It has been six months since Gov. Larry Hogan came into office, but nothing has changed. Once known for its corruption, Maryland's state government and its senior leaders are now known for extreme incompetence, abuse of taxpayers and hubris by such people as Craig Williams, Mr. Hogan's chief of staff, and Len Foxwell, chief of staff to Comptroller Peter Franchot ("Hogan's softer road," May 27).
The Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxations is rife with incompetence and confusion as the agency cannot manager the paperwork it generates and demands of citizens. The transportation department was sued by a class of handicapped individuals for their malfeasance and they will be sued again for similar reasons. The Consumer Financial Protection Office does anything to protect consumers from disreputable companies while tolerating extreme incompetence among its ranks.
Secretaries and receptionists not only refuse to look up numbers and properly transfer callers, they abuse callers knowing that no one will hold them accountable. In fact, neither the state nor agencies actually publish phone numbers on their websites.
Governor Hogan's responsibilities do not just include politicking and pontificating. As Maryland's chief executive, he is responsible for managing and leading the government. That means that he must demand that all government employees be public servants which requires competence, accountability and a service ethic.
Tom Moore