News Summary
Six Republican candidates are vying for the Spartanburg County Council District 3 seat, following David Britt’s departure after over 30 years. The candidates focus on managing projected population growth and differing views on tax incentives, particularly fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements. The primary election is set for August 5, with early voting ongoing.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Six Republican candidates are competing for the Spartanburg County Council District 3 seat, a position that became vacant following the departure of David Britt, who held the role for over thirty years. Britt has joined the South Carolina Public Service Commission, where he will continue his public service career. His tenure on the council significantly contributed to attracting major businesses like BMW to Spartanburg County, setting a precedent for economic development that candidates are aiming to uphold.
As the county braces for a projected population increase of 179,000 by 2042, the candidates have made managing this growth a central theme of their campaigns. The population surge will bring Spartanburg’s total residents to over 541,000. Each candidate brings forward unique perspectives on how to successfully navigate this anticipated growth while addressing community needs.
One of the most pivotal issues in this election cycle is the debate over tax incentives known as fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements (FILOTs). These agreements can reduce the tax assessment ratio for manufacturers from a standard rate of 10.5% down to as low as 6%, making Spartanburg more competitive compared to neighboring states with lower tax structures. However, candidates are sharply divided on the use of FILOTs.
Two candidates have unequivocally pledged to refuse to support FILOTs, criticizing them as a form of corporate welfare. In contrast, others advocate for a more balanced approach, suggesting that such agreements can be beneficial when applied judiciously. This divergence of opinions reflects broader concerns about the impact of such tax breaks on local revenue and community resources.
The Republican primary election is scheduled for August 5, with a potential runoff planned for August 19. Candidates are positioning themselves not just for the primary but also for the general election on November 4, when the Republican nominee will face off against Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Forward Party candidate Sarah Gonzalez. Early voting for the primary began on July 21 and will conclude on August 1, with an opportunity for early voting in case a runoff occurs from August 13-15. Early voters can cast their ballots at the Spartanburg County Registration Office located at 366 N. Church St.
Among the candidates, Bryan Alverson, who previously challenged Britt, has publicly criticized FILOTs and has proposed replacing property taxes with a sales tax as a means of generating revenue. At 26 years old, Caylus Goodson is the youngest candidate in the race and shares Alverson’s stance against FILOTs, advocating for a comprehensive reform of county spending practices.
Stephen Mathis is another candidate who supports responsible growth through the use of impact fees, emphasizing the importance of transparency surrounding FILOT agreements. Tim Burrell’s campaign is particularly focused on the environmental consequences of growth, aiming to reduce its impact on local wildlife and natural resources.
Paul Abbott, with a background in government, endorses a more selective approach to the use of FILOTs, advocating for their thoughtful implementation. Jason Lynch, serving as in-house legal counsel, defends FILOTs as necessary to maintain a business-friendly environment that can attract investments and spur economic growth.
Regardless of their differing viewpoints, all candidates recognize the importance of developing strategies to manage the expected population growth while remaining attentive to budget constraints. The district spans from the urban Eastside of Spartanburg to its more rural areas, including Cowpens and Pacolet, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of both urban and rural needs.
Voting options for constituents include polling days from Monday to Friday, alongside curbside absentee voting to ensure accessibility for all voters. As the election approaches, these candidates will continue to outline their visions for Spartanburg County Council District 3, highlighting their strategies to balance growth, taxation, and community welfare effectively.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Special Election Spartanburg Sheriff
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Council District 3 election
- Post and Courier: Republicans Running Spartanburg County Council
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County
- Fox Carolina: Concerns Over Sheriff Salary Slash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Go Upstate: Special Election to Fill Empty Seat on Spartanburg County Council
- Google News: Spartanburg County election
- WSPA: Spartanburg Co Leaders Urge Residents to Vote
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg County Council
- Fox Carolina: 8 Candidates Running for Election Spartanburg Co Council District 3 Seat
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
