News Summary
The Spartanburg County GOP has announced that its upcoming Sheriff candidate debate will now be free for all attendees, reversing a previous decision to charge for tickets. This change, prompted by community backlash, follows controversial remarks made by the county’s Republican Party Chairman. Candidates are now expected to outline their visions for the sheriff’s office at this crucial event, which will take place at Converse University. Refunds will be issued to those who previously purchased tickets.
Spartanburg, SC – The Spartanburg County GOP has made significant changes to its upcoming Sheriff candidate debate forum originally scheduled for July 11, now declaring the event will be free to all attendees. This decision, announced on July 4, reverses earlier plans where tickets were sold for $10 and $12.50, creating a wave of discussion and controversy in the community.
The debate will take place at 6:15 p.m. in Twitchell Auditorium at Converse University, located at 580 E. Main St., with doors opening an hour earlier at 5:15 p.m. Following the announcement regarding the ticket fee cancellation, individuals who had already purchased tickets will be refunded.
Controversy began when Frank Tiller, the county’s Republican Party Chairman, made derogatory comments about potential attendees, describing them as “hot, sweaty people, too cheap to purchase a ticket.” This resulted in one of the sheriff candidates, Adam Crisp, declaring he would not attend the debate, stating his belief in treating voters with respect and dignity. He criticized the notion of requiring payment to hear candidates discuss plans for the sheriff’s office, especially at a time when many residents are facing financial struggles.
Crisp has opted to hold a free virtual town hall meeting instead, emphasizing his commitment to making information accessible to all voters.
The background of this debate stems from the recent resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright on May 23, amid allegations of inappropriate credit card use and an ongoing ethics investigation involving the hiring of his son. On June 12, the South Carolina Attorney General indicated that charges against Wright could include misconduct of a public officer and breach of trust. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has confirmed they are investigating Wright’s actions.
The controversy surrounding Tiller’s comments gained traction after they were shared from a private group chat on the Signal messaging app. Nate Leupp, the president of the Fourth District Republican Club, brought the comments to public attention. In the wake of this backlash, Becky McLaughlin, a state executive committeeman for the county party, acknowledged Tiller’s error, noted his subsequent apology, and mentioned he was admonished for his remarks.
Tiller had defended the initial decision to charge for tickets, citing financial constraints faced by the county party following recent resignations. He emphasized the need to cover venue costs as a motivating factor. However, McLaughlin clarified that the venue, Converse University, had required an event ticketing system, creating a perceived necessity for a ticket fee.
In light of the canceled fees and the stirred controversy, the Fourth District Republican Club has indicated they will organize another free debate for sheriff candidates on July 31 at 6655 Pottery Rd., starting at 6:45 p.m. Tiller has expressed support for this initiative and has no objections to other groups hosting forums or debates focused on sheriff candidates, stressing the importance of increasing voter turnout in these events.
This debate marks an important moment for the Spartanburg County GOP as candidates prepare to outline their visions for the sheriff’s department amidst a backdrop of change and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg SC Sheriff GOP Debate
- SC Daily Gazette: SC House Passes $13B Budget
- TIME: Republican Debate Presidential Candidates
- Greenville Online: Crowds React to RFK Jr. in SC
- SC Daily Gazette: 4th District Race Extends GOP Feud
- Google Search: Spartanburg GOP debate
- Wikipedia: Sheriff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Republican Party
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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