It appears the Democratic candidate looking to unseat the current Erie County Comptroller has had some tax trouble.Erie County Republican Committee Chair Nick Langworthy says the public record shows Democrat Kevin Gaughan owes the Internal Revenue Service at least $5,000 in back taxes.
Langworthy says the new revelations contained within Gaughan’s 2012-2013 Financial Disclosure statement filed with the Erie County Department of Personnel raises troubling questions.
"Hundreds of millions of dollars flow through Erie County government's coffers. If someone can't handle their own personal finances, they have no business running for the office of Erie County Comptroller," Langworthy said.
The GOP boss says he is calling on Gaughan to "come clean" as to where his personal tax record stands.
In response, Gaughan says he set up a payment plan with the IRS in the years spanning 2002 to 2007 when he served as the primary caregiver for his mother, who has since passed away. Gaughan says he has since paid what he owed.
"During those years, my annual income was substantially reduced, which required me to voluntarily enter into a payment agreement with the federal government," Gaughan told WBFO.
"In an abundance of caution, I disclosed this arrangement. I've honored and paid it."
Gaughan says it is unfortunate that Langworthy and Mychajliw feel it's more important to try and dig up dirt than it is to address real issues.