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Curt Ankerberg’s opponents in the race for the Medford City Council have condemned him for his obscenity-filled rants — as well as his tax-fraud problems. “I can’t understand not paying taxes,” said Alex Poythress, one of four candidates running for the Ward 1 council seat. “I can’t understand bullying.” “Engaging in fraudulent behavior is wrong,” candidate Steve Dickson said, adding Ankerberg’s verbally abusive attacks also “wrong.” Poythress and Dickson are running against Ankerberg and David Dobrin in the race for the council position that represents northeast Medford. Dobrin didn’t file his information in the Jackson County Voters’ Pamphlet and didn’t want to comment on Ankerberg. U.S. Tax Court Senior Judge Mary Ann Cohen found Jan. 8 that Ankerberg, a certified public accountant, had filed fraudulent tax returns three years in a row. Cohen decided April 17 that Ankerberg owes $10,224 for 2012, $25,875 for 2013 and $13,926 for 2014. Cohen imposed penalties of $7,668 for 2012, $19,406 for 2013 and $10,444 for 2014. Tax deficiencies and penalties total $87,543. During the time Ankerberg fraudulently filed returns, he prepared 150 tax returns for businesses and individuals. Ankerberg has posted many gutter-language posts on social media and blogs over the years during the 10 times he’s run for election. So far he hasn’t won, though he’s come close. In a Sept. 19 post on political commentator Peter Sage’s blog, Ankerberg wrote, ‘You’re f***ing sick in the mind ... just like the transexual lifestyles your party promotes.” In a Sept. 6 post on Sage’s blog, Ankerberg stated, “It’s nice that Peter Sage allows anonymous sex deviants like you to post on his blog.” On Aug. 30 on talk-show host Bill Meyer’s Facebook page, Ankerberg stated, “(John) McCain was just pissed that (Sarah) Palin wouldn’t show him her hooters.” Ankerberg has used the words “pig,” “hog,” a**hole,” and “whore” to describe his opponents on social media. He’s also attacked people in emails. “I felt it was shocking,” Poythress said. “It sounds like he has said some really nasty things. Name calling never leads to anything good.” Poythress, who is on the Medford Planning Commission and the Medford Parking Commission, said being on a public body requires an ability to state your opinion strongly but to do so while avoiding personal attacks or using expletive-laden speech. The Medford City Council is composed of eight unpaid councilors and the mayor. “I believe Medford deserves a leader with decorum,” Poythress said. The 29-year-old Poythress moved to Medford from Birmingham, Alabama, five years ago and owns three companies: Revel, which deals with company branding, Momfit, which offers apparel for active mothers, and Ballistic Armor Co., which handles military-grade armor such as helmets and vests. He has said the City Council needs to do more to deal with obstacles to growth and to being a family-friendly place. Dickson said he thinks the tax-fraud issues and the obscenity-laden attacks should be known to the public. “Willfully committing fraud and asking to be part of city leadership — that has me afraid,” he said. “To attack a person is just wrong. I’m worried he may carry that over to the City Council.” Dickson, who sits on various city committees, including the Medford Budget Committee, works in human resources for Veterans Affairs. He has said he hopes to focus on affordable housing and economic growth, with the goal of making the city more industry-friendly to create jobs for local residents. Dickson said he normally wouldn’t want to say unkind things about a candidate or another person, but he said the statements Ankerberg has made rise to a level that he needed to speak out. He said voters need to know the candidates so they can make an informed choice. “I believe honesty and integrity are critical to our community,” Dickson said. Councilor Tim Jackle, who holds the Ward 1 council seat but is stepping down at the end of his term, said he thinks residents need to see the remarks Ankerberg has been making. “I want to say his comments were abhorrent and beyond the pale,” Jackle said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on @reporterdm .