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Comptroller’s influence unique to Maryland’s political scene

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Jul 20, 2008 12:00 AM (49 days ago) by Len Lazarick, The Examiner
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Maryland’s comptroller would not be half so visible or influential as the state’s chief tax collector and payroll chief without his seat on the Board of Public Works, a unique institution among the states.

A few states have executive boards that review the letting of public contracts, but Maryland is the only one where the governor shares this power with an independently elected comptroller and a state treasurer chosen by the legislature.

Baltimore City, for instance, has its Board of Estimates, but the mayor controls three of the five votes.

Even after the General Assembly has approved the governor’s spending, he and his Cabinet officers must win the board’s approval for any contract worth more than $200,000.

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That’s $7 billion a year in 1,800 contracts for services ranging from road work, rail cars and school buildings to food service, veterinary care and the hauling of bodies to the state morgue, as well as the purchase of parkland and development rights.

“Some of the most important decisions in state government are made on Wednesdays in the Board of Public Works,” said Paul Schurick, onetime liaison to the board for Gov. William Donald Schaefer, later communications director for Schaefer and Gov. Robert Ehrlich.

In the 1960s, according to a history of the board and to a 1977 report on its functions, there were efforts to reduce the power of the board and the comptroller.

The Constitutional Convention of 1967 recommended the board be replaced and that the job of comptroller be appointed by the governor — not independently elected — a policy change supported by three earlier governors.

They believed — and the convention agreed — that the board diluted the authority of the governor.

Voters rejected the 1967 constitution, though many of its provisions were later made part of the 1867 document as separate amendments.

But no changes were made to the Board of Public Works and comptroller, changes fiercely opposed by Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein.

In fact, the legislature has continued to add responsibilities to the board, giving it the final say on wetland permits, for instance.

Later governors see value in the board.

“We have an ideal setup in Maryland,” said former Gov. Marvin Mandel. “Having power is an asset, but having too much power is a disability. This way the power is distributed.”

Former Gov. Harry Hughes said generally the process works well, but “there are certainly opportunities for there to be differences and power struggles.”

Having independently elected officials on the board is “very desirable,” said former Gov. Parris Glendening. “It offsets the potential for abuse. The problem is not the structure. The problem is the personalities.”

llazarick@baltimoreexaminer.com

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Comments from Examiner Readers

3:19 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 20, 2008 re: "Peter Franchot: A man of many ambitions"

 Examiner Reader said:
He is weird looking and very liberal. They seem to go together. Let's get rid of him in the next election. Better yet, let's get rid of him, Owe'Malley, Miller, and Busch.

4 agree | 3 disagree
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3:17 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 20, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
Franchot ... please do your job in Annapolis and stop worrying about blacks out of jobs. If they qualify, they can get a job on their own. If not, keep looking. No one needs your help in that, just do your job and keep our eye on our tax money while it is in the hands of the Governor, Miller, and Busch.

4 agree | 3 disagree
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3:13 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 20, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
I agree bigtime. Franchot is a jerk (although I do like it when he gets under O'Malley's skin). The Democrats have destroyed this state but we can only blame oursleves. No, I take that back, I didn't vote for any Democrats and never will, so don't blame me.

5 agree | 3 disagree
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2:51 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 30, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
Franchot is an idiot, now he will spend the taxpayers money to go to Chicago with a hate munger, Jesse(I HATE WHITE PEOPLE)Jackson. Get a clue and stop wasting time and money trying to get un-educated blacks jobs they don't deserve. I you can do the job good on ya, but if you can't then don't complain that you did not get the job.

 5 agree | 3 disagree
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2:46 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 30, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
I have an idea, If you are quilified to do the job then you get it no matter what race you are. If you are not the most skilled then don't cry race is the issue.

 6 agree | 3 disagree
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6:41 AM MST on Sun., Jun. 29, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 hd said:
Affirmative Action is a fun social experiment, but now we're dealing with real, not play, money, and especially with people's retirements. The managers of pension funds should absolutely be the best people, period, irrespective of skin color. Franchot outlines the problem with liberals and social progressives: they want to do their experimentation with OPM (Other People's Money). Whatever happened to the public servant who was more interested in perfomance than anything else? Franchot ain't it. Vote him out.

 4 agree | 2 disagree
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5:54 PM MST on Sat., Jun. 28, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
Maybe Nathan Chapman is looking for a job.

 4 agree | 2 disagree
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10:09 AM MST on Sat., Jun. 28, 2008 re: "Franchot, Jackson to discuss minority management of public pension funds"

 Examiner Reader said:
Send this guy back to where he came from. He forgot what the job of Comptroller for Maryland is. He thinks he is going to be the next Governor. Wait til election time comes - he will be in the unemployment line and might actually have to get a job.

 5 agree | 4 disagree
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6:35 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Trickle Down Effect said:
Make a Charitable contribution for a school. Yes, I am MO's top advisor also. Get out of jail free cards for all!! Self appointed, self edjimicated!! I still do not like Franshot. He plays too many games that I wosh upon no one!@@=

 5 agree | 4 disagree
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6:25 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Examiner Reader said:
Trickle Down Effect - O'malley is that you???

