Tales From the IRS

In November, President Clinton appointed 57-year-old Charles Rossotti, a former computer-industry executive, as the new commissioner of the IRS. The president gave Rossotti a mandate to overhaul the agency, making it a "taxpayer advocate" where citizens are treated as respected customers, not criminals. Rossotti likes to tell reporters that "a new day has dawned at the IRS."

Last month, Rossotti visited the IRS's downtown Houston office. In a meeting with about 120 employees, Rossotti fielded questions. But according to one person in attendance, Rossotti's handlers steered him clear of those who might ask something embarrassing.

Still, whistle blower Jennifer Long likes what she has heard about Rossotti. She believes Rossotti is sincerely interested in reform, and that he might restore the agency to its former respectability.

"The problems of the IRS are out in the open, now," says Long. "They can't hide them anymore.