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REPRESENTATIVE ROB VESCOVO
ADMITS DODGING TAX RESPONSIBILITY
ESCAPES BALLOT DISQUALIFICATION THROUGH LOOPHOLE
Salem, MO – Friday Missouri State Representative Rob Vescovo testified under oath that he was the sole owner, officer, and director of four businesses which are delinquent in the payment of business personal property and withholding taxes. Vescovo acknowledged that he is the only person that had any responsibility for ensuring his businesses paid taxes, but did not explain why he refuses to pay those taxes.
Every year, tax bills for his four companies are sent to Vescovo’s house. When asked what he has done with them, Vescovo testified that they likely ended up “in the trash.”
While admittedly responsible for ensuring that his companies satisfied their tax obligations, Mr. Vescovo dodged being disqualified from the November ballot through a loophole, because no taxing authority has assessed any penalty against Vescovo personally.
Through the proceedings, Vescovo testified about what happened to his four businesses. Two of his businesses went out of business after banks repossessed the businesses’ property. After his companies went out of business, Vescovo testified that he did not even take the minimal step of filing the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State. In fact, Vescovo testified that he did not know the corporate status of his four now-defunct companies. Now, Vescovo won’t even open the tax notices he receives, and instead thinks they end up “in the trash.”
Robert Butler, candidate for the 112th House District had this to say, “While Rob Vescovo was not legally disqualified from ballot, he should be disqualified by voters. Rob Vescovo has failed to take even the minimal steps necessary to be a responsible business owner. The evidence is clear, Rob Vescovo ignored the law and his obligation to pay taxes. Today, he still has eight outstanding judgments against his companies for unpaid taxes. We don’t intend to appeal, but today brings to light how he handles his business affairs. Missourians deserve responsible representation. Rob Vescovo failed that test.”
Note: Full transcript of proceedings available upon request.
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