The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake went on the attack Monday, accusing her challenger, Glenn Nye, of breaking the law by receiving an undeserved tax benefit on a house he co-owns with his brother.
Nye fired back that the charge was bogus and an insult to military members, such as his brother, Kent, who have spent time away from their homes serving in Iraq.
Drake's claim, which came during her opening remarks in the candidates' second debate, changed the tone of a campaign that had been devoid of personal attacks.
The event, held at the Virginia Club on Granby Street, included discussion of national issues but was largely overshadowed by Drake's charge.
The congresswoman said the Nyes' house shouldn't be in the Washington, D.C., "homestead deduction" program because Glenn Nye doesn't live there.
The district's program subtracts $64,000 of a home's assessed value before taxes are calculated.
In the first half of 2008, the Nyes saved $544 in taxes on the row house, valued at $500,000.
"What's your integrity? What's your honesty? Can we believe him on anything else?" Drake said in an interview after the debate.
The district's law requires only that one owner live in the home to take advantage of the tax break, said Natalie Wilson, spokeswoman for the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue.
Kent Nye moved into the house in December 2005, just after they bought it, and lived there until he went to Iraq in January 2007, said Glenn Nye, who lived there between State Department postings.
Kent Nye returned from his 21-month tour last week. Glenn Nye said the home, which they've rented out, is still his brother's primary residence and that he is deciding if he will live there again or withdraw from the program.
"She's attacked my brother on whether or not he ought to pay a higher tax while serving overseas," he said.
On a question about the financial crisis, both candidates stressed the severity of the situation but neither offered a strong position.
Drake concluded by saying, "I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you today."
Nye blamed Congress for failing to stop the meltdown and said, "We need to protect taxpayer's money before we provide a golden parachute to executives."
Nye faulted partisan bickering for high gas prices and said he favored offshore drilling, wind, nuclear and solar power, and a redirection of subsidies for oil companies to alternative energy research.
Drake, a proponent of offshore drilling, criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's drilling bill, which passed the House last week. The bill does not include revenue for state governments.
Both agreed that capital gains and dividend taxes should not be raised.
Drake said she supports extending the tax cuts instituted by President Bush.
Nye reiterated his call for an exit strategy in Iraq and said it's time for Iraqis to "step up because we are not going to be there forever."
Drake restated her positive stance, saying, "We are where we are, but the bottom line is we have to win this war."
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
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honest mistake
The D.C. homestead exemption is applied for when the house is originally purchased and remains in effect until revoked. It appears the record indicates that Glenn was qualified for the exemption when the house was purchased but arguably should have been revoked when he became a VA resident depending on his brother's residency. Since the exemption does not show up on the annual real estate assessment as a reminder, I believe it's quite probable that Glenn (or anyone in a similar circumstance) would honestly forget to revoke the exemption. Does anyone really believe that a $544 tax savings is worth being construed as a tax evader?
Is he...
going to pay the $522 and move to Norfolk? That is the issue
MTMSR
"Kent Nye returned from his 21-month tour last week. Glenn Nye said the home, which they've rented out, is still his brother's primary residence and that he is deciding if he will live there again or withdraw from the program."
But the issue is KENT NYE, not GLENN NYE. I am I correct?
Ira
Ira, the voting rules as they apply to military members and families can be found at
http://www.fvap.gov/reference/laws/vote-reg-guide/index.html.
Since Glenn Nye was a Foreign Service Officer, which is a civilian position, the above rules don't apply to him. Once a person moves into a new jurisdiction, and lives there long enough to meet the residency requirements, they can only register to vote within the jurisdiction where they physically reside. If Nye lives in Norfolk, even though he may partially own a house in D.C., they he should be registered in Norfolk, not VB, DC or anywhere else.
Nye's missed opportunity
This is so simple and could have worked in Nye's favor:
"I believe that I've acted within the law on this issue. However, I've hired an accountant to investigate the situation. I will gladly file ammended tax returns for the years in question if any impropriety is found. I want to publicly thank Ms. Drake for bringing this potentially serious issue to my attention. Now we can put this issue aside and focus on issues that concern local citizens."
The high road could have helped the rather inexperienced and inarticulate Nye. Now he's just on the defensive.
orion and c.b.
No, see I am not stating an opinion. I am asking a question. When we would move from one area we would retain ownership in a home and rent it out. We always intended to move back. Sometimes we did and someties we didn't. I currently see Va roads flooded w/ Florida tags from sailors who left Northern Florida. They are able to claim citizenship there and not pay taxes here at all. Regardless of opinion it is allowed. My question is this allowed in this case. Is this person breaking a law or is this just meant for controversy. I reread the story and see it is not stated. I appreciate what your saying CB but it is different for military members. More importantly we are not alking about capital gains but a district law. Does anyone know how they handle this? Please post if you get a chance.
Thelma's claim to fame
was: she didn't embarrass Ocean View, to bad the same can't be said for her trip to Washington...when you start a debate casting doubt just make you look small...wonder which one told her to do that, Bush or Chaney..
another drake vote on Thursday
No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 - Vote Passed (293-109, 31 Not Voting)
This bill to improve environmental education programs passed the House on Thursday.
Rep. Thelma Drake voted NO.....
Excellent Point Gertz
Thelma says she's all for alternative energy (she states she even helped craft a bi-partisan bill). Where? Because her voting records reflect she voted AGAINST continuing tax incentives in favor of these "green" initiatives. But like always, she presents herself to be devoid of scruples, and continues to pander to big oil for her party's, and her own personal benefit and survival.
This vote and others that reflect Thelma's "real character and integrity" can be found at govtrack.us.
Figures don't lie, but obviously, liars try to figure - a way around their own despicable charade.
Thelma's latest votes
Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Vote Passed (236-189, 9 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that seeks to reduce foreign oil dependence and enhance national security through clean and renewable alternative technologies.
Rep. Thelma Drake voted NO....
Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act - Vote Passed (283-133, 17 Not Voting)
The House passed a bill requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to subject the overseas trading of US energy and agricultural commodities to the same regulations and reporting requirements which domestic trades are subjected.
Rep. Thelma Drake voted NO......