Horry County residents hold that the City of Myrtle Beach has among the most liberal leadership in the South. When we think of liberal cities, images of San Francisco, New York City, or Chicago come to mind.
Liberal, Local Approach
However, when it comes to a big government approach, big government ideology, and the problems associated with this mindset, Myrtle Beach leads the county. Few cities in America are to the left of the City of Myrtle Beach.
Here are just a few examples of big government approaches this city employs or has employed:
Opportunity Zone (Tax Credit) Investments, Using a private corporation (owned by City Government) to harass and eliminate small business owners, Using that same corporation to pick winners and losers among business owners, a tax subsidized Chamber of Commerce to the tune of over $50 million annually, zoning rules that selectively limit a private property owner’s right to sell legal products, selective zoning which has created 120 empty store fronts inside the city (largely on properties where the city would like to see a change in ownership), subsidizing local real estate property taxes with taxes paid by tourists, and a “Quality of Life Court” created especially to harass small business owners.
Currently there are no elected conservatives on Myrtle Beach City Council. While several claim to be, the practices listed just above are not consistent with a limited government approach to city business.
Ed Carey is one of two conservatives running for Myrtle Beach City Council this November 5th. He is a favorite to carry the Market Common district.
Can a conservative win in a city that has a history of electing liberal leadership?
Can Carey bring some sense of balance to a top down, big government approach to all things City of Myrtle Beach?
Of all the seven candidates running, only Ed Carey and Charles Gasque are true conservatives.