Annapolis notes 2/11

February 11, 2002

Annapolis notes 2/11

ANNAPOLIS - House Speaker Casper R. Taylor Jr. rebuffed speculation last week that he wants to run for lieutenant governor.

Taylor made his comments while briefing reporters in his office about the leadership changes he will make when Del. Nancy Kopp, D-Montgomery, is sworn in as treasurer later this month.

"I'll be able to reshuffle the deck next year. You'll notice I said that I'll shuffle the deck," said Taylor, D-Allegany.

Taylor also filed paperwork for re-election to the House of Delegates on Thursday.

A story in The (Baltimore) Sun last week said Taylor wants Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to consider him as a running mate.

Poole doesn't miss life in state legislature

ANNAPOLIS - Former Del. D. Bruce Poole was asked last week whether we will see his name on the November election ballot.

"If you do, get me to a detox center," the Hagerstown lawyer quipped to a group of Leadership Hagerstown members who were visiting Annapolis.

Poole talked to the group about the inner workings of the Maryland General Assembly before heading off to a meeting of the State Ethics Commission on which he serves.

Poole said he has enjoyed life as a private citizen since he lost the 1998 election to Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington.

Comptroller seeks more power for tax collectors

ANNAPOLIS - Comptroller William Donald Schaefer appeared before the House Judiciary Committee last week seeking more investigatory power for his tax-collecting agents.

Some committee members questioned why Schaefer wants to crack down on taxpayers at a time when the IRS is backing off.

Schaefer defended the organization, saying the agency is reasonable and tries to work with delinquent taxpayers.

"It's not trying to become the gestapo," Schaefer said.

- Laura Ernde

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