This week I was in Ocean City for the annual Maryland Municipal League (MML) conference. Like our state government, many of our municipalities are facing fiscal crises. As Comptroller, I'm working in Annapolis to eliminate wasteful spending and operate government more efficiently, as so many of our cities and towns are doing in these tough times.

Now more than ever, we need fiscal watchdogs in Annapolis. I hope you'll support my call for fiscally responsible economic stimulus by attending or marching with me at Independence Day parades in Dundalk, Towson, Arbutus, Catonsville, Annapolis, Havre De Grace or Joppatowne.

RSVP FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADES!

PLEDGE TO MARCH WITH ME!

At this week's MML convention, I delivered a keynote speech that included a call for fiscal responsibility in light of our shared budget difficulties. During my time in Ocean City, I also walked the Boardwalk to meet with some Maryland small businesses. I'm pleased to report that while our national economic downturn has affected every sector of the Maryland economy, Marylanders are still taking to the beach and spending money at our small businesses. It is always informative to get out in the community and talking to the people who are on the front lines of the economic recovery.

After leaving Ocean City, I spoke to a packed room of business leaders at a lunch meeting of the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, and then joined Talbot County officials for a tour of Oak Creek Landing, a successful land preservation initiative that I was proud to support as a member of the Board of Public Works. For me, these events reinforced the importance of the intersection between environmental sustainability and economic vitality.

On the 4th (and 5th!) of July, I'll be taking my call for fiscal responsibility and independent leadership to communities across the state at parades across the state. If you plan on attending the parade please RSVP. I'd love to connect with you. I am also writing to extend a personal invitation to march with me in the parades. We'll be in Dundalk, Towson, Arbutus, Catonsville, Annapolis, Havre De Grace and Joppatowne. For all of you that join us, you'll receive one of our brand new t-shirts free of charge! I do hope you'll march and show your support.

I hope to have more of those conversations over the Independence Day holiday. Please join me at an Independence Day parade near you.

RSVP FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADES!

PLEDGE TO MARCH WITH ME!

Thanks so much for your time. Happy 4th of July, and, remember, American and Maryland flags are exempt from the state sales tax! Join me in flying the flag high and proud this Independence Day.