Last week, I had the displeasure of speaking with Dan Johns, supervisor of tax policy at the Idaho State Tax Commission. Like many citizens, I’m pretty upset to hear the Commission has been giving some politically well-connected taxpayers sweetheart deals, costing the state $75 million in revenue. I called the Tax Commission asking for an explanation and the employees referred me to Johns, who did return my call.
That’s about the best I can say, though. As a newspaper reporter and editorial writer for 12 years, mostly in Idaho, I dealt with hundreds of officials at the state, federal and local levels. I can honestly say that after a 10-minute conversation, Johns exemplified to me the worst in aloof, cover-your-ass bureaucratic arrogance I have ever observed as a journalist or citizen. If saying this brings official scrutiny and an audit on me, then so be it.
The abuses at the Tax Commission came to light several years ago, after five former Tax Commission employees told of corruption. Now, another three current employees say the handouts have gotten even worse. After hearing another report on Boise State Public Radio this morning about the abuses, I am compelled to blog about it.
For background, I’m $1,500 behind in my 2009 Idaho taxes. I’m paying it off at $500 a month. It’s been a learning experience and needless to say, I am current in this year’s tax obligations. As a citizen, I am happy to pay my taxes; it is the duty of every American. I expect no favors and will accept none. I do, however, I expect the process to be open and transparent and fair. When it isn’t, I get eye-poppingly mad. It doesn’t help that schools, transportation, public safety and other urgent needs are taking a hit because of reduced revenues, yet a few people who know how to game the system are, in effect, cheating us out of funding for needed services.
When I asked more about how these selected taxpayers could have had their taxes reduced so much, and how the secrecy serves the public interest, Johns repeatedly told me “I can’t help you,” “I can’t answer your questions,” and even “Is there any point in us continuing this conversation?” Never, at any point, did Johns say anything remotely along the lines of “Taxpayer confidence in the system is important to us” or “We think all taxpayers should be treated fairly” or “We know paying taxes is an important obligation, we appreciate hearing your concerns and we are committed to doing the right thing.” At every turn, he hid behind the legislative and court process as a way of ducking my questions. As a result, I have concluded the Idaho Tax Commission cares about none of these things.
I can’t help but saying this is bad PR. As a public relations and social media consultant in Boise, I know it’s vital to acknowledge legitimate concerns and complaints about your business, or you will destroy your brand. Clearly, at least one leader at the Idaho State Tax Commission has no interest in protecting the image of his institution, or of bolstering public faith and trust in it. Johns’ lack of interest in the image of his own employer is troubling.
The current and former employees submitted sworn affidavits detailing abuse, which Johns dismissed to me as “allegations.” Yes, from his perspective, they are mere allegations, but they are also sworn statements from people willing to put their reputations and careers on the line to blow the whistle on abusive behavior – for no apparent gain and some risk to themselves.
In my opinion, these people are the ones who should be serving on the Tax Commission and administering its affairs, not the present gang.
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