Norm Witzler says he's a serious candidate for treasurer

Norm Witzler, the Republican candidate for Lucas County Treasurer,
brought the media's attention to his first act public action as a
candidate: he filed his property taxes.

Mr. Witzler made a point of pre-filing for his 2012 taxes in order to
get the benefit from the tax deduction for 2011. And he paid for it
with checks from six different bank accounts that he has.

"It demonstrates financial acumen," Mr. Witzler said. "I want to make
sure people realize that I am a credible candidate."

Mr. Witzler filed to run for Lucas County auditor in 2010 but then
withdrew his candidacy to allow better known Republican Gina-Marie
Kaczala to run in his place. Ms. Kaczala ran unsuccessfully against
Democrat Anita Lopez.

A former Waterville councilman, Mr. Witzler is a plumbing consultant
at Home Depot in south Toledo.

Mr. Witzler's opponent, incumbent Democratic Treasurer Wade
Kapszukiewicz, said it is indeed possible to pre-file one's property
taxes for the whole year and then gain the tax deduction for 2011.

"What I would say is I look forward to a spirited campaign next year.
I know Norm. He's a good man. I look forward to debating the issues
with him. At the end of the day the voters are going to respond to the
record of accomplishment we have put forward in the treasurer's
office," Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.