Early voting starts this coming week and runs Monday-Friday from May 31st through June 10th.
The Myrtle Beach tourism lobby has literally hundreds of millions at stake in the outcome of this June 14th primary.
If things go well for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the night will look like this: This scenario will be a disaster for Horry County residents, however.
- U.S. 7th Congressional – Either Tom Rice or Russell Fry is a win
- Horry County Council Chairman – Mark Lazarus
- District 1 Horry County Council – Jenna Dukes
- District 2 Horry County Council – Bill Howard
- District 5 Horry County Council – Tyler Servant (unopposed)
- District 8 Horry County Council – Mikey “Mash” Masciarelli
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
- Carla Schuessler – District 61
- Heather Ammons Crawford – District 68 (unopposed)
- Val Guest District 106 – Office vacated by Russell Fry
There are also the offices of school board, which we will not address here. However, we will state that the Horry County School Board has great authority in raising your property taxes.
Development and Penny Taxes – Why it matters…
If you follow our news site, then you are well aware that developers and members of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce are key funders of the above candidates.
CONFUSE THE ELECTORATE
And yet we get examples like this in District 1. Jenna Dukes Ad
Dukes’ key funding comes from Developers. She is also funded by Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune. Are her statements here believable?
LIE 1: It’s Just A Penny
Actually, one percent taxes apply to almost every purchase made by 350,000 Horry County residents every day of the year. It’s hundreds of millions funded by us.
LIE 2: The Tourists Pay For It
With now 350,000 residents year round and only a 4 month tourist season, at best, the numbers show residents carry the bulk of these tax burdens.
LIE 3: It’s For Tourism
Tourism on the Grand Strand is a $3 billion annual industry.
Real Estate on the Grand Strand is a $38 billion annual industry.
HOW THIS WORKS – TOO MANY RESIDENT FOCUSED CANDIDATES IN EACH RACE
Resident focused candidates are well intended, but too many sign up for the exact same seat.
Example: Horry County Council Chairman has 4 candidates vying for this one seat. U.S. 7th Congress has 5 viable candidates contending for one seat.
THE “TOURISM LOBBY FUNDED” RUN-OFF
In these scenarios, a run-off is guaranteed. Who has the big money to fight a two week campaign? The deep pocketed friends of the tourism and real estate industries win practically every run off.
FOR RESIDENTS TO HAVE A BRIGHTER FUTURE… VOTE FOR YOUR OWN BEST INTERESTS
- U.S. 7th Congressional – Ken Richardson has the best shot as he is self funded and well financed. Barton is making a last minute surge, but has run out of campaign funds. Split the vote… we all lose.
- Horry County Council Chairman – Johnny Gardner is completely resident focused. Katrina Morrison is a fighting challenger. Split the vote – we all lose.
- District 1 Horry County Council – Harold Worley
- District 2 Horry County Council – Dean Richardson challenges, but this is a coastal seat.
- District 5 Horry County Council – Tyler Servant (unopposed)
- District 8 Horry County Council – Shannon Grady
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
- John Cassidy – District 61
- Heather Ammons Crawford – District 68 (unopposed)
- Brian Sweeney District 106 – Office vacated by Russell Fry
The tourism lobby has controlled Horry County for more than 40 years.
When will the voters get wise?
Perhaps on June 14, 2022.