What a Tangled Web

DAYTON, March 5, 2010 – In reviewing the Campaign Finance Reports for County Judge Candidate, Steve Stephens who is also the current Mayor of Dayton, a couple of things stand out.

First, the largest contribution Stephens received was $1,000 dollars. There were two such contributions. One from a local attorney and another from C. Robert Bunch of Houston, TX.

According to Forbes Magazine, C. Robert Bunch is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Global Tubing, LLC with new facilities in Dayton.

The City of Dayton and Dayton City Council under the guidance of Mayor Stephens gave Global Tubing a property tax abatement, as did the Liberty County Commissioners Court.

Additionally, the Dayton Community Development Corporation, using tax dollars, assisted the company financially with the cost of an electrical substation required for Global Tubing’s facilities in Dayton.

Global Tubing also hosted a campaign party for Stephens and invited local dignitaries to attend after he announced that he would seek the office of County Judge.

With tax abatements from the City of Dayton, Liberty County and tax money from the Dayton Community Development Corporation, Global Tubing of Dayton, according to property tax records is now past due on paying the property tax they owe on the Dayton Facility. They currently owe approximately $33,000 dollars in past due taxes to the taxing entities in Liberty County.

Why did they not forego contributing to Candidate Steve Stephens campaign and apply the $1,000 donation to their past due property taxes, and be a good neighbor?

Give us your Feedback about this story!