City: Brendan Boyle not a tax deadbeat

Can you say, "Oops?"

A week's worth of full-page ads labeling state House of Representatives candidate Brendan Boyle a "tax deadbeat" involved a city tax bill that Boyle and his wife paid over a year ago, the city Department of Revenue said Wednesday. It was a mistake on the part of the city that created the impression that Boyle has not paid his taxes.

Boyle, a Democrat, is pitted against Republican Matt Taubenberger to fill the seat being vacated by Republican state Rep. George Kenney, with control of the House of Represenatives at stake. Democrats hold a 102-101 advantage and this race is seen as one that could determine the balance of power.

Taubenberger has gone on a late offensive against Boyle, citing the Department of Revenue website which showed Boyle and his wife, Jennifer, owing $1,865 for a property they own at 4609 Fernhill Road as of Oct. 9. Ads funded by Republican Rep. John Perzel in The Inquirer and Daily News have labeled Boyle a "tax deadbeat." One featured a stern woman wagging a finger and saying, "We pay our taxes! Shouldn't Brendan Boyle pay his taxes, too?"

Boyle retaliated with his own full-page ads, calling Taubenberger both a "liar" and a "hypocrite."