About one in nine state legislators repeatedly missed tax deadlines, an investigation by The Oklahoman found.
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They paid property taxes late and failed to file income tax returns on time or both.
The next tax deadline looms. Income tax returns are due Tuesday.
The Legislature was thrown into upheaval this year when Rep. Lance Cargill stepped down as House speaker because of a public outcry over his tax problems. That same week, Rep. Gus Blackwell dropped out of the race to take over as speaker because of late property taxes.
The Oklahoman checked all 149 legislators' taxes because of the public concern. “What a bunch of baloney. ... Our elected officials need to set a better example,” one person wrote.
What the check found
Fifteen legislators repeatedly were late in paying their property taxes, which mostly go to fund schools. Others missed property tax deadlines just once in recent years. Some paid hundreds of dollars in late fees.
A few legislators fell more than a year behind on property taxes. One was Rep. Randy McDaniel, who has a second job as a financial adviser. “I take full responsibility. This is a sad day for me,” McDaniel said. “At some point you've got to say, these are human beings. This is one of many things you're trying to make sure you are 100 percent perfect on.”
Legislators often blamed themselves for their tax troubles. Other excuses: bank errors, employee mistakes, divorce and never-received tax bills. “I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes.
The late bills included taxes on homes, rental houses and businesses.
Five legislators who had overdue income tax returns have caught up. “There really is no excuse. ... I can tell you this. It won't ever happen again,” Rep. Jabar Shumate said.
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“I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes. ----I can't believe anyone is stupid enough to say that to a reporter! At least show us enough respect to lie!
If those who set the taxes are unwilling/unable/unconcerned about paying taxes, perhaps those they represent (the rest of us) should follow their example. Since I'm unable to simply vote myself a raise whenever I want, I could certainly use the money to better effect than tax credits to the wealthy. Thanks, Rep. McPeak, for thinking your taxes don't matter to the overall budget. That is a beautiful sentiment I hope your constituents truly appreciate when it comes time to vote.
"How can they keep the State house straight if their own houses are in such disarray?" They can't.Just look at the mess they made of funding education. The state does not have the money to fund schools for the rest of this year, and now they want to add 5 days? I highly doubt teachers and administrators are going to do that for free! The lawmakers are just upholding the low standard that has been set by their constituents.
Reward payoff? Being in the legislature is supposed to be for public service, not rewards. These elected officials pass laws that the rest of us are required to abide by and they shouldn't be any different.
“I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes.
That statement right there should cause the masses to remove McPeak from office. He has no remorse, nor thinks what he is doing is wrong. You see one citizen that goes before a judge and see if they'll get away with that excuse.
Jerry, with all the venom and character assassination targeted at politicians, who in their right mind would want to subject themselves and their families to such? Whomever you are left with will be cast as liers, idiots, scoundrels, criminals etc.... Clearly they face a different risk and reward payoff than the rest of us.
Tardy taxpayers at state Capitol Here are the... 04/13/2008 Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Edmond McDaniel fell 13 months behind on 2006 property taxes on his rental properties even though he is a longtime financial adviser....
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Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
“I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes.
That statement right there should cause the masses to remove McPeak from office. He has no remorse, nor thinks what he is doing is wrong. You see one citizen that goes before a judge and see if they'll get away with that excuse.