We have no reasonable choice but Republican Anne McCarthy. Happily, she is abundantly qualified for the post. But importantly, she is the only candidate running for Maryland comptroller who understands the job and communicates that understanding in what she speaks and writes.
McCarthy views the position as being chief financial officer for the state and that the office must be above politics. We agree, since the prime responsibilities of the comptroller are to ensure the smooth collection of taxes, vote on state contracts as a member of the Board of Public Works and oversee the $34 billion state pension fund.
Her opponent, Democratic state delegate Peter Franchot has campaigned as if he’s running for re-election to the General Assembly. He’s promised to work to raise teacher salaries, build more schools, protect the environment and support universal health care — all things not in the purview of his job. When will he find time to spend on his main duties, if as he has said, “As comptroller, I will make education my top priority. …”?
As a former entrepreneur and the head of a center for entrepreneurial and family enterprise at Colorado State University, McCarthy understands how to run a business. And, with a doctorate in strategic management and four years experience running the Merrick School of Business at University of Baltimore as dean, she understands both the big economic picture and how to navigate bureaucracy.
In contrast, Franchot is a career politician-lobbyst. Maryland needs an advocate for taxpayers in the Comptroller’s office, not one for special interests. Vote for McCarthy now or pay later.
