Moments after being sworn in as comptroller, Peter Franchot reaffirmed his opposition to slots and pledged to work together with the governor and Md. Legislature to fix the state?s recurring financial crisis.
“But as we work in partnership to overhaul the tax code and tackle the structural deficit, I will continue to argue and use the power of my office to oppose any solution that includes the reintroduction of slot machines into our great state,” Franchot said.
As a member of the House of Delegates, Franchot was an outspoken opponent of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich?s proposals to introduce slot machine gambling at racetracks. Slots have been suggested again this year as a potential component of a larger strategy to close the gap between the state?s revenues and expenses.
After the ceremony, Franchot said he might even use his powers as the state?s chief tax collector to investigate possible illegal gaming machines in Baltimore City bars.
In a House chamber packed with federal and state politicians, local leaders and supporters ? including former Gov. Parris Glendening, newly inaugurated Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon and former Gov. Harry Hughes ? Franchot, a Montgomery County Democrat, was sworn in as the state?s 33rd comptroller, and the first former delegate to be elected to the job directly from the House.
“I applaud the governor for the sound budget he submitted last week, which seeks to slow the rate of growth in state spending,” Franchot said. “I vow to be a constructive partner in the effort to ensure that our tax code reflects the realities of today?s knowledge-based economy.”
Franchot also announced in his prepared remarks that his office would be one of the lead sponsors of a life sciences summit later this year to make Maryland “an international center for the life sciences.”
Known for his independent and progressive opinions, the new comptroller also pledged not to use his position on the state?s Board of Public Works to approve wasteful contracts or to approve “sweetheart deals to sell parkland and open space for development” or to sell “valuable state assets like the Baltimore World Trade Center.”
Franchot became the surprise victor in the September Democratic primary when he defeated incumbent comptroller William Donald Schaefer and former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens.
“To write off his candidacy was to underestimated the intellect and passion he brought to his job,” said Del. Curt Anderson, D-Baltimore City, who served as master of ceremonies for Franchot?s swearing in.
Schaefer, while mentioned in the prepared text of Franchot?s speech, did not attend Monday?s swearing-in ceremony.
