State Comptroller Pays Havre de Grace a Visit

Maryland's tax collector came to Havre de Grace Wednesday, and he wasn't looking for money.

Instead, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot was paying a visit to Joseph Smith, co-owner of Glyph Art and Design Studio on North Washington Street.

Smith, who is also a city councilman, said he met Franchot at the Maryland Municipal League last summer, and invited him to stop by the city sometime.

On Jan. 16, Franchot was making the rounds in Harford County, traveling to Edgewood High School, Youth Benefit Elementary and Fallston Volunteer Fire Company. But first, he kicked off the day on North Washington Street at Glyph, where Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty and others were there to greet him.

"I think it's good that someone at the state level is paying attention to small towns," Smith said.

Dougherty mentioned that he has lowered taxes in Havre de Grace each year and provided relief for small business owners. He also thanked Franchot for providing guidance on wastewater spending.

Billee Smith, president of the Main Street board of directors and owner of Distinctive Designs, echoed that for members of the business community, each dollar counts. She mentioned initiatives like Mob the Merchant, First Fridays and social media that business owners in the historic town are participating in to stay afloat.

Franchot said legislators were discussing a gas tax this week in Annapolis. He said he was not in support of such a measure. "Don't impose it right now," Franchot said.

He also said that Havre de Grace business owners who were struggling to pay their taxes should contact his office because they were willing to work with people.