Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Franchot Opposes State Center

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot has joined those opposing the $1.6 billion State Center development.

Franchot said he doesn't believe the state can afford the risks associated with the Baltimore redevelopment project, or justify passing down the costs to taxpayers. The comptroller stated his opposition in a letter Friday to the state's secretaries of transportation and general services.

"A sagging economy, severe budget challenges and mounting state debt serve as reminders that these are not the best of times," Franchot wrote. "As both of you know so well, those of us who serve as fiscal stewards of the state cannot establish priorities solely on the basis of what we want, or what we hope to achieve, but rather on what we can afford. For the aforementioned reasons, I do not believe that we can afford the risks associated with State Center, nor can we justify passing down the consequent costs to our taxpayers."

The project has pitted landlords against politicians.

READ MORE …

2 comments:

Flerndip said...

O'Malley is pissed over this I'm sure. A democrat telling another not to waste money on something unnecessary. Good for him. About time a politician realized the spot we are in and its time to be fiscally responsible.

Anonymous said...

Believe me, this is just soap boxing. Construction will start the day after the election!