Republicans say Rodman looking out for himself, not taxpayers, in election year

July 3, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS—The Marion County Republican Party today called out Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman for changing his position on a Republican Tax Relief measure after it was too late to assist taxpayers hit by large reconciliation bills.

"Mike Rodman should be ashamed of himself," said Dan Tierney, Communications Director for the Marion County Republican Party. "Our County Treasurer worked against providing property tax relief for Marion County families and advocated against our common sense proposal. Now he goes on television to say he is for it. It’s just shameful."

Tierney referred to Rodman’s advocacy against Proposal 326, sponsored by City-County Councilor Ryan Vaughn (R-District 3). Vaughn proposed allowing taxpayers to pay their July 10 reconciliation bill in monthly installments pursuant to authority granted by House Bill 1001. However, Rodman worked in a closed-door caucus to have his fellow Democrats to kill the proposal though a procedural vote.

The next day, Republican candidate for Treasurer David Moscrip offered a plan to allow taxpayers to pay future tax bills in installments if they so choose. Rodman told WRTV-TV (ABC-6) that the proposal was untenable, stating "we are at the mercy of other units of government that didn’t get their work done on time."

However, Rodman changed his mind on Wednesday, telling WISH-TV (CBS-8) that he was now lobbying the legislature for the authority to offer installment payments for tax bills, stating "it would be a big help in Marion County."

"Mike Rodman didn’t want to help taxpayers last week when he could have made a real difference. He could have urged his colleagues to offer bipartisan property tax relief in offering installments. Instead, Mike Rodman said "No!" to taxpayers who needed relief, and now he is changing his mind as he gets ready to collect more taxes passed by his Democrat compatriots," said Tierney, who noted voters had a choice for Marion County Treasurer this fall.

"Voters know better. They judge actions more than words. Mike Rodman has shown taxpayers his word means nothing. Voters deserve a change, and they should vote for David Moscrip for Marion County Treasurer this November."

###