In reference to the Sun Journal article on Ann LePage and her claiming homestead exemption in two states, “Wife of LePage violates tax rules” (Sept. 10).
I think the reporters are not asking the obvious question. Yes, she violated the law by taking the tax discount in both states. Yes, there’s a difficulty there and, though it is a violation of the law, it “could” be explained away as a simple mistake.
But in the article, it was noted that this year, in July, Ms. LePage was reissued a Maine driver’s license. She has been holding a Florida driver’s license. When I read this I asked myself, what kind of people who live in Maine hold Florida driver’s licenses?
The obvious answer is someone who does not live in Maine, but actually lives in Florida; but that can’t be because Mr. LePage explained that his wife stays there only during the winter months.
Then the other obvious answer is that Ms. LePage could be one of many Mainers who use Florida residency as a way to shield their money from our income tax. Why would someone do that? Because Florida has no state income tax.
Could that be why Ms. LePage was holding Florida residency, despite living in Maine the majority of the year?
Just a thought.
The Sun Journal has the reporters; they should be asking the questions.
Terry Donald, Litchfield
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