PA Gov: Wagner Won’t Release Tax Returns

Written by John Cole, Managing Editor

You want the answer?

Scott Wagner, GOP candidate for Governor, will not release his tax returns. It is not a requirement to hold the office, but candidates have at least released part or all of their tax returns since the 1990s

Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has made it a focus of his campaign to pressure Wagner on the topic. At a town hall Monday night in Erie, Wagner fielded a question regarding why he hasn’t released his tax returns. Wagner returned with a fiery explanation.

“You want the answer,” Wagner asked. “I’m going to give you the answer, ok.”

“We’re non-union companies,” Wagner said referencing his role starting and leading Penn Waste Inc. “And so I worked hard for 40 years. If I make money or don’t make money that’s my business.”

Wagner also fears unions will harass his employees if the tax returns are released about how much one makes in the company.

“If I disclose those tax returns, union representatives get a hold of my tax returns, go around to my employees’ homes at night and say, ‘Hey Mrs. Jones, how much does your husband make?’ She goes, ‘Well he makes this.’ ‘Well this guy makes a lot more,’” said Wagner.

In furthering his defense of not releasing the tax returns, Wagner reiterated his work ethic and thought it was important to boast about the charitable work his company has done.

“I put 40 years of risk in. So you know what, how much I make is my business and nobody’s business,” Wagner said. “…For over 20 years, last year my company partnered, and partnered means giving money, partnered with over 150 nonprofit organizations…”

Beth Melena, communications director for the Wolf campaign, was quick to release a statement remaining consistent in their steady criticism of Wagner on the issue.

“Scott Wagner is hiding his salary from voters and employees so that he can continue to line his own pockets while raising rates on small businesses and consumers,” Melena said. “It’s time for Scott Wagner to release his tax returns and stop hiding from the people of Pennsylvania.”

August 22nd, 2018 | Posted in Front Page Stories, Governor, Top Stories | 22 Comments