Title: State Delegate
Industry: Public Service & Government
A: Because I’m a mom, my mornings are busy! I wake up around 5:30am so that I can have some time to myself before my three-year-old daughter wakes up. I’ll go for a walk or do some other exercise. I really love mornings – having a whole day, filled with possibility in front of me. I am looking forward to resuming morning drop off at our local public school this year when my son starts third grade. I always try to start off each day from a positive perspective.
A: I have many jobs – a civil rights & disability rights attorney; a state delegate;; and now, a candidate for State Comptroller. In these jobs, I consider myself an advocate – for my clients, for my constituents, and for the people of Maryland. I advocate for specific policies, but also more broadly I’m an advocate for making government work better for Marylanders and Maryland small businesses.
A: Yesterday I read an excellent article by Annie Lowrey in The Atlantic all about the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of government programs – what she calls the “time tax.” Filing your taxes, trying to apply for benefits, dealing with benefits programs are all unnecessarily difficult & time consuming. This leads to poor outcomes for people and distrust and dislike of the government. I believe government can do and be better – and I want the Comptroller’s office to focus not just on ensuring that programs exist, but that they work for Marylanders. That’s what I do as a delegate – remove barriers and create opportunities.
A: I think we need to – and will – see a conversation around how government ensures that it is doing its duty and spending its money in a more equitable way, and in a way that creates communities ready to withstand the effects of climate change. Tackling the racial wealth divide in our state and mitigating and preparing for the effects of climate change require bold new ideas and action – and I believe every industry has a role to play and a job to do.
A: Answering quick emails immediately. Answer it and be done! Some emails will require longer responses, but for quick questions, I just want those emails out of my inbox! I also appreciate Asana – I’m a list builder and it helps me build my to-do lists by project and share with my team.
A: Relationships and trust are what matter. Once you lose someone’s trust or once you lose someone’s high regard, it’s very difficult to earn it back. Also: be open to changing your mind. It’s important to bring an open mind to conversations and to know what you don’t know. I love the opportunity to learn from my peers and from the people I meet around the state, hearing their perspectives and then working together to solve challenges.
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About Brooke Lierman:
Delegate Brooke Lierman is a disability and civil rights attorney, mother of two, and state legislator. Brooke served for five years as a Member of the Appropriations Committee before assuming a leadership role on the Environment and Transportation Committee in 2019. She is also the House Chair for the Joint Committee on Pensions, sits on the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, and founded and co-chairs the Maryland Transit Caucus. Brooke is an energetic and effective advocate for her constituents and for families and small businesses. First elected in 2014 to represent Baltimore’s 46th legislative district, re-elected in 2018, Brooke is now an announced candidate for State Comptroller as well. Learn more about her and contact her at www.brookelierman.com.
