Tax and Spending Roundtable Discussion
Working Together for a More Accountable Maryland
This week, my running mate Shannon Wright and I had the opportunity to meet with several members of our campaign committee, as well as Maryland residents from across the political spectrum. These conversations were not about partisan lines they were about Maryland’s future, our shared concerns, and how we can restore accountability and efficiency in our state government.
One of the primary topics discussed was taxation and spending. Marylanders work hard for their money, and they deserve to know that every dollar the state collects is being used responsibly. Unfortunately, far too much of our budget is lost to waste, inefficiency, and mismanagement. That’s why I’m calling for comprehensive audits across every department to identify where funds are being misspent and to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is serving the people, not bureaucracy.
We also talked about state employees and contractors who are drawing paychecks without fulfilling their duties a drain on our budget and a betrayal of public trust. These positions must be reviewed, reformed, or removed. Maryland deserves a government that works as hard as its citizens do.
In our discussion on education, we emphasized the need to rethink how we allocate resources. We must invest in systems that empower parents and students with more choices, encourage innovation, and ensure that funds reach the classroom not layers of administration. Maryland can lead the way in education reform, but only if we focus on outcomes rather than political agendas.
Residents also raised questions about the state deficit, the Maryland Lottery budget, and reports of “slush funds” hidden within various departments. These are valid concerns, and we will continue to dig deeper, analyze the numbers, and share transparent findings with the public. Government must earn back the trust of the people through openness and honesty.
Finally, we heard from Marylanders affected by the government shutdown and furloughs. Families are feeling the strain, small businesses are suffering, and communities are being left in limbo. It’s a reminder that poor fiscal management doesn’t just hurt budgets it hurts people.
Our meeting was productive, spirited, and solutions-focused. We reviewed audits, examined waste and fraud reports, and worked together on practical paths forward. This is what leadership looks like: listening, learning, and leading with integrity.
Together, we can build a Maryland that is fiscally responsible, transparent, and accountable a state government that truly serves its people.
— Kurt Wedekind
Republican Candidate for Governor of Maryland
