SD-7 hopeful calls for efficiency study

Update

A candidate in the unofficial race for Maryland's 7th District state senate seat, which would open if its current occupant wins in his bid for the U.S. Congress, is calling for a state-level efficiency study.

Former Del. Al Redmer (R-Baltimore County) made the remarks Monday during a discussion with Comptroller Peter Franchot (D-Takoma Park) on his weekly radio show.

"We've got a lot of terrific state employees," said Redmer. "Hardworking and dedicated, they want to do the right thing...but at the same time...we also have some employees with ‘kingdoms'... who find creative ways to protect their turf. And is very difficult for a legislator or legislature in 90 days to go in and find the nut the squirrel hid and spent nine months hiding it."

If the seat's current occupant, state Sen. Andy Harris (R- Cockeysville), defeats State's Attorney Frank Kratovil (D-Stevensville) in November, the hopefuls would have to be approved by the respective counties' central committees in the district to fill the empty spot. In addition to Redmer, Del. J.B. Jennings (R) and restaurant owner Sergio Vitale (R-Glen Arm) have their sights on the seat.

Vitale applauded the effort but said "big and efficient" isn't enough.

"The overall size of Maryland government must be reduced," wrote Vitale in an email to PolitickerMD.com. "A government that doubles in size every decade is not sustainable.  And despite having the fourth highest tax rate in the nation, even Maryland's high taxes aren't enough to sustain Annapolis' bloated state government."

Jennings is currently in basic training for the U.S. Air Force and could not be reached for comment.