MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In Tuesday’s Ransom Note: the double standard of our politicians. The latest nominee is Memphis City Councilman Martavius Jones, who --thanks to some great reporting by Sam Hardiman of the Commercial Appeal-- we learned today voted to increase your property tax rate by 31 cents but hasn't paid his own property tax bill for Memphis or Shelby County for the past two years. In fact, the investigation found Jones owes $5,513.26 on two properties. He wouldn't give a reason why he was overdue but did promise to pay up by Friday.
I'm sure that makes it all better for his constituents who struggle every year to pay their taxes on time. He actually suggested to the Commercial Appeal it wasn't so bad because he'd be paying back with interest.
Did I mention it's not his first time? In 2018 Jones faced questions about being delinquent on taxes for that year and 2017. Jones’ full time job is a financial advisor, so he does know better. I've said long ago, we have more than our fair share of local politicians who don't see holding office as public service, but as public “serve me.” Unfortunately, Martavius Jones is just the latest example. Join the conversation by email (rransom@localmemphis.com), Facebook, or Twitter.