Callahan Signs 'Tax Return Letter' to Romney

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan is one of 22 mayors who signed a letter to Mitt Romney hammering on the Republican presidential contender to release more of his federal tax returns so that American families can know if they can trust his “judgment, perspective and motivations.”

While it isn’t legally required for presidential contenders to release their IRS returns, it has become a customary part of the process. President Obama has released 12 years of returns and onetime Republican nominee Bob Dole released 30 years of returns, the letter points out.

To date, Romney has released only his 2010 return and an estimate of his 2011 return, though politicians on both sides of the aisle have urged him to release more.

What do you think? Should Mitt Romney publicly release more of his tax returns? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.

The controversy escalated further Thursday, when Romney’s wife, Ann, told ABC News: "we've given all you people need to know" about the family's finances.

In addition to Callahan, the letter from mayors was also signed by Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. The letter was released Thursday by the Democratic National Committee.

Here is the letter’s text:

Dear Governor Romney,

Transparency leads to trust. And public release of your tax returns is the only way the American people can know if they can trust your judgment, perspective and motivations.

But the American people have waited long enough and heard enough excuses about why you refuse to disclose your tax returns. It’s time to come clean Governor Romney.

Your own father set a precedent for presidential candidates, of both parties, when he said public release of several years of tax returns was necessary, explaining that “one year could be a fluke, perhaps done for show.” President Obama has released 12 years of tax returns, John Kerry released 20 years’ worth and Bob Dole released nearly 30 years. Without releasing additional tax returns, you would go down as one of the most secretive presidential nominees in modern history. Even Richard Nixon released more years of tax returns than you.

Remember when you auditioned to be John McCain’s vice presidential pick? You gladly handed over twenty-three years of tax returns. Now, as you audition for the American people, you think only one full year is good enough. It isn’t.

We know you have a bank account in Switzerland. We know you have continued holdings in offshore tax havens like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. And we know you’ve already paid a significantly lower tax rate than most middle class families. The question is why? What else are you trying to hide? Were you trying to avoid paying your fair share? Is there shifty accounting in the rest of your tax returns that would shock Americans? You are running for the highest office in the greatest country on Earth. Don’t you think the American people deserve to know the truth? 

We do. Transparency is the only way the American people can trust that their President is on their side. It’s time to release your tax returns, Governor.

Respectfully,

Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, PA

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles, CA

Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee, WI

Mayor Julian Castro, San Antonio, TX

Mayor Anthony Foxx, Charlotte, NC

Mayor Bill Bell, Durham, NC

Mayor RT Rybak, Minneapolis, MN

Mayor Michael Coleman, Columbus, OH

Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit, MI

Mayor Mark Mallory, Cincinnati, OH

Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix, AZ

Mayor Pedro Segarra, Hartford, CT

Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Chambersburg, PA

Mayor Richard Gray, Lancaster, PA

Mayor Helen Thomas, Darby Borough, PA

Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Allentown, PA

Mayor William Euille, Alexandria, VA

Mayor John Callahan, Bethlehem, PA

Mayor Cindy Lerner, Pinecrest, FL

Mayor Kenneth Wright, Portsmouth, VA

Mayor Brian Moore, Petersburg, VA

Mayor Rick Vilello, Lockhaven, PA