As it overcomes tax struggles, Tougo hosts senator’s talk on wealthy paying fair share

Brian Wells looks on as the senator speaks at Tougo (Image: CDN/CHS)

Patty Murray’s visit to 18th Ave’s Tougo Coffee to discuss legislation to level the playing field on tax-dodging gazillionaires has a back-story the senator probably had no idea was prologue to her Wednesday morning appearance.

“I don’t ever want to put it behind me because it’s something to keep me motivated to keep working harder, to keep working smarter,” Brian Wells said following the press conference inside his coffee shop. In early 2011, Central District News reported on a $10,000 City of Seattle tax hole the 18th and Union coffee shop had fallen into. With donations — and a friendly payment schedule — Tougo is back on its feet. Wells said Murray’s visit to his shop brought the struggles he has had running a small business back into focus as he says Tougo is continuing to make progress as a community hub in the neighborhood.

“It feels full circle because we’re still struggling with some of the issues we had with our taxes,” he said. “We’re on a really good schedule to get that paid off but it’s not that far away.”


“Tax day is just a few days away and families across our state are putting the final touches on their tax returns and getting ready to send them in,” Murray said during her time at the microphone inside the busy coffee shop. “And under current law the wealthiest Americans are able to work with their accountants to find and exploit every loophole in the book to bring down their rates and reduce what they owe.”

The proposed Buffett Rule, named for tax-friendly super rich guy Warren Buffett, sets a minimum tax rate of 30% for individuals earning more than $1 million. It also sets up a robust political battle.

“The wealthiest Americans should be playing by the same set of rules as every other American family,” Murray said.

In his time at the podium, Wells said he is angered by the country’s tax code inequity.

“It burns me, it gets my blood to boil a little bit,” the Tougo owner said. “But small business owners around the country are supporting tax changes like the Buffett Rule that will ensure that millionaires are not only contributing but they’re pulling their full share of weight in regards to taxes.”

The Tougo location for the Wednesday conference was chosen by the Main Street Alliance, a national coalition of small-business groups, for its focus on community, reps from the Washington wing of the group told CHS.

Following his recovery from the city tax issue, Wells has also simplified the Tougo business shuttering his Westlake location last year. Last fall, Tougo 18th Ave also downsized and made space for kids clothing store Magpie.

Malia Keene (Image: CDN/CHS)

Magpie owner Malia Keene joined Wells at the podium along with Murray. 

“While I don’t like writing that tax check, I am proud to do so,” she said.

“But when millionaires game the system to avoid paying their fair share it means that small business owners and middle class tax payers are left picking up their tab.”

Murray said the Buffett Rule legislation will be introduced when the Senate resumes next week.

7 thoughts on “As it overcomes tax struggles, Tougo hosts senator’s talk on wealthy paying fair share

  1. As far as I know the City of Seattle doesn’t charge a different property tax rate that is dependent on your income. Seems as though the message is getting mixed here.

    It might be more appropriate to determine what Tougo is paying property tax for and see where it can be cut.

  2. Wow, where did that come from?

    Tougo wasn’t trying to cheat taxes, they had a bad accountant. I’m pretty sure they’re not getting any special favors from having a senator visit. And despite their request for help, Tougo has always been incredibly generous in welcoming everyone to spend time there, even if we’re not buying a lot of coffee while we work, meet, read, or hang out with the kids.

    If you’ve never been, I suggest showing up, getting a cup of great coffee, and just watching for a while to see how much value we’re getting from having Tougo in the neighborhood.

  3. Virtually all tax dodges should be eliminated. Herman Cain had the tax code right. Other than being a severe letch he seems like a sharp guy.

    Why give a home owner a break that a renter can’t have? Why charge a high income person more or less. Just pay your equal rate and be proud of it. Everybody scrumming for a better deal and blaming the other guy for the problem. Poor folks should be proud to pitch in a few bucks and rich folks should as well.

    A society full of weasels will fall.