Maryland Comptroller primary has candidates talking money, power

Three people are vying to become Maryland's next comptroller as the current office holder is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Voters across the Free State will get to select the Democratic nominee for the state's chief accountant this month. The primary is July 19, but early voting runs from July 7 through July 14.

The USA TODAY Network in Maryland, which includes Delmarva Now/The Daily Times in Salisbury and The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown, sent questionnaires to Democrats Tim Adams and Brooke Elizabeth Lierman, as well as to Barry Glassman, who is unopposed on the Republican ballot.

Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn more beyond just answers to the questions we asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.

The questionnaire was sent in mid-May, and all three candidates responded.

Democrats

Tim Adams

From: Bowie, Prince George's County

Occupation: CEO; mayor of Bowie, Md.

Age as of July 19: 63

Campaign website: www.timadams.org

Twitter: @Tim4MD

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tim4MD

Instagram: @Tim4MD

Brooke Elizabeth Lierman

From: Baltimore City

Occupation: State delegate for Baltimore City; civil and disability rights attorney

Age as of July 19: 43

Campaign website: brookelierman.com

Twitter: @BrookeELierman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrookeLiermanForMaryland

Instagram: @BrookeELierman

Republicans

Barry Glassman

From: Darlington, Harford County

Occupation: Harford County executive

Age as of July 19: 60

Campaign website: www.barryglassman.com

Twitter: @harfordexec

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GlassmanforMD

Revenue vs. spending

The outgoing comptroller has said that Maryland does not have a revenue problem, but a spending problem. Would you agree? Please explain.

Adams

Maryland is a portrait of inequality — the state with among the most dynamic economies in the nation also contains communities, particularly rural areas and black and brown neighborhoods, that do not share in the state’s economic opportunity. Economic and social change will remain elusive without greater fiscal transparency and government accountability. I will make tax collection simpler and fairer, make procurement more equitable, and advance state capital investment in urban and rural areas.

Lierman

There are always areas of wasteful spending that need to be addressed. However, I wouldn't consider the vast majority of State spending problematic. We must continue to make record investments in K-12 education and in areas that benefit those most in need. As a fiscal leader, I have passed budgets that are balanced, fiscally prudent, and socially responsible. I will apply this experience to the role of Comptroller and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a responsible and prudent manner.

Glassman

I have balanced 8 budgets and maintained 24 AAA bond ratings. This always requires the right balance of predicting revenue and spending within those limits. The Comptroller chairs the BD of Revenue estimates and must have experience giving the Executive and Legislative branches the best estimate on their available revenue for budgeting. It really is not as easy as saying it's one or another.

Job on the highest administrative body in Maryland state government

What do you see as your role on the Board of Public Works?

Adams

I see my role on the BPW as an independent advocate for Maryland taxpayers. To earn my vote, capital projects must: create demonstrable value for Maryland taxpayers; coincide with a long-term strategy to achieve a transparent public policy goal; taken as a whole with other capital investments, provide equal opportunity for all Marylanders; taken as a whole with other capital investments, demonstrate that the state is on track to finally meet its procurement commitments to WMBEs.

Lierman

As Comptroller, I will make the procurement process more transparent, more streamlined, and more accessible. I will utilize the power of the BPW to address the racial wealth divide, public school funding, and climate change, while building more financially-resilient families and small businesses. We must ensure that we are using the power of the purse and procurement to support small businesses and tackle economic inequality.

Glassman

The Comptroller’s role on the Board of Public Works is perhaps the most important responsibility of the office. As the taxpayer’s representative, the Comptroller should strive to make sure every dollar is spent wisely. As the only candidate for comptroller who has chaired a similar body, the Harford County Board of Estimates, I worked with my procurement office to save the taxpayers $26.4 million over the past seven years.

Role of satellite locations

Will you maintain the local offices the current comptroller has established across the state?

Adams

Yes. Ensuring that the comptroller's office is accessible to Marylanders across the state will be a top priority.

Lierman

Yes. I will continue to maintain the 12 offices across the State. I will work to ensure these offices are located in areas that maximize convenience for the public, the communities, and the businesses they serve. As a mother and an elected official, I understand that “normal” office hours may not be convenient for all, which is why I will also work to expand the opportunities for everyone to connect virtually with the Office of the Comptroller.

Glassman

Yes and improve service to all taxpayers.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Comptroller candidates talk spending, Board of Public Works