Treasurer Candidate says comments shows Rodman puts his interests before taxpayers

INDIANAPOLIS-David Moscrip, Republican Candidate for Marion County Treasurer, called on incumbent Treasurer Mike Rodman to stop playing politics with property tax bills and pledge to send them out when they are ready.

"I am shocked and appalled that my opponent has admitted on the record that he will put politics above public service by withholding tax bills if they arrive around Election Day," said Moscrip. "It is unacceptable that our Treasurer put himself before taxpayers."

In an interview with Norman Cox that aired Friday, September 19, on WRTV, Rodman said that he would withhold sending out 2008 property tax bills if they were to arrive around Election Day because, said Rodman, "from a very personal standpoint, I'm not sure I want people getting a bill in their Monday night's mail and then they go vote on the next day." Rodman acknowledged when asked by Cox that Rodman's name appear on the tax bills as Treasurer.

"Property tax bills should be sent out when they are ready, not when it is politically expedient for the Treasurer," Moscrip said.

Moscrip was outraged by the statement because the bills are already months late and Marion County families need to know their tax bills to avoid financial hardship.

"Taxpayers have already waited months for their 2008 bills due to assessment issues," said Moscrip. "Families need to know how they will budget to pay for changes from last year bills, but Mike Rodman doesn't care. The public can wait so he won't suffer on Election Day."

Moscrip called on voters to hold Rodman accountable for his management of the Treasurer's office.

"There is no longer any doubt that the Treasurer's office is run to benefit Mike Rodman, not taxpayers," said Moscrip. "I believe voters will remind Mike Rodman on Election Day that he answers to the taxpayers."