Editor ,
On Nov. 4, we have the opportunity to elect our next state auditor. It may not be the sexiest office or the most publicized. Needless to say, it is imperative that we elect a candidate who is above reproach, a candidate whom we can trust to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected from waste and fraud.
In reviewing the record and background of the two candidates running for state auditor, I came across some really frightening facts about candidate Robert Aragon. Three findings scare the delights out of me.
First, he has had no less than 12 tax liens and warrants from both the state Taxation and Revenue Department and the IRS. These included failure to pay CRS quarterly payments, PIT payments and employee payroll taxes.
Second, as an attorney Aragon has been sued four times by his clients for legal malpractice. Allegations included professional negligence, breach of fiduciary trust, attorney deceit, breach of contract, unfair practices and negligent misrepresentation. Three of these cases ended up with out-of-court settlements.
Third, he has accepted his largest campaign contributions from a Texas couple who are convicted felons. Their offenses: tax evasion and embezzlement. An important question might be: Did Aragon know that the two of them were convicted felons when he accepted their campaign contributions? He may argue otherwise, but it appears Aragon is listed as the attorney of record for one of the parties and the case pre-dates the contributions by six months.
Aragon is seeking the state auditor position. Can we really trust someone with this history to protect our tax dollars? As you go to the polls to vote for this often-overlooked state office, ask yourself this question: do you really want the fox guarding the hen house?
Jeffrey Paul
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