COMMENTARY

“INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Still reeling from what he describes as a bitterly soured business venture, Indian River County Commissioner Tim Zorc filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week in federal court.” – VeroNews.com, March 20, 2014.

MARK SCHUMANN

In 2012, when he first ran for a seat on the Indian River County Commission, Tim Zorc filed financial disclosure documents claiming a net worth of $232,991, with assets of $4,647,085 and liabilities of $4,414,095.

Many who were aware of Zorc’s business dealings and his financial situation, including some in the press, knew the candidate’s claim to be financially solvent depended on questionable valuations of some of his supposed assets.

At the time, I brought this issue to the attention to members of the Press Journal news team. Still, the newspaper endorsed Zorc over fellow candidate, Bea Gardner. In explaining its support for Zorc, the Press Journal’s editorial board cited to his business “experience.”

Candidates for elective office are required to disclose their financial position because voters have a right to know. Someone who is in debt may, for example, be more tempted to accept bribes or favors in exchange for influence. Further, candidate who are treading water financially may be seeking elective office simply in the hopes of securing a steady income and the promise of taxpayer funded pension benefits.

While he was still a candidate in 2012, I questioned Zorc about the veracity of his financial disclosure statements. He would not give a straight answer.  In fact, his responses sounded a little like the ones Hillary Clinton gives when she cannot bring herself to tell the full truth. I was not surprised, then, when Zorc called me in March, 2014 to explain that he was filing for bankruptcy. (See: County Commissioner Zorc files for bankruptcy)

What does surprise me is an answer Zorc has apparently given for use in a Press Journal, “Ask the Candidates” questionnaire.

Question: Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?

Answer: Never

For the newspaper’s questionnaire, Zorc gave as his address 7658 South Polo Grounds Lane, 32966. According to information available on the Indian River County Property Appraiser’s website, Zorc handed the home over to US Bank in July of 2014. The home was bought from the bank in April, 2015 by Joseph and Merrijean Stalls.

Voters may or may not care that a candidate has filed for bankruptcy. They certainly should care whether candidates, and in this case an elected official, can bring himself to tell the truth.

Other news reporting on Zorc’s bankruptcy:

Commissioner Zorc files for bankruptcy amid sour business deal