INCORPORATION OF VILLAGE OF GLOVERVILLE

Article from the Augusta Chronicle, March 3, 1935.

LETTER TO EDITOR

Incorporation of Village of Gloverville

On Tuesday, the 5th of March, voters of the village of Gloverville in Horse Creek Valley, will vote on the question of whether or not the town shall be incorporated.  Much interest has been manifested in the approaching election, with indications that incorporation will be defeated at the polls.  Some few citizens, for reasons best known to themselves, have launched the movement looking to incorporation; however, very little, if any, argument has been advanced in behalf of incorporation. The grant of a charter to this small populace will not benefit anyone in particular, but will operate to the great detriment and injury of a majority of citizens and property owners.  A very few may profit by being elected to such coveted positions as mayor, councilman, chief of police or patrolman; however, such positions can be given to only two or three persons and the salary attached to such office will be so small as to render the office unworthy of notice.  On the other hand, incorporation will involve levying taxes against every inch of real estate in the town, a license tax against every business, and a street and city poll tax against every man in the town.  With the constant cry against taxation, incorporation of this little hamlet will merely serve to put taxes on people who are not, at this time, subject to taxes.  At the present time the citizens of Gloverville are not bothered with any tax other than State and County, but it seems some are not satisfied and are desirous of creasing burden.  If they incorporate the merchants of the town will each have to pay a business license and those citizens who are not paying taxes whatsoever will have to pay a property, real or person tax and a poll tax.  So it means that their taxes will be doubled because every citizen in that town who owns property, whether it be real estate or personal property, will have to pay taxes to the town which will mean double taxation and in addition the merchants and businessmen will have to pay a business license fee.  Some people argue that a dispensary will be established at Gloverville and that will take care of the situation.  It must be remembered that the S. C. Legislature is a long way from passing a liquor bill, and it has been stated on good authority that only certain localities will receive a dispensary.  There is just as much chance for a dispensary to be established at Gloverville as there is for Franklin Roosevelt to resign as president and accept the job of mayor of Gloverville.  That cant be done and will be done.  The people are going to find that they will have to bear the tax burden and there will be no dispensary to relive them of the load.  Incorporation of this town, many argue, is not necessary for they do not need a mayor and a town council.  They have plenty of police protection from the Sheriff and there is enough law on the state books, at the time, to take care of the situation.  It is argued by many responsible and leading citizens that the move is merely to create a job for a few privilege people on the expense of the property owners and taxpayers.  All persons who have paid  poll tax may vote.  It is not necessary that a person in order to vote be a property owner, but if they have paid their poll tax 30 days before the election and have a registration certificate they may vote.  But the voters who may vote for incorporation had better study the situation and know that they are doing.