Republican

Candidate name: Mark M. Spradley

Place of residence: Rockville

Date of birth: Aug. 16, 1954

Place of birth: Harrisburg, Pa.

Current occupation: Executive vice president, Mazao Capital LLC

Education: B.S., Howard University; MBA, TRIUM (an alliance of NYU Stern School of Business, London School of Economics, HEC School of Management, Paris)

Community associations, involvement: Past board member of Children’s Hospital Foundation; The National Council on the Aging; Montgomery County’s Commission on Health; Montgomery County’s Care for Kids; current member of the Executive Council of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Professional associations: Past member, Board of Arbitrators, National Association of Securities Dealers Dispute Resolution Inc.; past member, Board of Directors of the National Association of Securities Professionals and past president of its Baltimore⁄Washington Chapter.

Family: Lorraine, 21, Candace, 20, Phillip 17

Campaign office address and telephone: PO Box 2007, Kensington, MD 20891, 301-656-VOTE

Web site: www.SpradleyForMaryland.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1. Fiscal responsibility — Strong oversight of State contracts through the Board of Public Works, will allow State revenues to catch up with existing spending commitments by exercising fiscal discipline and containing spending. I will work with the Governor and General Assembly to identify cost savings, revenue generation and cash acceleration opportunities to make the State’s financial operations more efficient. In addition, appropriate investment management policies for the State’s pension systems will safeguard the future for teachers and government employees. Sound tax and fiscal policies will improve the business climate and make Maryland a better place for both employers and employees.

2. Education — Support primary, secondary and higher education and promote financial literacy for people of all ages. I will promote programs that help working families finance a college education such as the Maryland College Savings Plan. I plan to develop a public⁄private partnership to award scholarships to outstanding 3rd Graders in the form of contributions to the Maryland College Savings Plan on their behalf, with the goal of encouraging families to get an early start on planning for and investing in college education for their children.

3. Economic development — Encourage businesses and individuals to invest in Maryland. Prudent investments in education, transportation and the environment will continue to pay dividends to future generations. I will enhance programs that will help working people, particularly teachers and first responders (police, fire fighters and nurses), finance important milestones such as buying a home, paying for college, and retirement. In addition, I believe we can leverage the State’s stellar AAA bond rating to help all counties achieve the highest possible ratings from the three principal rating agencies (S&P, Moody’s and Fitch), which will enable additional investment on the local level.

How would you rate the performance of the incumbent comptroller: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

I would rate the incumbent’s performance as ‘‘fair.” In my view, the incumbent has not been proactive, and has only fulfilled the minimum requirements for the office of comptroller. For example, I believe that the incumbent has missed opportunities to identify cost savings, revenue generation and cash acceleration opportunities to make the State’s financial operations more efficient. In addition, he has missed opportunities to help families save and invest to finance a college education through actively enhancing and promoting Maryland’s College Savings Plan. I also believe that there are missed opportunities to help improve Maryland’s ranking among states for homeownership (currently #24) in part by helping first-time homebuyers, and working people (particularly teachers and first responders) with down payment assistance and lower closing costs.

How much money do you want to spend on school construction, and where will you find that money?

Education is one of my top priorities. I want to add an additional $1 billion to financing education and school construction during my term. I propose to generate the funds through innovative financial mechanisms widely used in the capital markets. For example, the State could pursue securitization of the revenues from Maryland’s Stadium Authority or an initial public offering (IPO) and earmark the funds for school construction. I am committed to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to pursue this and other strategies to enhance the States revenue generation capability.

Is the rate of growth in Maryland too fast, too slow or about right, and why?

I believe that economic growth in Maryland can be improved. Some segments of the business sector are growing rapidly. However, the State’s infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth. For example, I believe that investment is needed in the state’s transportation infrastructure (bridges, roads, public transportation). In addition, there is a need for more affordable housing. I believe that the State can invest in the housing segment by implementing programs that assist first-time home buyers and people in targeted public service occupations such as teachers and first responders (police, firefighters and nurses). I believe that Maryland can achieve economic growth and infrastructure improvements while avoiding additional traffic congestion and protecting the environment.

Do you support slot machines for Maryland? If so, why? If not, why?

No, I do not support slot machines for Maryland. I believe that the State can generate additional revenue streams without the potential negative social stigma associated with slot machines.

Do you have confidence in the state’s voting machines for the upcoming election?

Yes, I have confidence in our democratic system and the integrity of the State and county board of elections officials. The voting machines will be operating under the supervision and watchful eye of competent civil servants, volunteers and the media.

Do you favor mandatory electronic tax filing?

No, I do not favor mandatory electronic tax filing. Unfortunately, there is still a digital divide. Mandatory electronic filing would be an obstacle for many working families.