Taxing Patience

CityBeat is frequently accused of being negative and cynical, even by some of our own staffers. While I disagree with that assessment, I can’t ignore the “You’ve got to be shitting me” reaction that rises when reading some of the press releases we get. This is a case in point.

I am sure Ron Hohman, as one of many people with the unpleasant task of being a “tax man,” earned much praise in his career for doing his thankless job for the State of Ohio. But being inducted in to the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame?

First, A hall of fame for taxes? Secondly, get a grip!

On Jan. 29 “Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin announced his induction during a ceremony Tuesday at the conference,” according to a press release.

"Ron Hohman was a real credit to public service," says Commissioner Levin. "His personal sense of integrity and outstanding work ethic were unparalleled. His basic principle of being firm but fair — and his ability to work effectively through complex issues with local taxing authorities, school districts and the private sector — made his administration of local taxes an era of equity and stability."

One of only eight inductees since the Hall of Fame was established on 2001, Hohman was recognized posthumously in the press release as being an outstanding example of the kind of tax enforcers we need in the Buckeye state.

“Hohman arrived at the Department of Taxation in 1973 with a resume that included serving as high school class valedictorian and a master's degree in economics from Ohio University,” the press release says. “He ultimately headed up the department's Division of Tax Equalization and later became executive administrator for property taxes.

“During his 29-year career with the department, Hohman developed a deep understanding of taxation that he frequently shared with colleagues, public officials, attorneys, reporters, students and individual Ohioans concerned about their property tax bills. Colleagues say his management and analytic abilities helped him set a new standard for the administration of local taxes.”

Behind each press release is a person, and every one of those people has value. But this reminds me of a complaint many have against baby-boomers who give their kids awards for just showing up. This guy was a nice co-worker and did his job, and he gets into a hall of fame for that? When people are bitching and moaning about murder rates, illegal business practices landing CEOs in jail and the increasing rate a teen pregnancy under the “just say no” form of sex education, this kind of thing strikes me as self-serving and exploitative.

Hohman died of cancer at the age of 52, and his life is being used to promote the Tax Hall of Fame. That could be seen as a pleasant gesture recognizing his accomplishments, so if the media doesn’t write about it we’re cynical and if we do then we’re not focusing on time-sensitive issues critical to the residents of Ohio. So no matter what I say about this, I’m screwed.

I just think there are better things to focus on, and using this guy to create some made-up news is hardly respectful. That said, what else does the Ohio Department of Taxation have to brag about?

— Margo Pierce

(Photo: www.tax-club.com)

Comments

[Neal]

Thank you Margo. Without your article I never, ever, would have known such a place like the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame exists.

I couldn't find their web site, so can person visit it like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[David E. Gallaher]

As we speak, I'm giving serious consideration to attending a reunion of fellow Marines at the relatively new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA.
If I go, I hope they don't tar and feather me.

But, Margo, you are correct in that anything from "government," even in its third trimester, should be aborted.

[Annoyed Republican]

Mean Jean Schmidt should be in the Hall of Fame for taxes, considering how many of them she has voted to raise.