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!!!

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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

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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.

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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?

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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

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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!!!