Franchot Says He'll 'Communicate' with Ulman About Meters

Maryland’s comptroller has been thinking about a run for governor, and Main Street merchants in Ellicott City think they may be able to use that to their advantage. 

Peter Franchot made a stop on Main Street last week to present Phoenix Emporium owner Mark Hemmis with a certificate recognizing the support the restaurateur gave to local county workers and CSX staff during the aftermath of the Ellicott City train derailment.

After the last picture of Hemmis and Franchot shaking hands was snapped, business owners turned to other subjects.

Sherry Fackler-Berkowitz, co-owner of Great Panes Stained Glass, asked Franchot if he was considering a run for governor, something which Howard County Executive Ken Ulman has not ruled out, either, when asked about his aspirations.

“A lot of people have been tugging at my sleeve saying ‘let’s do this,’” Franchot said, but added that he wouldn’t make a decision until the end of the year. “I have a love affair with being comptroller.”

Still Life Gallery owner , pled her case against the meters to Franchot.

“We’ve tried to get (County Executive) Ken Ulman to meet with us,” she said, but to no avail.

Franchot said that he would be happy to “communicate” with Ulman about the parking situation in the Historic District.

“I know Ken Ulman cares about small business,” Franchot said standing in the Phoenix. “I’m against anything that gets in the way of small business. I’ll call him on the phone or write a letter,” he said. “We all have a good intentions."

As of Monday afternoon, Ulman had not heard from Franchot, according to county spokesperson Kevin Enright.

Arditti said that she emailed Franchot over the weekend and has not yet heard from his office. 

Enright said that the administration plans to meet with stakeholders about the parking issue, though the meeting will likely be hosted by Steve Lafferty, director of special projects in the Department of Planning and Zoning, not the county executive.

Related articles:

- Do You Want to See a Metered Main Street?

- Merchant Petitions Against Main Street Meters

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