Republican Theresa Chang called on to explain her tax problems
Posted October 22nd, 2008 by daniel in Blogs, CC Blog with tags Corruption, Republicans.(Houston, TX) — Yesterday, Democratic challenger Loren Jackson held a press conference to discuss the serious tax issues facing Harris County District Clerk Theresa Chang. 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.
“Theresa Chang needs to explain to Harris County voters why, like many of her Republican colleagues — including her former boss Mike Stafford — she doesn’t think the rules apply to her,” said Jackson. “And her inability to keep her own records straight is reflected in the antiquated way in which her office is maintaining county records.”
The District Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining all court records for 59 District Courts and 15 County Criminal Courts in Harris County. The office also issues jury summons, helps manage child support accounts and monies paid on civil cases.
“The activities of the District Clerk’s office can affect each of our lives — from child support payments that might mean school supplies or doctor visits for a child to the filing of civil suits and divorce cases,” said Jackson. “Harris County needs a District Clerk who will be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and manage the Clerk’s office in an efficient and timely manner, rather than lagging nine years behind.”
