Double-standard? Although Brooks owed car taxes, her campaign critized her opponent

"For months, contributors on Melinda Seaman Brooks' campaign Web site have been critical of fellow warden candidate Ron D. Ward's tax delinquency, questioning whether someone who owes money to the town should be allowed to run for the borough's highest office." [quote from article published by The Day - April 19, 2007]


On April 19th in a post on her campaign website, Brooks stated:

I think drug testing would be an excellent idea.

In response to today's article. I have to thank Megan for letting me know. I absolutely will take care of it.

It is just a residual from a divorce. It is really a non issue.

I do plan on going to the town hall to settle up on Fri am.

Ok, lets focus on the issues.

I want to get some of feedback from you on what you want to see done in town.

On Friday, April 20th, the comment had been deleted from Brooks election campaign website.



[The two articles printed below were published by The Day]

Delinquent Jewett City Candidates Pay Taxes
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - April 20, 2007

The two candidates for Jewett City warden who owed back taxes to the town have paid all or some of their respective bills, according to the tax collector's office.

Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks paid in full Thursday the $1,037.21 she owed on three vehicles listed in her name. She said Wednesday that she was unaware she owed the money on a 2006 Mazda 5, a 1999 Nissan Maxima and a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. She said she no longer owns the Nissan. She said her former husband kept the Toyota after a divorce last year and is responsible for the payments.

Jewett City Party candidate Ron D. Ward also made a payment to the tax office Thursday. Ward paid part of his debt, $201.76, and is disputing a portion of the balance of $174.45. Ward said he ceased to own a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire in December 2005 and will provide the town office with the appropriate paperwork to prove his claim.

Ward said once the issue is settled he will pay the rest of what he owes, which he estimates is $41.42.


Griswold Candidates In Arrears
by Megan Bard, published by The Day - April 19, 2007

Griswold — Of the 11 people vying for a seat in the upcoming Borough of Jewett City election, four owe back taxes on a variety of motor vehicles, according to a review of town tax records.

Of the four, two are candidates for warden, the top office in the borough.

None of the candidates has scheduled a payment plan with the municipal tax collector's office.

For months, contributors on Melinda Seaman Brooks' campaign Web site have been critical of fellow warden candidate Ron D. Ward's tax delinquency, questioning whether someone who owes money to the town should be allowed to run for the borough's highest office.

On Wednesday, Ward said he has not owned the vehicle he owes taxes on, a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, since late 2005 and expects to dispute at least a portion of what is owed.

“I am not trying to escape my financial responsibilities and am not trying to hide that I owe some or all of it,” Ward said.

Seaman Brooks was surprised to hear she owed back taxes and said they would be paid in full by Friday afternoon.

When asked about the three vehicles — a 2006 Mazda 5, a 1999 Nissan Maxima, and a 2004 Toyota Sequoia — Seaman Brooks said she no longer owns the Nissan. She also said her former husband kept the Toyota and is responsible for the payments.

Neither Ward nor Seaman Brooks thinks their delinquency is a reason for voters to be concerned about whether they can perform the job of borough warden, if elected.

Seaman Brooks said she truly was unaware of the outstanding bill, adding that she is not a “chronic non-bill payer.”

Ward said he sees the situation as one that “a lot of other residents of the borough” are facing and that he has first-hand knowledge of their struggles.

When reached Wednesday evening, Angela K. Adams, Jewett City Park candidate for burgress, said she did not want to comment on the issue. Alan D. Aho, Republican candidate for burgess, could not be reached for comment.

Warden:
Jewett City Party candidate Ron D. Ward owes
$376.21 in delinquent motor vehicle taxes since July 2005.

Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks owes
$1,037.21 on three vehicles listed in her name since July 2006.

Burgess:
Republican candidate Alan D. Aho owes
$284 on a vehicle since July 2006.

Jewett City Party candidate Angela K. Adams owes
$1,177 on motor vehicles since July 2005.

Source: Tax Collector's office.