Connect with us

Washington, D.C

Alsobrooks took improper tax breaks on DC and Maryland properties: Report – Washington Examiner

Published

on

Alsobrooks took improper tax breaks on DC and Maryland properties: Report – Washington Examiner


Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland’s Democratic Senate candidate, is facing scrutiny over her improperly receiving tax breaks that she did not qualify for, allowing her to save thousands in taxes on her properties in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

According to property records and tax bills reviewed by CNN, Alsobrooks saved almost $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on her Washington property by using tax exemptions intended for primary residents of the district, lower-income residents, and senior citizens.

The records show Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption intended for someone’s primary residence for over a decade, violating state and local tax relief requirements. However, public records show Alsobrooks does not live primarily in the district; since 1995, she has been registered to vote in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She currently serves as the county executive there and oversees the county’s budget and tax collection division.

She also received a tax break intended for low-income senior citizens on her Washington residence, cutting her tax bill in half. At age 53, Alsobrooks does not qualify for the tax break but her grandparents, who owned the property before her, presumably did, per CNN.

Advertisement

A senior adviser for Alsobrooks told CNN that she was unaware of the situation and her attorneys are working with the district and Prince George’s County, Maryland, to resolve the issues. Connor Lounsbury, senior adviser to Alsobrooks, told the Washington Examiner that Alsobrooks began paying the mortgage on her grandmother’s northeast Washington home when she moved out until it was sold in 2018.

“She was unaware of any tax credits attached to that property and has reached out to the District of Columbia to resolve the issue and make any necessary payment,” Lounsbury said.

In Maryland, Alsobrooks bought a property in 2005 and received a homestead exemption in 2008 for the townhouse. She eventually began renting out the property but continued to take the primary resident exemption. CNN estimated that the exemption saved her at least $2,600.

Her campaign pointed to another home in Prince George’s County that is listed as Alsobrooks’s primary residence, but she does not receive a homestead exemption.

“When Angela bought her new property, the homestead tax credit from her previous home was not transferred,” Lounsbury told the Washington Examiner. “This resulted in no financial gain for Angela. In fact, she ended up paying more in taxes than she would have had the credit transferred over. Nevertheless, Angela is working to repay any credits received on the old property.”

Advertisement

Alsobrooks is facing former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for the state’s open Senate seat left vacant by outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). A poll from Gonzales Research and Media Services in early September found Alsobrooks leading Hogan by 5 points, 46% to 41%.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Hogan is framing himself as an anti-Trump Republican as he runs for Senate in deep blue Maryland. On the other side, Democrats are trying to paint Hogan as a phony “Never Trumper.” Alsobrooks has accused her opponent of being a “MAGA”-enabler who would give Republicans control of the Senate.

Regarding the presidential race, 56% of voters in the September poll said they would vote for Harris, while 35% indicated they would vote for Trump.



Source link

Advertisement

Washington, D.C

DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium

Published

on

DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium


The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.



Source link

Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

Published

on

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report


A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.

You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.

Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”

Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.

“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.

Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.

Advertisement

While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.

My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”

According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

Published

on

National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims


The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.

Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.

Advertisement

After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.

Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.

“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending