A Busy Summer for Maryland's New Comptroller

Sometimes, in Maryland, it's hard to notice the difference between an outgoing political administration and the one that's incoming. But after the 2006 elections in Maryland, that's certainly not the case. After winning a hard-won primary battle against legendary William Donald Schaeffer, a new Comptroller is in town, and the change in tone and tenor can be felt across the state.

In keeping with his progressive commitments to the large minority population in the state of Maryland, new Comptroller Peter Franchot worked with Governor Martin O'Malley this summer to forestall a business contract with Microsoft because it failed to include sufficient minority business participation. One might think that these hard-nosed tactics would scare businesses off and be detrimental to the state. However, Franchot worked with Microsoft to fix the problems and bring about more minority participation without losing a dime, all while helping to ensure that Maryland remains an environment where minority and women-owned business continue to grow and prosper.

Additionally, Franchot cracked down on the sale of illegal cigarettes in the state of Maryland. The Comptroller's agents seized more than 50,000 packs of illegal contraband, and collected more than 1.4 million dollars in delinquent sales tax. The Capital Online reported that Franchot even captured a moonshine still constructed by a fifteen-year-old using instructions off the Internet.

The Comptroller's office may seem like an odd place to advocate for the environment, but Peter Franchot seems to think otherwise. Using his influence, Franchot recently proposed that the state purchase more hybrid cars for its fleet "without breaking the bank" so that Maryland can cut back on pollution and help to conserve energy. He's expressed a desire to make Maryland the "greenest state in the country." (Interestingly enough, the Federal regulations may actually impede this goal because hybrid cars don't count as 'alternative fuel vehicles' under their standards.)

Though Franchot and O'Malley are political allies, the Comptroller's independence was highlighted this summer when he voted against the state's purchase of a 74-acre tract of land on Kent Island. Franchot was apparently sure that his progressive credentials would prevent his objections from being given an anti-environment spin, but sent out an explanation of his move via an email to his supporters. The Baltimore Sun has taken exception to the practicality of Mr. Franchot's plan for state land acquisition, but that doesn't seem to have worried him.

With a plan to "name and shame" tax cheats in the state, the new Comptroller seems poised to start a new era in Maryland politics and fiscal management.

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Franchot: Sorry, folks - bring your own beer, The Capital Online.

Look, then Leap, Baltimore Sun Editorial, August 5, 2007.

Comptroller's Office names, shames tax cheats, Clifford G. Cumber, the Frederick News-Post, August 7, 2007.