Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2010

Myers to stay in mayoral race

Candidate says tax debt won't end his campaign

Gary L. Myers Jr., a retired Army officer, said Tuesday that he will stay in the mayor's race despite owing back taxes to the IRS.

The $74,466 in unpaid taxes was listed as debt in a bankruptcy Myers filed in 2004 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Georgia.

Myers, who is not considered a front-runner in the race, owed $26,626 in unpaid taxes for 1998-99, according to his bankruptcy filing. And he owed $47,542 in back taxes for 2000-2003.

At least $13,573, of that debt has been repaid, according to court documents.

Myers, 55, said he still owes the IRS, but he was not sure of the amount. He also said the debt had nothing to do with his ability to run the city.

"We will resolve this situation," he said.

Politicians and their federal taxes are in the spotlight this week after longtime City Councilman E.W. Cromartie agreed to plead guilty Friday to evading income and employment taxes.

The State searched federal court records for all 16 candidates for city offices.

Another mayoral candidate, Sparkle Clark, filed for bankruptcy in 2000. Her debt was not related to income taxes, and the case has been dismissed, federal court records show.

"All of that's done, and my credit is back up," she said. "I don't owe anybody anything. I learned my lesson. Only spend what you've got."

On Tuesday, Myers first said he would quit the race when The State newspaper questioned him about the bankruptcy.

"Once you write it, I'm done," he said. "I will announce I'm dropping out."

However, he changed his mind later in the afternoon, saying he had consulted with family and friends.

"God knows, if this is an opportunity for my city to move forward, I won't run (away) now," he said.

Myers blamed the bankruptcy on a failed marriage.

At the time of the bankruptcy, Myers listed total assets of $107,345 and total liabilities of $180,329.

Myers said he filed for bankruptcy to save a house that was under foreclosure in Hinesville, Ga., which is home to the Army's Fort Stewart.

When asked how he got behind in his federal taxes Myers said, "Oh, God, I don't even know how to explain that."

Myers is fighting an uphill battle to win with little name recognition or funding. Thus far, he has not reported raising any campaign funds with the State Ethics Commission.

At candidate forums, Myers often speaks of his experience in the Army and uses it as his primary credential.

Born in the old Saxon Homes housing project, Myers said he came back to his hometown to offer his leadership and make the city a better place.

He served as an intelligence officer and retired in 1998 as a lieutenant colonel.

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.