Teachers Union Endorses Pittman For Re-Election As County Exec

Annapolis MD

22 March, 2022

12:25 PM

Description

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The local teachers union on Tuesday endorsed Steuart Pittman for re-election as Anne Arundel County executive. The union, named the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, said the Democrat helped improve school facilities and educator resources. Also known as TAAAC, the group thanked Pittman for recent teacher pay raises. "County Executive Pittman promised us in 2018 he would support teachers and education - and he has delivered," union President Russell Leone said in a press release. "Pittman's decision to restore back steps to our teachers makes sure that the dedicated educators we have in our schools stay here, in Anne Arundel County." Some of these incremental raises, called step increases, were overdue. Many teachers were scheduled to get a raise based on their experience level, but tight budgets hindered salary increases. The Board of Education inked a deal in January to catch up on the raises guaranteed in teachers' contracts. The school board also asked for more raises in this year's budget request, citing cost of living hikes. The county's budget is still under consideration, and it must be finalized by June 30. "Thank you to County Executive Pittman for remembering us in each budget," said Leone, who is also an elementary teacher. "At a challenging time for educators everywhere, his commitment to providing us with the resources we need will benefit our County's school children long into the future." The 6,000-member union said this was possible because of Pittman's "fiscally conservative and responsible budgeting ... despite opposition from the Council's three Republican members." Pittman welcomed the endorsement and said he will continue to support educators. "As County Executive, my goal each year is to make sure our teachers have the tools at their disposal to get the job done," Pittman said. "I want to thank TAAAC and all of our teachers for their continued support, in the classroom and in this election." The county executive first took office in 2018. He won 52.3 percent of the vote that year, upsetting GOP incumbent Steve Schuh. Who Is Running For County Executive? Pittman does not yet have a competitor in the Democratic Party. Five Republicans already announced their bids for county executive. Here are all the Republican candidates. Click a candidate's name to visit their campaign website. Fernando Berra, III (Pasadena engineer, no website listed)John J. Grasso (Former County Council member for District 2)Jessica Haire (Current County Council member for District 7)Chris Jahn (Glen Burnie business management professional)Herb McMillan (Former state delegate for District 30A, former Annapolis City Council Alderman for Ward 5) Pittman's website is viewable at this link. When Is The Maryland Election? The primary election was recently pushed back three weeks because of ongoing redistricting lawsuits. It is now slated for Tuesday, July 19. The general election is still on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Read Patch's latest election update to learn how to check your voter status, how to register and how to vote. RELATED: State Board Of Elections Announces New Early Voting, Voter Registration DatesCongressional Redistricting Trial Wraps Up; Judge To Rule This WeekMD Primary Election Date Changed, Gerrymandering Suits ContinueHere's What The Campaign Finance Reports Tell Us About County Exec RacesAnne Arundel County Public Campaign Finance Effort RejectedPublic Campaign Financing System Vote Coming In Anne ArundelPittman Suggests Public Campaign Finance System For Anne ArundelDel. Saab To Seek Reelection Rather Than Run For County ExecutivePittman Files For Re-Election As Anne Arundel County ExecutiveAnne Arundel County Executive Announces Re-Election Campaign Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County news.