Education

Greenville GOP – How To Censure County Councilmen

Greenville County Council is the perfect example of “Watch what they DO, not what they SAY” … or at least what letter the members have behind their name.

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

mySCGOP.news

Greenville County Council has 10 Republicans and 2 Democrats. That sounds pretty conservative … right?

Well, not so much.

This past month the Greenville County Council passed a two year budget which includes a substantial PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. (This is on top of a similarly large School Board Tax increase … but we will worry about that later.) If the funds were needed, that would be one thing, but the budget and corresponding tax increase is jam packed with “pork” and leftist big government programs … certainly contrary to the Republican Platform the 10 “Republicans” are supposed to uphold.

This tax increase is exacerbated given the MASSIVE new Greenville County Administrative Building (and Parking Deck) … many calling the “Golden Palace”.

#SellTheGoldenPalace!!!

STEP #1: THE DETAILS

Obviously the new “Golden Palace” was a bad optic, but a lot of research and review of the proposed budget (which was published last minute – another political tactic) to determine if the tax increase was necessary.

This is where it really got interesting … and scary.

It became clear that not only was there a substantial amount of “pork” in the budget, but the budget items themselves were taking on a very distinctive “left turn” with funding more for social and “feel good” projects as opposed to core government functions and services.

What was worse however is the expectation to fund those core government functions such as “roads” will be the subject of future TAX INCREASES in the form of “fees”. This is a growing issue across South Carolina, not just a Greenville County issue so beware.

One special guest at Monday’s GCRP Meeting was local taxpayer advocate Michelle Shuman. Her research and service was praised by council members present as well as the entire GCRP body.

See Michelle’s full report here:

Greenville County Property Tax Increase Battle

STEP #2: COMMENDATION

In fighting this tax increase, the Greenville County Republican Party (GCRP) worked closely with several councilmen, first on the details to determine if the tax was needed (which it wasn’t) … the push to defeat the property tax increase was on!!!

In Greenville, you need a two-thirds vote to pass a tax increase. That means it takes 8 (out of 12) to pass the tax increase … and only 5 to kill it.

Five Republican council members did step up for the initial vote and killed the increase … but on a second vote one member “flipped” on his constituents and the tax increased passed.

Who flipped? Newly elected in 2022, Councilman Joey Russo … now not so affectionally known in his community as “Traitor Joey”.

But the first step of the GCRP was to commend the actions of the four council members who held true to the SC Republican Platform and did not cave to the monied special interest.

NOTE – PRAISE ACTIONS , NOT INDIVIDUALS: One key point taught in political advocacy schools is you do not put forth blanket praise for elected officials. You commend ACTIONS … specific actions … not the individuals.

Why? Because even the good one will “flip” on you. Look at Congressman Jeff Duncan (R – 3rd Congressional District). Everyone thinks he is a great conservative … but he VOTED WITH JOE BIDEN & Congressman Jim Clyburn (D – 6th Congressional District) to increase the debt ceiling.

Now what do you do with a congressman like Jeff Duncan which so many blanketly praised as a good conservative?

STEP #3: THE CENSURE

Next step was to formally censure the six “Republicans” that caved.

Technically, under the Greenville County Party Rules (2017), in order to censure an elected official, you must initially have a “First Reading”. The rule was added years ago by the “old guard” establishment in order to protect elected officials from rogue “Tea Party Patriots” … but it is in the rules currently and as such must be followed.

Chairman of the GCRP Legislative Committee Harrison Musselwhite led the censure resolution … and the support in Greenville was overwhelming.

Congratulations Harrison!!!

A formal vote to finalize the censure is forthcoming at an expected “special meeting” of the GCRP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YzRp5I-mFs&t=5324s

STEP #4: NEXT STEPS

But a censure is just a piece of paper … so in Greenville this is not the end of the story … in fact it is just the beginning.

Next steps:

(1) DOOR KNOCKING: Specially designed door hangers and fliers will be left on voters doors in the precincts of these 6 “Republicans” council members. Getting the word out to the general voting public … especially June 11, 2024 Republican Primary Voters is key. Too many have no idea … but they will know this fall when their tax bills come out … so the timing is perfect to rally voters.

(2) PETITIONS: We do not have recall elections in South Carolina … although perhaps we should … but a petition is a good conversation starter for precinct members when they reach out to their neighbors. Following the general literature drops, rounds of door knocking and petition drives will begin in order to further raise public awareness.

(3) CANDIDATE RECRUITING: This is 24 / 7 / 365 all the time … but specialty recruiting drives and coordination with other groups on “who” is the SC Patriot candidate to primary the censured “Republicans” is essential.

(4) JUNE 11TH, 2024: This is where it is all building … primary election day 2024!!! In Greenville FOUR of the SIX censured council members will be up for re-election.

PROCESS, PROCESS, PROCESS … PLAN, PLAN, PLAN: This is how it is all done. It is not easy, especially when fighting on the liberty side of the fence … but it is easier when you have right on your side. It is going to be an exciting 2024 primary election season … so keep up the good work and GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!!!

Related Topics:CountyCouncil Featured Grassroot GreenvilleSC mySCGOP Politics TaxIncrease trending

Up Next

Good “News” Friday with Lawrence

Don't Miss

Greenville County Property Tax Increase Battle

Click to comment

Business

Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition – August 22nd, 2025

JOIN US every Friday (11am-1pm)

Published

1 week ago

August 22, 2025

mySCGOP.news

Coffee & Politics – August 22nd, 2025 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)

Friends, we have been running a weekly Coffee & Politics Meeting out of our Greenville Headquarters for nearly 3 1/2 years now … and it has been a huge hit. It is how we communicate our vision and #Mission to or local Volunteers and Community … and it one way we RECRUIT more people to the MAGA America First movement.

