County Executive Steuart Pittman Issues Statement Following Consent Order with Ethics Commission

County Executive Steuart Pittman has released a statement after the execution of a consent order with the county ethics commission in connection to a newsletter that was distributed last month. 

In my November 6th Weekly Letter, I shared election results from across the nation because, as I said in that letter, "Election outcomes tell us how voters are feeling and what government policies are likely to be coming. It's information that people who run businesses, manage local governments, or are simply trying to plan a future consider carefully." 

In my letters, I write about the issues that are impacting the lives of our residents, which often involves policies that other levels of government implement. 

While I did not intend to violate the ethics code, I acknowledge the Ethics Commission's finding and have cooperated fully in the resolution of this matter. I understand there is a fine line between political work and governing, and will continue to communicate transparently with our residents without crossing that line."

According to the order, which can be read here, Anne Arundel County's public ethics law prohibits the use of the prestige of office for personal gain or for the gain of someone else. "This section precludes the use of county resources for political purposes," the order states. "In March 2024, the Commission advised County Executive Pittman that the law prohibited the use of the county website or periodic newsletter for the purpose of partisan political advocacy."

The order states that on or around November 6, 2025, the ethics commission received several inquiries alleging the County Executive used county resources to disseminate partisan political commentary on an official government-issued publication, specifically his weekly newsletter. 

"Respondent is hereby publicly reprimand for this violation," the order reads. "Respondent shall cease and desist from using county resources to express partisan political commentary."

The corrective measures within the order, which takes effect immediately, includes the implementation of measures to ensure compliance with County ethics compliance. 

County Executive Pittman's consent to the order "is not an admission of willful intent to violate the ethics law, but constitutes acknowledgement of the commission's findings and authority, and agreement to the terms of this resolution."