FROM THE DESK OF THE COMPTROLLER
I am honored to begin my term as the 33rd Comptroller of Maryland, and to serve the public with one of the most well-respected agencies of state government.
I follow two icons of public service: Louis Goldstein and William Donald Schaefer. Like both, I plan to continue to be an independent voice for the state's fiscal health.
The Comptroller of Maryland is unique in that it is truly an independent agency and able to act in a real partnership with the rest of state government, including the governor's office and the legislature.
This is a great state and I am acutely aware that without this agency to collect the funds to provide the services, there is no Maryland. I pledge to serve as a careful and exacting watchdog over hard-earned taxpayer dollars.
While I follow in the footsteps of two icons, I will bring to this office my own set of strongly-held values. Whether it is addressing our state's health care crisis, relieving overcrowding in our classrooms and on our roadways, or protecting our precious natural resources, I will be an outspoken advocate for the progressive values for which I have always stood.
But even this progressive understands that we will not move Maryland forward…we will not make progress on these important issues unless -- and until -- we get our fiscal house in order. I look forward to working with the new leadership team we have here in Maryland to come up with a thoughtful, long-term solution to our structural fiscal needs. Our challenges are, indeed, complex, but our opportunities are truly exhilarating.