WHEN: Every Friday from 11am – 1pm

JOIN US!!!

NOW ON RUMBLE!!! (HERE)

NOW ON X!!! (HERE)

Subscribe to our YouTube Page:

Subscribe: HERE

mySCGOP.shop

ONLINE SHOPPING: mySCGOP.shop

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE

Business

Choosing the Right Candidate: A Thoughtful Approach

(#1) Electable & (#2) Collaborative

Published

1 week ago

August 20, 2025

Jeff Davis

by Jeff Davis

As we head into the 2026 South Carolina Primaries next June 9th, Republican (and Democrat) voters will be faced with picking which Republican (or Democrat) they want to represent them in the general election. It will be a choice we each have to make among the available options … the 2, 3 or 5 candidates that filed and are on the ballot … and there is no “None Of The Above” option. Sure, you don’t have to vote … but don’t complain later when you sat out the election.

We are seeing already … the jockeying by political consultants and their operatives to push their candidate (and tear down the opponents) … and the “PERFECTIONISTS” that complain about every candidate, but offer no solutions (and are not willing to run for office themselves).

A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH: Selection of a candidate to support is not easy. None of them are perfect, and how much can you really believe from what you hear on the campaign trail. What we like to encourage is that everyone think critically and logically about candidates and their campaigns, and steer clear as best you can of the emotional knee-jerk reactions that often dominate the discussions.

IT IS NOT JUST THE CANDIDATE – LOOK AT THEIR TEAM: While it’s tempting to focus solely on the candidate, it’s equally important to examine the people they surround themselves with. If you’re unaware of a candidate’s consultants (and their motivations), staff (and their roles), or the candidate’s supporters (who will inevitable have the ear of the candidate), it’s wise to hold off on offering your support. Ultimately, it’s not just about the candidate—it’s about their TEAM (or the “baggage” that comes with them).

We like to prioritize two key qualities when evaluating candidates:

(#1) Electability: A candidate (a) willing to run for office and (b) capable of winning. You may know the “perfect” person, but if they won’t run for office or are not capable of winning … what good are they?

(#2) Collaboration and Integrity: A candidate open to working with The People, with the grassroots, willing to listen, eager to include The People as part of their TEAM, and genuinely committed to doing what’s objectively right for the people—not just themselves (or their monied special interest backers). Here is where experience and judgment comes into consideration because you really don’t know what a candidate might do once elected. We have helped candidates get elected – and then never spoken with them again (not by our choice). Being lied to is a hard lesson to learn.

This process of selecting a candidate to back is both an art and a science, and while we may never find the “perfect” candidate, we can identify and support those who meet these two criteria and give us the best odds of promoting the conservative cause … at least until the next election when we will have another chance to try again.

THE TRUMP OF 2016: Reflecting on the field of “candidates” in 2016 … and the original “candidate” DONALD J. TRUMP … I believe that original candidate TRUMP, embodied these qualities, and that approach has proven effective in helping Save America.

STOP LOOKING FOR A “POLITICAL SAVIOR”: Most importantly, let’s remember, no candidate will save us. There is only one true “Savior”, and He is not running for office. Our work continues, so don’t think you are off the hook if your person gets elected. But having the right people – dedicated TEAM players – in elected positions from top to bottom can make all the difference.

Be smart … be logical … don’t be emotional … and don’t just complain, complain, complain.

Dum spiro spero
(“While I breathe, I hope”)

Best,

Jeff Davis, JD, MBA, CPA(GA)
Chairman & Co-Founder, mySCGOP.com
Chairman, Greenville County Republican Party
jeff@apogeetax.com
843-901-8036 (cell)

mySCGOP.shop

ONLINE SHOPPING: mySCGOP.shop

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE

Business

TRUMP Shares Nancy MACE Polling Lead for Governor

Mace Leads with 25% over Wilson at 17%

Published

2 weeks ago

August 19, 2025

mySCGOP.news

TRUMP Truth Social Post (HERE)

The NANCY MACE campaign released polling numbers yesterday showing a commanding early lead in the South Carolina Governor’s Race … 25% MACE, 17% Alan Wilson, 10% Ralph Norman, 6% Pamela Evette, 3% Josh Kimbrell … with 38% Lean / Undecided. You can see the full reports HERE & below.

The polling results show MACE separating herself from the crowd since officially launching her candidacy last week and announcing AUSTIN MCCUBBIN (HERE), the 2024 TRUMP Team Statewide Director, has joined her team. This all seems to make MACE the early odds on favorite to win the Republican Primary next June 9th, 2026 … 294 days from today.

You can find more details on FITSNews (HERE & on X HERE) … but the real story broke when President TRUMP himself shared the MACE Polling Lead on his TRUTH Social (HERE) last night at 9:29pm. When the POTUS shares your leading polling data with the world … that is a not so subtle message.

Good news for NANCY MACE … but and incredibly bad sign for Lt. Governor Pamela Evette who is in a distant 4th with 6% of the vote. The Lt. Governor has led folks to believe she has TRUMP’s endorsement locked up. Well, that claim did not seem believable at the time … and really doesn’t appear believable now. When was the last time TRUMP endorsed someone in 4th place??? We can’t remember either.

Stay tuned … it is going to be a fun 2026 primary season!!!