Standoff Over Property Taxes Threatens Band of Polygamists

[quaoar]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/21/us/21taxes.html?hp&ex=1145592000&en=6e030e02e1c6103c&ei=5094&partner=homepage

By KIRK JOHNSON
Published: April 21, 2006

HILDALE, Utah, April 19 — Thousands of polygamists are engaged in a highly unusual standoff here over property taxes that could ultimately cost them their houses or thrust them into a mainstream America they fear and despise.

In one corner is a group of 8,000 or so adherents of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, an offshoot of the Mormon Church that had long paid the property taxes of its members, sometimes even rolling a wheelbarrow through meetings to collect the needed cash.

At the other corner is a stocky accountant from Salt Lake City, Bruce R. Wisan, who says he is determined to help the church members even if they do not want it.

The church hierarchy is in chaos. Its former leader is on the run, facing criminal charges of arranging sex between a minor and an adult in a polygamous marriage, leaving the old tax-collection system in shambles. Now the property taxes for hundreds of houses — around $1.3 million — are overdue and mounting.

[OneBlueSky]

1. shades of "Big Love" . . . life imitating art . . . n/t

.

[kineneb]

2. Uh- that part about rendering unto Caesar?

Should have paid more attention to that section. Oops.

[LostinVA]

3. Most of them should be in jail, anyway

Child rapists. Kidappers.

[snooper2]

4. We should spread them across part of the border....

that will help with illegal immigration......I wouldn't want to walk across that compound :)