Hogan proposes 'corruption' investigator for Maryland's public schools

Erin Cox and Michael DresserContact ReportersThe Baltimore Sun

Gov. Larry Hogan said Monday there is a crisis of confidence in Maryland’s public schools and proposed a new “investigator general” to root out what he described as corruption, mismanagement and ineptitude in some Maryland school districts.

In Hogan’s vision, the investigator would have subpoena power, the authority to summon people to public hearings and a bully pulpit.

“Our children desperately need someone to fight for their civil rights,” Hogan, a Republican, said during a wide-ranging news conference in Annapolis. “There’s not enough accountability.”

Establishing such a position would require the endorsement of the General Assembly.

The presiding officers of the legislature, Democrats House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, declined to comment on Hogan’s characterization of schools or the idea of an investigator general.

But several other prominent Democrats offered lukewarm support for an inquisitor who could efficiently ferret out waste and enforce ethics laws.

“I do think there probably should be a role ... to make sure that counties are addressing any ethical issues that come up,” said Baltimore Democrat Del. Maggie McIntosh, chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

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