight into county operations, current initiatives, and opportunities for public involvement. Topics will range from public safety and infrastructure to communications, economic development, and community services. The podcast will also highlight ways residents can get involved, from attending public meetings to serving on boards and commissions.

“The Open Agenda is about creating a more open and accessible line of communication with our residents,” said Commission President Jim Moran. “This podcast gives people a chance to hear directly from those serving the community, better understand the decisions being made, and stay connected to the work happening across Queen Anne’s County.”

“Through QACTV, we’re always looking for ways to better connect residents with their local government, and this podcast gives us the opportunity to have more in-depth, meaningful conversations,” said Bruce Grove, QACTV Producer and Host.

“We wanted to create something that helps people better understand how their local government works and feel more connected to what’s happening in their community,” said Beth Malasky, Public Information Manager for Queen Anne’s County.

For more information about Queen Anne’s County Government programs and services, visit qac.org.