 5 agree | 5 disagree
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6:11 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Trickle Down Effect said:
The US is in the red from the war. The State is in the red from the past admonistraition and a cut in Federal funding which could have been worse if we did not have Congress pushing for us. The counties and city are not feeling as much pain as they could be. Stop the whining and get on board. All aboard. Do something good. Tax deduct and build a school.

 3 agree | 7 disagree
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5:57 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Smith will have to have a little talk with his legislators and tax payers. Too many cheifs and not enough indians. My councilman should be the next county executive. You do not have to be a people person to make good decisions. Revenues should increase with developments. Smith should take Franshots job and give him the boot. I should be governor. LOL

 5 agree | 6 disagree
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5:31 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Examiner Reader said:
Smith has not bothered to take the time or effort to go to any of the overcrowded schools. He has not met with any of the taxpayers he was elected to represent on this issue. Rather, he has made decisions based on what will make him appear "fiscally conservative.” The Towson school issues did not start this year; it's been years in the making. Additionally, Towson is not the only community fighting to have their school concerns heard. Perry Hall and Loch Raven have similar concerns that have been ignored by Smith. So, say what you will about Franchot’s motive, it is clear that Smith’s motive is not grounded in, “what is best for the children” either. Anyone who believes Smith is basing his decisions solely on fiscal responsibility is naive!

 6 agree | 3 disagree
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5:18 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
I will not complain about an elementary school in my back yard or the traffic.

 6 agree | 3 disagree
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3:11 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
April fools all month. Stay home. Write a letter and let the governemnt do their job with what little fund's they have to work with.

 3 agree | 5 disagree
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11:04 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Examiner Reader said:
My children are students of the Connections Academy Virtual Program in Baltimore County. I understood that it was a pilot program but we were also told that if the parents thought that it was a success and if the childrens testing scores were good that this program would continue. My children are heart broken to hear that their test scores do not matter. My one daughter is 14 and in the 9th grade. She has ADD. This program was working for her something that the Brick and mortor school system could not do. She is getting all B's in her classes and that is a first for her. My other daughter is also in the 9th grade and she is getting A's and B's in her classes. THis program could solve the overcrowding problem. Executive James Smith cut the funding for it before it came to a vote. The school board wants the program to continue and expand there is going to be a County council meeting on April 29th. We need this program to continue.

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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9:54 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Ha Ha !! Take your political contributions and by land to donate!! Good luck finding it!!

 5 agree | 5 disagree
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9:52 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Why did we elect Franshot? Really scary to have him handle our funds. He is one scary looking, fake wanna be. Way to create an uproar Franchot. Your an idiot. Take your salary and by a school!!

 5 agree | 4 disagree
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9:49 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Shift the districts. And buy future land no one is really profiting from just sitting.

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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9:43 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Fiscal responsibility. Maybe we can have some rich silver spoon Towson elites donate property for a school. These pubs think it is so easy. Land is scarce. Money is tight. Go ahead and make fools of yourselves for political agenda.

 6 agree | 6 disagree
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8:13 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
If the pubs were smart, they would switch party affiliation when they run for the hills. Stupid is as stupid does.

 6 agree | 4 disagree
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8:06 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Its liek a bad super bowl game. count the votes. NO one votes pub anymore. This is a one party state!! Franshot will hang himself with Smith and Wesson, the county click click. Franshot may be forced to resign.

 5 agree | 5 disagree
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7:47 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Examiner Reader said:
I thought this guy was elected to be the State Comptroller. He has no business putting his nose in all the other areas that do not having anything to do with his elected office. He should realize he will never be the Governor.

 5 agree | 4 disagree
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7:25 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire"

 Reader said:
Grandstanding is the correct word. The pubs are so desperate that tehy can not see on the local level dems and pubs are one in the same!!!!!!!!! A budget is a budget regardless of political party affiliation. We must be fiscally responsible and build additions. Planning for the future does not happen over night for new schools or additions. Good article!! Slots will pay for schools. Just keep those slots out of my face. Let the tourist and addicted pay for schools. Beef up the police. We will need it.

 4 agree | 4 disagree
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11:07 AM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Franchot defends salaries of 2 deputy comptrollers"

 AMERICA CALLING said:
md gov needs to down size like every other business has done how many of you have to work more at your jobs due to down size its time for the gov to do the same

 22 agree | 19 disagree
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6:19 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Dunn said:
This falls under FOIA. Everyone has the right to know how much WE the taxpayers are paying whoever. This is just bickering and whining. I don't have a problem with anybody making 6 figures as long as they are doing their job well. 6 figures in this State isn't what it used to be.

 22 agree | 10 disagree
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4:51 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 reader said:
Is there anyone here who voted for omallly!?Where is you.

 21 agree | 21 disagree
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4:16 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
Senator DeGrange, get real. The salaries of state and ALL public employees is PUBLIC information and cannot be hidden by you or any other political bumpkin.

 20 agree | 12 disagree
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7:13 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
The opposition to the release of the information is a striking example of the state employees lack of understanding who it is they work for. What boss does not know the amount the his employee makes? Like it or not, State employees work for the taxpayer and we have every right to know what they make. Don't like it?......get a job in the public sector and stop living off the government teat.

