Julian L. "Jack" Lapides, the joking gadfly of the state Senate, filed as a candidate for Baltimore City comptroller yesterday, promising to pursue "bad guys" who waste tax money and to restore public trust in a job tarnished by Jacqueline F. McLean's corruption conviction.
"Baltimore needs a watchdog who will insist that our citizens receive a full 100 cents worth of value for every dollar in the city budget," he said, reading from a prepared statement at the board of elections.
Mr. Lapides' 32-year career in Maryland politics was evident, as he surrounded himself with a small group of supporters almost as well-known as the candidate.
His campaign treasurer is former city Deputy Comptroller Richard A. Lidinsky. His political consultant is well-known strategist Arthur W. Murphy. His election committee is headed by Mary Sue Welcome, daughter of the late state Sen. Verda F. Welcome, and his campaign chairman is Herb Smith, a political scientist at Western Maryland College.
So far, Mr. Lapides' only opponent is Joan M. Pratt, comptroller for the Legal Aid Bureau. She has yet to officially declare her candidacy.
In a news conference, Mr. Lapides spoke optimistically about his chances to win the comptroller's job, overseeing the city's audits and real estate.
The comptroller also serves on the Board of Estimates, which approves all city contracts.
Mr. Lapides joked that if he gets elected, the city can charge admission to board meetings and use the money to lower Baltimore's property tax rate.
"I think the good guys are going to think it'll be great fun. The bad guys will look at it differently," said Mr. Lapides, promising to scrutinize "every lease, every pension, every audit."
Mr. Lapides' career in the General Assembly ended when his district was carved up in a statewide redistricting plan. He did not run for re-election this year.