Theresa's taxes

I have to admit, I hadn't expected there to be much in the way of issues in the race for District Clerk, at least outside of the normal functioning of the office. But today at a press conference, Loren Jackson raised one. From his press release:

According to records from the Secretary of State and Comptroller's office, the Peter & Theresa Chang Foundation, Inc. has been under tax forfeiture since 1999 after failing to submit required tax information. Even though Chang's organization was stripped of up its right to operate in the State of Texas, it has continued to be active, underwriting scholarships in 2007 and 2008.

"How can we trust Theresa Change to be chief record keeper for the third largest county in America if she can't keep her own records straight?" said Loren Jackson, Democratic candidate for District Clerk. "Certainly supporting the educational pursuits of outstanding women is of the utmost importance, but Theresa Chang needs to explain to the people of Harris County how she can accurately and efficiently keep up with the records and documents of their lives, while dropping the ball in her own."

Theresa Chang has had nine years to contact the Secretary of State and the Comptroller's office and submit the proper paperwork to be in good standing and legally reinstate her foundation before funding any scholarships. Not only does this question her competency as District Clerk, but it also questions her own ethical standards.

Stace has the full release. I kind of doubt Chang will bother to respond to this, since it hasn't gotten picked up by any mainstream media that I'm aware of, and with so many other races commanding attention, it probably won't be. Maybe there's a simple explanation for this, I don't know. The linked document is pretty clear, so if there is an explanation, I'd like to hear it.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on October 20, 2008 to Election 2008