In a follow-up to a recent post about the official residency of Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), there’s more and more information coming out. It appears Floridians are not that happy with the Congressman’s living arrangements.
Today we find out that Wexler has changed his mind. Wexler released this letter to his local papers that, in part, says:
As a result, Laurie and I have decided to lease a residence of our own in my congressional district.
A week or so ago, it was discovered that Wexler did not own a home in his district (or state), but he did own a home in Maryland. He counted his in-laws’ home as his official residence, but it was discovered that the home was for people 55 years old and older. Wexler has three teenagers who attend a private school near their home in Maryland.
Wexler’s problem became an issue with more and more stories appearing in the local newspapers:
…Wexler is the only member of Congress from Florida who doesn’t own a home in the district, and therefore pays no Florida property taxes.
The
It’s not unusual for Washington pols to live outside their districts while maintaining a residence in their district. But Wexler’s in-laws’ home is a stretch.
They also want it looked into a little more:
The congressman’s nebulous housing arrangement needs to be thoroughly scrutinized by authorities — and now.
Then, they added:
BOTTOM LINE: Congressman, get your own Florida home.
And, it appears Congressman Wexler has done just that!
We all remember in November 2007, it was discovered that Senator Max Baucus had not owned a home in Montana for 11 years, but now he owns one-half of his mother’s home. The story quickly died.
The Montana Newspaper Editorial Boards and reporters could learn from their counterparts in Florida.
So, is the Wexler issue put to bed now? Well, there’s a tax issue he may have to worry about.
The Western Word 