The Oklahoman: Blackwell Repeatedly Late On Taxes

From www.newsok.com, by Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis and Michael McNutt ~ A leading candidate to become the next state House speaker dropped out of the race Thursday because he repeatedly paid his property taxes late.

"I'm not blaming anyone but myself," Rep. Gus Blackwell said at the Capitol.

Blackwell, R-Goodwell, dropped out just hours after The Oklahoman asked him for an explanation for his late taxes.

He said he mistakenly thought he had until March 31 to pay property taxes on his home and three rental properties in Goodwell. He said except for one or two years he had met that deadline, usually paying around February.

He said he contacted the Texas County treasurer Thursday and was shocked to find out he was wrong. "The county got every dime they were entitled to," he said. "I have never been told that my taxes were late in any way, shape or form."

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