Gómez’s tax problems are a bad indicator

Re “City Council President Georgette Gómez failed to report more than $100,000 in income on taxes, records show” (Oct. 8): Given the discrepancies on Georgette Gómez’s federal returns, we would have to presume there are similar discrepancies on her state returns. And, those discrepancies will result in significant additional federal and state tax liabilities, penalties and interest.

That is too bad. But it does raise an interesting question for the California Democratic Party. Doesn’t it do even a cursory review of candidates’ backgrounds before it endorses them for office?

Alan C. Burye Sr. La Mesa

As I recall, Gómez’s former City Council aide, Kelvin Barrios, recently suspended his City Council campaign for financial irregularities. However, his name remains on the ballot. And then Gómez hoisted herself onto her own petard by challenging her congressional opponent to release tax returns.

Oops. Turns out Gómez has been under-reporting her income and not paying her own fair share of taxes over the years. It is my understanding that the individual, not the tax preparer, is responsible for reviewing, certifying and signing a true reporting of tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.

Financial irregularities by Gomez and her former aide: coincidence? Carelessness or criminality, they are suspect and should withdraw from their respective races.

Gary Valdez San Diego