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Thursday, September 13, 2012 11:14 PM Bibbs, GOP spar over his tax records By Janet Conner-Knox | Times Staff Writer Republicans accuse Democratic candidate Mark Bibbs of having tax problems, saying it is a sign he would not be a good leader. "Mark Bibbs has grandiose ideas for spending taxpayer dollars while he habitually dodges his own tax obligations,” said Matt Bales, political director, North Carolina Republican House Caucus. "Bibbs personally loaned his campaign $100,000, while not paying his taxes on time. This action is an insult to all the hard-working citizens in Wilson and Pitt counties who are responsible and pay their taxes on time. Leadership is about action, not words; Mark’s actions raise questions about his leadership and stewardship of our tax dollars.” Bibbs said Republicans are reaching at straws. "First my property taxes have been paid – my home property taxes are escrowed through my mortgage company,” Bibbs said. "My property taxes at my office are supposed to be escrowed. For whatever reason, they were not. Once I became aware of it, I paid it immediately.” Bibbs said the bank had already paid the property taxes. County documents show his property taxes have been paid, but were paid late in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Bales also said Bibbs had federal tax liens against him for non-payment of taxes due for the calendar years of 2004-2007; total amount of the liens was $29,788.93. "I had a federal IRS tax lien years ago that was paid and settled from taxes that were owed from my law practice when I had one in Raleigh,” Bibbs said. "Those taxes were paid years ago.” Bibbs said Republican Caucus is bringing up his taxes because they have nothing else. "Susan and the Republicans are desperate – they have internal polls and I have poll numbers and they see where I have a slight lead,” Bibbs said. "Anything they can do to distract voters’ attention from real issues, that’s what they are attempting to do.” But Bales said his issue is that Bibbs wants to be the steward over the public’s affairs, and that he can’t manage his own affairs. Further, Bales said he has seen nothing in the public records that leads him to believe those taxes have been paid as of yet. Bibbs fired back at Bales, saying he is protecting Martin from facing him in a debate. "It’s time Susan stop hiding behind Matt Bales and the House Caucus and talk for herself,” Bibbs said. "This will be the last time I will entertain any conversation that comes from Matt Bales. From here on out, if it doesn’t come from Susan, it’s not worth my time to discuss.” Bales said it isn’t Martin’s job to debate Bibbs. "Susan’s job is to run her campaign by meeting voters in the House District 8 area, as well as raise money and get he message out,” Bales answered. "The action of the House Republican Caucus serves to inform the public of what Bibbs is distorting of his record and his past.” Bales said Martin has been busily campaigning. "She needs to continue doing that rather than stepping into a hostile arena with Mark and his distorted back and forth,” Bales said. janet@wilsontimes.com | 265-7847 |
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53% said...
Republicans need to quit worrying about Bibbs and what he drinks and focus on their leader's foot-in-mouth disease.
Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:01 PM
@ said... said...Republicans need to quit worrying about Bibbs and what he drinks and focus on their leader's foot-in-mouth disease.
Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:01 PM
You can see him at the liquor store to. Why wait for the fair? LOL
Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 9:22 AM
No where in this article does it state that Ms. Martin has said anything about Mr. Bibbs but Bibbs certainly blames her for things someone else said. Notice it is not her character or background that is being questioned. She is an example I would much rather see my children follow. Our household and many friends will be casting our votes for Martin. No question there.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 8:04 PM
several people have referenced MS Martin as a computer and software salesperson, so i assumed she was a working citizen. if she does not work a public sector job and is a citizen/ homemaker, even better. no job is more important than raising a family and providing a stable home life. it gives her a different perspective on what average mothers and homemakers go through and the needs of families that will suit her well in the state general assembly.compare that to a boozing lawyer who wants to buy himself some insider political power and ego trip , ill take the average homemaker/ citizen anyday. we dont need anymore boozing lawyers in raleigh
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:53 PM
She is NOT an average WORKING class citizen. She is an average citizen/homemaker and has been for many years. Bibbs, we will see you at the fair. Thank you again for continually being accessible to the actual WORKING class citizens here in Wilson County.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 11:39 AM
