Answer to No. 9

"I am running for judge, not controller."

So said Common Pleas Court candidate Lopez Thompson when asked about his unpaid taxes on two properties, various liens placed for non-payment of federal taxes and his bankruptcy filing of March 23 of this year.

Thompson said that most of his financial problems stem from a short-term loan he took out to handle debts owed and to make real estate investments.  He said the loan was "sold" by one lender to another and the second lender demanded immediate payment -- only they got the amount due wrong because of an error in addition.  He contested the figure in the courts and lost his case.  He then filed for bankruptcy to protect his assets, he said.

Apart from the loan dispute, Thompson owns $4,421 in back real estate taxes dating back to 2008 for a property he owns on the 5200-block of Chestnut Street and $3,457 in back taxes for another property on the 5400-block. Thompson said he was "making arrangements" to pay off those taxes.

Thompson said he was still angry about being forced into bankruptcy when it was clear he was the victim of a clerical error that should have been recognized by the judge.

"My point in explaining all of this to you is that when you look at how things are decided in the city, you need competent judges who understand the issues," he said. "I understand the issues that face everyday people.  Because if they can do this to me, they can do this to anybody."