Inside City Hall
Farewell to the mayor’s press spokesman
Anthony Wayne McCarthy, a veteran of many careers, walks away with the “first-ever key to the city”
Above: Mayor Pugh’s spokesman, Anthony McCarthy, was also former Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s press aide in her last seven months in office. He worked for ex-Mayor Sheila Dixon, too. (Mark Reutter)
What The Brew disclosed last week is now official: Mayor Catherine Pugh’s press secretary has left his $137,700-a-year job.
Anthony Wayne McCarthy said he plans to found a new house of worship, Sanctuary Community Church, and will announce “several new endeavors” in coming weeks.
Amanda Rodrigues-Smith, a $68,000-a-year executive assistant to the mayor, was given the duty of replacing the veteran political insider, starting tomorrow, while a nationwide search is underway for a new director.
In prepared remarks, Mayor Pugh said:
“I want to thank Anthony McCarthy for his service to the city and citizens of Baltimore. He is one of the greatest spokespersons I’ve ever met, and a great part of what makes Baltimore City Hall a welcoming place for all people.
“He has been an essential member of my administration, and a person who I am privileged to also call friend. Anthony’s dynamic leadership will certainly be missed, but I look forward to supporting him as he pursues new opportunities to champion Baltimore causes.”
“Anthony McCarthy Day”
In honor of his public service and sheer perseverance – not only has he served as flack for both ex-mayors Sheila Dixon and Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, but he’s been a reporter, minister, talk show host, occasional political candidate, consultant and namesake of the Anthony McCarthy Civil Rights Awards – Pugh declared today “Anthony McCarthy Day” in Baltimore.
Pugh then presented him with the “first-ever key to the city,” an honorific gift we have no idea the meaning or significance of.