Democratic assessor of property candidate Mark Siedlecki said the Marty Haynes campaign has been telling lies about the senior tax freeze issue.
Mr. Siedlecki said, "We've been very successful in getting our message out about the senior tax freeze these last few months. So successful, in fact, that my opponent, Commissioner Marty Haynes, has been forced to spread misinformation about me and the program.
"Now it's time to push back on the lies of the Marty Haynes campaign.
"Here are some facts:
1. Marty Haynes says Hamilton County implemented tax freeze. False.
2. Marty Haynes says our seniors don't even need tax freeze. False.
3. Marty Haynes says tax freeze isn't an issue for seniors here. False.
"The Tennessee Tax Freeze program (demanded by 85 percent of Hamilton County in a 2006 referendum) protects elderly homeowners from rises in assessments in addition to tax increases imposed by county commissions.
"Technically, property tax rates in Hamilton County haven’t risen in recent years; but due to gentrification and skyrocketing home values, property tax bills have increased sharply. This puts our elderly homeowners at risk of losing their homes. I am advocating that we protect them.
"Why won't Marty Haynes use his current job to do that before he asks for a promotion?"