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Franchot Criticizes Baltimore County Over Spending

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- State Comptroller Peter Franchot is criticizing Baltimore County leaders for not using $7 million in school construction funds to air-condition schools.

Franchot on Wednesday asked the Board of Public works to force the county to spend at least half of the money on air conditioning.

The Baltimore Sun reports that just 46 percent of schools in the county have air conditioning, the second lowest percentage in the state.

Board members, including Gov. Martin O'Malley, said they were sympathetic but would not interfere with local decisions on school construction spending.

Franchot says it is important for teachers and students to have a comfortable environment, adding that "no kid has ever gotten sick from a broken locker."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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