Ironic -- Convicted Tax Evader Wants County Income Tax

Convicted tax evader Lake County Councilman Will Smith Jr. hopes to be able to tax Lake County residents' income and is trying to form a coalition to get a new tax on income passed by the Lake County Commissioners, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Two commissioners -- Fran DuPey and Gerry Scheub -- oppose the idea.

Says Will Smith Jr.

"I wish I could say that we had them, but we will work with our lobbyists, our mayors and legislators to put together a package that would be palatable to all."

Opponents of a Lake County income tax fear most cities and towns in the county will end up "donating" their tax revenues to Gary, East Chicago, and Whiting -- receiving little in return for the millions that will be paid by their residents.

A similar scenario is happening with property taxes in Griffith being "donated" to Calumet Township and has resulted in a secession movement.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Steve Carter wants Will Smith Jr. to step down because of Smith's conviction for tax evasion.

"I think sometimes public officials should look at the honorable thing to do, and what clearly would be the honorable thing (would be) for him to step out of the picture at this point," Steve Carter said.

"I hope he does that. And if he doesn't, I'm sure there will be more efforts in the Legislature to make sure that convicted criminals don't continue to draw public sector salaries while they're awaiting sentencing."

Does anyone else see the irony in a pol who was convicted of tax evasion related to money taken as a "finder's fee" in a corrupt GUEA swindle hoping to raise the rest of our taxes?