A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

Let me introduce myself. I’m John Steinberger, and I look forward to being a contributor to West Of. My wife Robin and I live in the Sandhurst community and own a property rental business in West Ashley and James Island.
The title of this column comes from President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” President Kennedy understood that high taxes slowed economic growth and prevented millions of Americans from realizing their American Dream.
I believe in prosperity for all, driven by low taxes, limited government, free markets, and a competitive education system. None of us should be willing to settle for European-style mediocrity in which guaranteed security serves as a barrier to wealth creation and prosperity.
I’ve always been a Republican, but I understood what it meant to be a conservative after watching a Presidential debate in 1980 as a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. Ronald Reagan was the only candidate who articulated the government was too big and taxes were too high.
I don’t hesitate to engage in conversation with those with whom I disagree. I can disagree without being disagreeable and believe in always maintaining civility in any discussion.
On most Thursdays at 8 a.m., I attend Coffee With Aubry and Colleen at Sojourn Coffee on Old Towne Road, where I also pick up my copy of West Of every week. My City Councilman Aubry Alexander and County Councilwoman Colleen Condon discuss issues affecting our community. There is plenty of common ground when it comes to improving West Ashley’s aesthetic beauty, dealing with traffic issues and improving our business climate.
My wife and I were both high school and middle school teachers, and education reform is one of our passions. We have a great example of free-market education reform right in our neighborhood — Orange Grove Charter Elementary School. With no bureaucracy to answer to, Principal John Clendaniel has created an environment in which students from all walks of life are successful.
As a leader in the Republican Party, I’m determined to get more young adults and minorities involved. We have our biennial Precinct Re-organization meetings coming up Sat., Mar. 7 at 11 a.m. at 16 regional sites around Charleston County. I urge anyone interested in helping recruit and support good local candidates, including those for School Board, to locate your precinct meeting at www.CharlestonGOP.org and attend this 45 minute meeting. Get involved!
I’m also passionate about tax reform. I answered a survey in 1998, which led to the FairTax Act in Congress (HR-25/S-155) which replaces the income tax code with a consumption tax. It follows the Reagan idiom: “If you want more of something, tax less of it!” I want more income, more successful businesses, and thriving capital markets.
Don’t hesitate to offer your feedback on Rising Tides. My genuine concern is improving the quality of life and the standard of living for all who call West Ashley home.
John Steinberger is the chairman of the Charleston County Republican Party, a leading Fair Tax advocate, and a West Ashley resident. He can be reached at John.steinberger@scfairtax.org.