Weekly Watchdog, 10.24.11

Issue 16 — October 24, 2011

It’s been another active week for Maryland’s Fiscal Watchdog, Peter Franchot and his staff in the Comptroller’s Office. His statewide petition drive, where he hopes to collect 10,000 signatures in support of financial literacy in Maryland's public schools, continues to gather momentum. As of press time, more than 3,500 signatures have been collected. If you believe that a standalone course in financial literacy would provide our children with the tools to be successful and financially secure as adults, please sign the petition today.

Fighting for AC Relief for Baltimore County Students.

Joined by concerned parents and students from Middleborough Elementary School in Essex, Comptroller Franchot used his seat on the Board of Public Works to fight for the 94 schools in Baltimore County that currently lack air conditioning. Noting that students, teachers and staff have actually become sick as a result of these unhealthy conditions, and that neighboring Anne Arundel County has successfully installed window units in schools at an affordable price, Comptroller Franchot asked that half of Baltimore County's one-time, $7 million pot of school construction money be dedicated to air conditioning. While the Comptroller's motion was defeated, he promised to revisit this issue in January, when Baltimore County officials will present their school construction priorities for the upcoming year to the Board of Public Works. (see article)

Cracking Down on Cigarette Smugglers.

As Maryland’s chief tobacco enforcer and in partnership with regional law enforcement agencies, the Comptroller and his field agents arrested four smugglers and confiscated over 17,000 packs of contraband cigarettes worth over $100,000 in four separate cases in less than a week. Since taking office, the Comptroller and his Field Enforcement Division have ramped up efforts to vigilantly pursue those who transport tobacco illegally across state lines. (see article)

Taking the Pulse of Maryland's Economy.

Comptroller Franchot has continued to travel throughout the State in order to gain a "real-time," firsthand perspective on the condition of Maryland's economy. Today, the Comptroller will visit Howard County General Hospital for a tour and meeting with the hospital's leadership, then participate in a roundtable discussion with the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. In recent days, Peter has also visited Shady Grove Middle School in Gaithersburg, where he reiterated the importance of a standalone course in financial literacy, and served as keynote speaker at a luncheon meeting of the Elkton Chamber of Commerce. He has also delivered the keynote address at the Maryland Firefighters Convention in Ocean City, joined business and elected leaders to celebrate the expansion of the Joie de Vivre art gallery in Cambridge, and attended the Baltimore County Freedom Fund Banquet.

Promoting One Maryland, Connected and Empowered.

Comptroller Franchot gave the keynote address last week at Maryland Broadband Coalition’s Annual Meeting. A longtime advocate of connecting every corner of Maryland with high-speed internet access, Franchot noted, “We cannot compete for the high-skilled jobs of the 21st century without a robust infrastructure predicated on broadband access for all Marylanders.” He emphasized the group’s efforts towards creating “One Maryland that works together in partnership – with the private and public sector – to provide our children with a better state than the one we found.”