Democrat
Brooke Lierman
Where you live: Baltimore
Date of birth: Feb. 14, 1979
Current occupation and employer:
Two-term state delegate representing District 46 in Baltimore City and a civil and disability rights attorney with Brown, Goldstein & Levy.
Political experience:
Two-term state delegate representing District 46 in Baltimore City
Chair of the Joint Committee on Pensions
Chair of the Land Use & Ethics Subcommittee
Website: https://www.brookelierman.com
Email: info@brookelierman.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeLiermanForMaryland
Twitter: @BrookeELierman
Instagram: @BrookeELierman
Why are you running for this office?
We have a unique opportunity now to reimagine how the comptroller’s office can tackle our state’s economic challenges, including the racial wealth divide, public school funding, and climate change, while also building more financially resilient families and small businesses. I know that over the next four years, we can change Maryland for the better for the next 40 – ensuring that we are using the power of the purse to build generational wealth and tackle economic inequality.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
I will work to confront the economic challenges facing individuals and our state and that includes the rising cost of goods and the persistent racial wealth divide. The comptroller’s office is about creating economic opportunity and uplifting families, communities, and small businesses. The racial wealth divide in this state inhibits our economic growth, keeps communities of color from reaching their full potential, and inhibits the future success of the state. I will put the weight of the comptroller’s office behind creative and bold solutions to ensure that we build more inclusive, financially resilient, and prosperous communities and small businesses.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
For the first time since 1998, the election for state comptroller will be an open seat. This election is not about past decisions but about reimagining the role of the comptroller and how it can positively impact the people of Maryland. My track record has been one of collaboration and coalition building and I look forward to continuing that in the comptroller’s office. Having served for eight years in the General Assembly, I will use the close relationships I have to advocate for legislative fixes that will allow the office to better serve the people and small businesses of Maryland.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Our comptroller must be a leader who embraces creative ideas and can put them into action – from big ideas on wealth-building to the details that make it easier for Marylanders to pay taxes. I’ve been an effective leader as a civil and disability rights attorney and a state delegate. As a delegate, I’ve authored landmark legislation and served on the top fiscal committees, including chair of the Pensions Committee. I have a track record of getting things done – passing the largest transportation funding bill in history, the first-ever Styrofoam ban, and the state’s first gun violence prevention program.
