Sep 2, 2009 7:05 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Rep. Buys Alcohol In NH, Avoids Sales Tax
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Rep. Rodrigues' Ford Crown Victoria with "House 29" Mass. licence plates parked outside a New Hampshire state liquor store on I-95 south near the state border.
WBZ
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Michael Rodrigues (file image)
WBZ
State Representative Michael Rodrigues said he did nothing wrong when he bought tax-free alcohol at a New Hampshire state liquor store, even if he is one of those lawmakers who voted to increase sales and alcohol taxes.
The Westport Democrat told WBZ he was returning from New Hampshire with his family, stopped to used the restroom at the liquor store, and ended up buying three bottles out of convenience.
"You don't even think about the sales tax," said Rodrigues.
Yogi Patel doesn't want to hear it.
He runs Town Liquors, and says anyone who voted for higher taxes should be paying them.
"They should be setting the example. This is bad."
Rodrigues' purchases would have gone unnoticed if not for a photo of his car at the New Hampshire Liquor Store.
The photo was taken by a man who wishes to remain anonymous.
Unenrolled in either major political party, he says he noticed the Deval Patrick bumper sticker and the State House plate on Rodrigues' car.
He tells WBZ, "His initial response was to ask me what business was it of mine and I said I am a Massachsuetts citizen."
The photo he took was posted on the web site of the group
Citizens for Limited Taxation.
CLT's Chip Faulkner says, "It also shows the arrogance of these people that he votes to give us a tax hike and then decides not to pay for it."
Asked if he'd do it again, Rodrigues said he would if he had to use the restroom, but, "I would not stop there just to buy alcohol because you can buy alcohol anywhere."
Asked how much money he saved, Rodrigues responded, "Probably none."
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