Summary of November 16 Meeting With Peter Franchot
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot came to speak at Action Committee for Transit’s November 16th general meeting and afterwards took questions on various topics from ACT members. Mr. Franchot described specifically what the comptroller does, “I collect taxes...I give refunds, too! I regulate alcohol, tobacco and petroleum.” Just as important to ACT is Franchot’s position on the three-member Public Works Board.
Comptroller Franchot demonstrated that he brings a detailed knowledge of transit issues to his duties when he talked about preventing Ride-On service cuts. When they were talking about cutting "the Ride-On 15 and 17, I was on that like 'white on snow' because [Ride-On buses] are not a discretionary mode of transit. People need it.” He also said of the Purple Line that “It’s going to get cars off the road and will get people to where they work and areas like Langley Park will really benefit from it. From economic development and jobs, .. the Purple Line ranks #1 in the state to accomplish those goals.”
As comptroller he emphasized that money for these and all projects will be tight and must be spent thoughtfully. "The problem is going to be money. I’ve tried to look at efficiencies." One idea he mentioned was to use highway rest stops - for example, in Howard County - to raise money for transit projects.
The Action Committee for Transit appreciates the time Comptroller Franchot gave to our meeting and looks forward to working with him these next four years. Considering his predecessors’ longevity of service as comptrollers, we might get a chance to know Mr. Franchot much better in the coming years.