The Sun’s general election endorsements

With voters throughout the state returning ballots via mail and drop boxes from now until Election Day, we will run summaries of The Sun’s editorial board endorsements every Monday through Nov. 3.

Joe Biden for president

We endorse Democrat Joe Biden for president. The former vice president has half a century’s worth of experience in public service and the right policies to move America forward.

Brandon Scott for Baltimore mayor

Currently serving as City Council president, Mr. Scott is a visionary leader who works tirelessly to improve the city and isn’t afraid to upset the apple cart for the greater good. Brandon Scott is the best choice for Baltimore mayor.

State ballot questions

The proposed constitutional amendment gives state lawmakers additional authority to reallocate spending within the state budget. This would put the budgetary balance of power in line with the practice in 49 other states. Vote for Question 1.

Legalized sports betting will eventually make its way to Maryland, but voters should vote against Question 2, because we have no details about how it would be regulated or the resulting revenue spent.

Baltimore City ballot questions

Questions A through D represent routine and reasonable ($160 million) borrowing for the city’s priorities. Vote for Questions A, B, C and D.

Question E would require the appointment every 10 years of a Charter Review Commission to recommend necessary charter revisions after receiving public input. Vote for Question E.

Question F would allow the City Council to increase or add new spending to the city budget. The budget buck should stop with Baltimore’s mayor. Vote against Question F.

Question G reasonably reduces the number of votes needed by City Council members to override a mayoral veto. Vote for Question G.

Question Hexpands the time that the City Council can vote to override a mayoral veto to include the next regularly scheduled council meeting. Vote for Question H.

Question I would allow the City Council, by a three-fourths vote, to remove a council member, council president, comptroller or mayor for incompetency, misconduct, willful neglect of duty, or felony or misdemeanor in office. Vote for Question I.

Question J requires the city auditor to give copies of agency audits to the agencies that were audited and gives the position-holder the ability to issue subpoenas for information related to the audit. Vote for Question J.

Question K seeks to establish the position of “city administrator” in Baltimore. The role is a good idea, but there’s no need to write it into the charter as a requirement. Vote against Question K.

Anne Arundel County ballot questions

Question A amends the county charter to expand the powers of the county auditor giving him or her greater access to county government financial records. Vote for Question A.

Question B would grant the county council the authority to approve whom the county executive appoints as county attorney, police chief and fire chief. Vote for Question B.

Question C would remove the 1,500 hour limit that contractual hourly employees can work in any given calendar year. Vote for Question C.

Question D would allow the county council to increase the amount of contracts not subject to competitive bidding to $100,000. Vote for Question D.

Question E would extend the probationary period through training for newly-hired police officers, sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Vote for Question E.

Question F would extend the time an acting department head can serve in that capacity. Vote for Question F.

Question G enshrines the Human Rights Commission in the county charter. Vote for Question G.

Baltimore County ballot questions

Question A would amend the county charter to create a Citizens’ Election Fund System offering candidates for county office the option of public financing for his or her campaign. Vote for Question A.

Questions B-J are routine bond authorizations providing $395 million in borrowing for things like public works projects, refuse disposal and waterway improvements. Vote for Questions B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J.