 19 agree | 8 disagree
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3:13 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
Everything these politicians do is in the dark-from that Special Session to raise taxes through the roof to their salaries. We're all just supposed to sit in a cold, dark house (courtesy of the BGE rate hikes) and ask nothing.

 17 agree | 9 disagree
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1:35 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
The corruption of elected officials at the state level in MD is legendary. This is just another manifestation of that. Thanks again, Montgomery County and Baltimore City.

 17 agree | 11 disagree
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9:05 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
Senator DeGrange is simply doing Miller's dirty work. Public employees salaries are the public's business and have no business being hidden by this Senator, Miller, Busch or OweMalley.Comptroller Franchot just had the courage to take on the big boys and they want to make sure he pays the price. Just more politics as usual for Maryland! However, even Franchot went along with the greatest increase in State taxes in our history so he's still just a part of the one party rule in Maryland. We'd all be better off if they all just went home.

 22 agree | 13 disagree
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7:48 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Examiner Reader said:
I disagree with Senator DeGrange. This is taxpayer's money, and we intelligent taxpayers should be fully aware of how our money is being utilized. Any taxpayer should be able to access a complete accounting of the government's use of our money on any day at any hour. I agree that income tax returns should be confidential but everything else should be available to the taxpaying public. I applaud and thank both Comptroller Franchot and The Examiner for what they have done.

 20 agree | 12 disagree
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4:49 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Senator questions releasing of salaries"

 Reader said:
FOIA anyone?

 21 agree | 13 disagree
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4:40 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Slots are just a tax on stupidity. Why is Franchot against this.

 60 agree | 47 disagree
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2:07 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
The "voluntary" tax (gambling) versus the involuntary taxes that Franchot favors, which one do I favor? I'll be backing Franchot. I like being forced to pay rather than standing in line to pay. What is the difference between blue ribbon and red tape? The color. They both impede progress.

 40 agree | 31 disagree
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10:17 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Robin Ficker, Broker Robin Realty said:
I agree with everything the Comptroller says. But he left out something important. He did't oppose any of the recent huge tax increases, except, apparently, the extension of the sales tax to computer services.

 59 agree | 41 disagree
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9:51 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Franchot considers slots be bad for Maryland's economy and will vigorously oppose the referendum. Where was his vigorous opposition to the record-setting tax increase. That will do much more damage. What pap.

 52 agree | 28 disagree
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9:48 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
I disagree with Mr. Franchot on the issue of slots. In my experience I have found that a majority of the people who receive money from Social Services are the ones who spend money on gambling, beer, whiskey and cigarettes. Having slots legalized will return a lot of that wasted Social Services' money back to the State.

 69 agree | 37 disagree
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8:29 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 lrlmc said:
Even though I agree with some of Mr. Franchot's ideas, I think he is committing political Hari-Kiri. A dem in this state can not disagree with Governor O' Golden Boy. Mr. Franchot is comptroller not Lt Governor.

 33 agree | 40 disagree
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7:50 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
This comment is only on the style of this article: The Examiner did a good job in providing an article that allows the reader to quickly learn a person's position on an issue. I think whenever possible the Examiner should try to use more of this interview style for articles - better than articles written as if they are factual or objective but are really the writer editorializing. Please use more of the interview style of writting and I will keep on reading. Thanks

 63 agree | 29 disagree
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7:30 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Legislator he is not! You are so right!!! He must feel like he has a little power thats gone straight to his head!

 51 agree | 36 disagree
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7:27 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Peter, what is it with your crusade against slots! It isn't any worse than intant lottery every where you go! At least with the slots they will be placed with existing gambling at the racetracks! I'm more worried by illegal aliens. Those crimes are on the increase! Look how many crimes they are violating! They have killed one to many people driving when they shouldn't have!

 74 agree | 32 disagree
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7:24 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Hey Pete, Your staff is doing a great job with your directive - "Get me above the fold EVERY DAY". You need to remember that you are the COMPTROLLER - the tax collector, and not a legislator. You are emblematic of what is wrong in politics today.

 56 agree | 42 disagree
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6:41 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
If you really want to take a look at the facts, crime is already here and on the increase and there has been more crime coming from Church than Slots. Franchot is a shady character! I'd take my chance on a slot machine rather than Franchot anyday!

 61 agree | 47 disagree
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6:33 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot: Slots will fail"

 Examiner Reader said:
Franchot is a smooth operator like O'Malley. I don't think either of them care much about the state or its people, only their own carers. But, at least Franchot tries to be consistent. O'Malley will lie one day, tell the opposite lie the next and trick people into going along. God help us.

 65 agree | 31 disagree
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3:09 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Franchot predicts slots will be defeated"

 avid reader said:
Another O'Malley puppet, Sir Peter!!!!

 53 agree | 52 disagree
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7:07 AM MST on Sun., Jul. 1, 2007 re: "Franchot to seek halt of land deal"

 Examiner Reader said:
Why did he vote "For" the deal? Some watchdog.

 84 agree | 66 disagree
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