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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Oct 12, 2026

MACo: Simmons Says, Economics (An Open Agenda Special Episode)

Oct 12, 2026

32 min

Another Special Mini Episode of The Open Agenda Is Here!

Get ready for another mini episode of The Open Agenda while you wait for Season 2?

We caught up with Secretary of Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility Walter Simmons this summer at the MACo Summer Conference in Ocean City for a special mini episode!
Secretary Simmons joined us for a conversation about the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, the resources available to support small businesses, and the state's role in helping businesses and Maryland's workforce succeed.

From supporting local entrepreneurs to connecting businesses with valuable state resources, this conversation offers a look at some of the programs and opportunities available across Maryland.
Season 2 of The Open Agenda is coming soon! In the meantime, we hope this special conversation will hold you over until we're back with a new season of guests, stories and behind-the-scenes conversations.

Oct 12, 2026

32 min

Sep 28, 2026

MACo: Sierra-ously Maryland Ready (An Open Agenda Special Episode)

Sep 28, 2026

33 min

Here is a SPECIAL EPISODE from MACo 2026 in Ocean City, MD
A Special Mini Episode of The Open Agenda Is Here
Need a little Open Agenda to hold you over until Season 2?
In honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re releasing a special mini episode featuring Anna Sierra, Assistant Secretary with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.
W caught up with Anna this summer at the MACo Summer Conference in Ocean City to talk about Maryland’s role in emergency management, how state and local agencies work together, and what preparedness looks like at the state level.
Anna also shares her own journey from working in emergency management at the local level to serving at the state level, along with some practical reminders about why preparedness matters for all of us.
Season 2 of The Open Agenda is coming in October, but we hope this special conversation will hold you over until then!
Listen on your favorite podcast platform:
https://lnk.bio/TheOpenAgenda
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1KGodVkE-dM?si=QAP71hUJybl6NQvX

Sep 28, 2026

33 min

Aug 31, 2026

The Warden's Journey: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

Aug 31, 2026

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.

Aug 31, 2026

51 min

Aug 31, 2026

More Than a Warden: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

Aug 31, 2026

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.

Aug 31, 2026

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

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.