Politics & Government

Raptakis: Response to Dave Gorman

Submitted by the Committee to Elect Lou Raptakis

 

The following was submitted in response to Gorman Responds to Raptakis Tax Release:

This is not simply a matter of a one-time mistake by an accountant. This was a decision to pay a portion of a 2008 tax bill and then to pay no taxes at all in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

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That is the record of non-payment by Mr. Gorman's company and it is a record that speaks for itself. To suggest it was some sort of one-time mistake that is the subject of ongoing legal dispute is simply ridiculous.  

Furthermore, I'm pleased to hear Mr. Gorman has stepped down as Union President. Given the speed with which he responded to my press release today, I'm surprised this is the first time anyone has heard of this decision and that he chose not to make that information public until now. Perhaps it is because he is used to concealing information related to the Central Coventry Fire District. 

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Hopefully, this shows a new commitment to openness and transparency when it comes to making information available about the Fire District's activities. In that regard, perhaps he can began by telling us whether he has paid his business taxes to the Fire District, since the tax rolls are not a matter of public record.  

The fact remains that it is deeply disturbing that Mr. Gorman has unpaid taxes to the Town of Coventry, particularly given his outspoken demands in seeking immediate action against individuals and businesses who are having a hard time keeping up with the substantial tax hikes being imposed by the Fire District. At numerous meetings of the Central Coventry Fire District, Mr. Gorman has railed against those who have struggled to keep up with the District's constant budget increases.

Perhaps going forward, he will show sympathy for others given his own failure to pay his tax bills to the Town of Coventry for several years. Hiding behind lawyers and blaming an accountant is not an acceptable response for someone who has demanded so much of others. And it certainly raises questions about whether he is fit to serve our community in the General Assembly.

Submitted by the Committee to Elect Lou Raptakis

2080 Nooseneck Hill Rd.,

Coventry, RI, 02816

401-397-2720

401-397-3344

401-524-2233


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