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Franchot visits crowded Towson schools, draws Smith ire
TOWSON -
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot visited several overcrowded Towson elementary schools Wednesday on the turf of his rumored 2010 Democratic primary challenger, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. Franchot toured Dogwood, Rodgers Forge and Riderwood elementary schools in what he characterized as preparation for a vote next month on the allotment of state school construction funds. The visit came just days after Franchot's top aides met with a group of Towson parents who have criticized Smith for not funding a new elementary school in their area. Wednesday, the Democratic comptroller told parents the need for a new school is clear. “Several of them are among the most overcrowded in the state,” Franchot said. “We're going to be voting on state dollars for construction and we want to make sure that state money is spent wisely and focused on the right priorities.” Aware of the overcrowded schools, Smith has reserved $18 million in county funds in his proposed fiscal 2009 budget for additions to Towson-area schools, his staff said. Smith, who has been building his state campaign warchest - which must be spent on a campaign for a state office - has not publicly said which office he will seek; his term expires in 2010. “This is about Peter Franchot and Peter Franchot getting his name out in Baltimore County and grandstanding,” said Ellen Kobler, a spokeswoman for Smith. “The comptroller is clearly engaged in yet what again seems to be a series of political stunts.” Gov. Martin O'Malley earmarked just more than $31 million for Baltimore County schools in his proposed budget. The Interagency Committee for Public School Construction on Monday recommended an additional $10 million for school construction, county officials said. The state's Board of Public Works, a panel that includes O'Malley and Franchot, will likely approve that recommendation May 21. Riderwood Elementary principal Kathy DeHart on Wednesday said the school, already over-capacity by 110 percent, picked up three more classes of students this year. She said two trailers help, and the cramped cafeteria doubles as an auditorium. She said the school, which received an addition in 1997, needs a new roof that could cost more than $1.2 million. jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com drowley@baltimoreexaminer.com |