Baltimore County Council Candidate Faces $730,000 Debt Scrutiny

Sharonda Dillard-Huffman and her husband, Artus Huffman, filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy on April 1, listing combined debts of approximately $730,000. The filing, which became public earlier this month, details $631,242 in student loans and $98,000 in federal taxes owed to various creditors. Both are running for local office in Baltimore County, a move that has prompted questions from opponents regarding their financial management.

The couple, who are both Democrats, seek seats on the Baltimore County Council and the Maryland House of Delegates, respectively. Their bankruptcy filing was shared on a local Facebook page with 40,000 subscribers. Current council members acknowledged seeing the document and raised concerns about how Dillard-Huffman would handle fiscal oversight. The council is responsible for approving the county’s annual $5 billion budget and reviewing major contracts for police and fire departments.

Dillard-Huffman, who earns $150,554 as an inclusive housing manager, stated that the bankruptcy is an opportunity to reallocate funds. She argued that the couple’s financial struggles make them relatable to constituents who face similar economic pressures. Huffman, a school administrator earning $129,168, said the couple’s challenges would not hinder his ability to oversee state tax dollars. He noted that they are working to pay what they owe despite a difficult economy.

Beyond the large debts, the filing reveals a water bill of more than $7,000 for their 1,500-square-foot home in Essex. The couple disputed this amount, noting that typical quarterly bills are around $80. Court records also show that Dillard-Huffman has driven with an expired license and registration for the past six months after missing a hearing related to a traffic citation in Annapolis. A Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration spokesperson confirmed her license remains suspended as of this month.

Political opponents are using the financial records to challenge the candidates' suitability. Bob Long, a Republican delegate seeking reelection in the same district, said voters must consider a candidate's fiscal acumen. He compared the need for financial discipline to his own requirement as a real estate broker to have his credit reevaluated every two years. Another Republican opponent, Josh Sines, confirmed he was aware of the bankruptcy filing but declined to comment further.

Roger Hartley, a professor of public affairs at the University of Baltimore, described the question of the Huffmans' fitness for office as fair. He observed that while some voters may accept the explanation, others will view personal financial struggles as a sign of how candidates might manage public budgets. The candidates continue to campaign, with Dillard-Huffman focusing on housing and disability issues and Huffman targeting education and affordability.

The couple said they have lived in the area for two decades and have been involved in community work since arriving after Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Dillard-Huffman stated that perfect credit should not be the standard for public service. She maintained that her education and experience qualify her for the council seat, regardless of their current financial standing.