Saturday, October 12, 1996

Fraser criticizes Rhodes ad By RICHARD HORN
Senior Staff Writer

Troy Fraser's campaign attacked Rick Rhodes' biographical ad this week, charging Rhodes raised spending and taxes as Sweetwater mayor. Rhodes responded, "There he goes again."

A TV ad running throughout the 24th Senatorial District mentions that Rhodes cut Sweetwater city taxes by 30 percent.

Fraser's campaign manager released a statement citing "significant flaws" in the ad.

"In fact, city of Sweetwater tax collections actually increased during Rhodes' tenure as mayor," Drew Kelley said. "While property taxes were reduced, other city taxes were increased, including a 50 percent increase in the city's sales tax rate. This isn't tax reduction - it's tax-shifting."

Kelley also complains Sweetwater's city spending increased 24 percent during Rhodes' tenure, partly paid for out of higher fees for services.

"Secondly," Kelley concludes, "Rick Rhodes in his first term as mayor was the subject of a recall election brought on by public anger over high taxes and unhappiness with his performance as mayor."

Rhodes calls the charge about the recall election "patently false," noting it concerned a personnel matter, not taxes, and that it was soundly defeated by 74 percent of the vote.

"I've got to hand it to Troy - this is the first time I can remember a political candidate criticizing a positive campaign ad," Rhodes said. "Troy's desperate. And this latest hysterical outburst is a prime example of his campaign's desperation.

"We really think the voters are tired of his baseless smear attacks on my character," he said.
Rhodes said property taxes fell from 79 cents per $100 valuation to 48 cents by the time he left office. He also said the sales tax increase was voter-approved, partly to pay for property tax reduction and partly to pay for economic development, similar to steps taken in Abilene.

His campaign also distributed a Sweetwater Reporter editorial praising Rhodes for his tenure as mayor.