Posted on 09/04/2009 12:50:17 PM PDT by Reaganesque
A Westport lawmaker who voted to hike the state sales and alcohol taxes was spotted brazenly piling booze in his car - adorned with his State House license plate - in the parking lot of a tax-free New Hampshire liquor store, the Herald has learned.
Michael J. Rodrigues’ blue Ford Crown Victoria, emblazoned with his “House 29” Massachusetts license plate, was parked outside a Granite State liquor store on Interstate-95 South over the weekend, according to a witness who provided pictures to the Herald.
The witness, who requested anonymity, claimed he approached Rodrigues, noted his State House plate, and asked if he was on personal or official business. Rodrigues, who was loading booze into his car, snapped “mind your own business,” the witness said.
The witness’ account was also posted yesterday on Citizens for Limited Taxation’s Web site.
A member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Rodrigues did not return several phone calls yesterday. But in an online interview with The Standard-Times in New Bedford, he acknowledged buying the booze during a bathroom stop while he and his wife were on a weekend getaway in New Hampshire.
He also blamed the brouhaha on “Republican demagoguery.”
“Unfortunately, I think that’s why the Republican Party is in such bad shape in Massachusetts,” Rodrigues is quoted as saying. “The electorate here is smart enough to figure out what they’re up to.”
The Westport Democrat, whose family owns a rug business, was among the lawmakers who voted in an unpopular 25 percent sales tax hike for Bay Staters. The increase pushed the sales tax to 6.25 percent and slapped that same levy on booze - the first time alcohol has been subject to retail sales tax.
The hike has been blasted by business owners, especially those on the New Hampshire border, who say the increase has driven business north.
Mike Cimini, owner of Yankee Spirits liquor stores in Sturbridge, Attleboro and Swansea, said he’s lost about 10 percent of his business since the booze tax went into effect Aug. 1.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable that a Massachusetts state representative would be that hypocritical, let alone be that bold to actually drive his car with political plates to a New Hampshire liquor store,” said Cimini, noting Rodrigues represents communities close to his stores. “He’s up in New Hampshire to avoid the very taxes he approved.”
State law prohibits transporting more than 20 gallons of malt beverages or three gallons of any other alcoholic beverage. Police have the authority to detain and charge anyone illegally importing booze into the state. It’s unknown how much Rodrigues purchased at the New Hampshire store.
Authorities have also cracked down at the border, targeting Bay Staters seeking to avoid paying state taxes by crossing into New Hampshire to shop.
And they just keep on electing them!!!
This will get him more votes from the BVS ( battered voter syndrome) people in Massachusetts.
“asked if he was on personal or official business. Rodrigues, who was loading booze into his car, snapped “mind your own business,” the witness said.”
Oooooo, would I have caused an ugly scene. The police would have showed up due to yelling of obscenities in public. And, I would have a string of photos...
You see, it ^would have been my business^ seein’ as how I paid for that car and the salary he’s using for his vacation trip.
The NH state liquor store in Nashua near the Pheasant Lane Mall has a huge sign: “No Sales Tax!”
Maybe they’ll catch a few more MA pols this weekend...
Well,after Teddy K and Chappaquiddick,one congressman having a gay romp with an underage page and another whose boyfriend was running a gay prostitution ring out of his apartment,what’s a little booze run?....Just trying to think of how the voters will justify THIS one!...because we all know,for the majority of voters in this state,as long as that (D) is by the name on the ballot,all is forgiven!
Busted!
District Office
151 State Road
Westport, MA 02790
(508) 646-0650
(508) 646-0656
E-Mail: Rep.MichaelRodrigues@hou.state.ma.us
RepMRod2@charterinternet.com
And only about a mile down the road is the big “state of the Art” Rest Room in MA. His wife could have gone to the bathroom there. But he threw her under the bus anyway.
'Officer, I thought the car was stolen! How could I know that my own elected official was here breaking the law by purchasing these alcoholic beverages and avoiding the taxes?'
TV crews, police reports, photos, and videos.
Seems perfectly natural to me. This is Kennedachusetts, after all.
Taxes are for slaves and Republicans, never for democrats.
You ARE brave. He probably wouldn't mind driving over a "little people." Just a bump in his road.
He wasn’t gettin’ the booze for a party - he wuz jest gettin’ up the nerve to go to Confession ...
Blocking his vehicle with my F-250 I draw out the Kimber and force the offender to lay on the ground until the authorities arrive.
I believe it's the Stockholm syndrome that afflicts most voters up here in MA.
That doesn't even qualify as hypocritical in Mass. Remember these are the people who change the election laws depending on whether the governor is an R or a D. These are the people who pay themselves a daily stipend to drive to work. The idea that they actually do anything for their constituency is sort of a joke.
Update! Howie Carr just announced that Rep. Rodrigues has magnanimously offered to pay the additional MA tax “IF HE HAS TO.”
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