Couple seeking Maryland office posts owes $730,000 in debt

Sharonda Dillard-Huffman and Artus Huffman owe $631,242 in student loans to various creditors, according to a voluntary petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy filed April 1. The couple also listed $98,000 in federal taxes owed to the government in the same document. They are both running for elected office in Maryland this year. Dillard-Huffman is seeking a seat on the Baltimore County Council, while Huffman is campaigning for a position in the Maryland House of Delegates.

The 62-page filing was shared on a Facebook page with 40,000 subscribers earlier this month. Several current council members said they reviewed the document and raised questions about Dillard-Huffman’s ability to handle fiscal oversight. The council manages the county’s annual $5 billion budget and approves contracts for real estate, legal services, and emergency equipment for police and firefighters.

Dillard-Huffman earns $150,554 as an inclusive housing manager in Montgomery County. Huffman earns $129,168 as a school administrator for Baltimore County. The couple stated they filed for bankruptcy to satisfy financial obligations and reorganize debt. They cited the pressure of the sandwich generation, which involves caring for their disabled son and Dillard-Huffman’s mother, as a contributing factor.

The filing also lists debts to banks and toll authorities in Maryland and Delaware. The couple owes more than $7,000 on the water bill for their 1,500-square-foot house in Essex. A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Public Works said they could not comment on the specific bill. Dillard-Huffman said the amount seemed high compared to the usual $80 quarterly cost for similar homes.

Court records indicate Dillard-Huffman has driven with an expired license and registration for six months. A Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration spokesperson confirmed her license is suspended as of this month. She stated she was not aware of the suspension until recently and has a new trial date set.

Roger Hartley, president-elect of the American Society for Public Administration, said the fitness for office question is fair given their financial history. He noted that some voters may accept an explanation, while others may view personal financial struggles as a predictor of public budget decisions. Dillard-Huffman argued that her background makes her relatable to constituents facing similar economic pressures.

Huffman said the couple’s financial challenges do not hinder his ability to oversee state tax dollars. He noted that if elected, he would vote on the approximately $70 billion state budget. The extent of his participation in negotiations depends on his committee assignment in the 141-delegate chamber.