The Taxpayers Protection Alliance announced on March 24 the launch of a three-billboard campaign supporting Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming in her ongoing dispute with Mayor Brandon Scott regarding access to public records.
According to the announcement, the billboards are located at I-95 at the Fort McHenry Toll Plaza and both north-facing and south-facing directions of I-895 at East Lombard Street. The campaign is intended to maximize visibility for Baltimore-area commuters and residents.
The organization said the campaign highlights the importance of open government, accountability, and access to information. It also referenced legislation currently under consideration in the state legislature, SB 991 and HB 1620, which would ensure inspectors general have access to necessary records for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse.
“Transparency is not optional—it’s fundamental to good governance,” David Williams, president of Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said. “Inspector General Cumming is standing up for taxpayers and the rule of law by insisting that records be made available to the watchdog’s office. We’re proud to support her efforts and to remind elected officials that accountability doesn’t end when it becomes inconvenient.” Williams added that TPA’s billboard initiative aims to raise awareness about independent oversight and urges city leadership “to end its misguided war against the Inspector General’s office.”
Washington D.C.-based Taxpayers Protection Alliance Foundation is a non-profit organization that advocates for government transparency through educating the public via research, investigative reporting, and analysis about excessive taxation and spending by all levels of government. Founded in 2011, its current president is David Williams, according to its website.
More information about this initiative can be found on the official roster page.
