The events surrounding Greater Greenville Sanitation (GGS) over the past few weeks have revealed a frustrating—but all too common—truth about how politics sometimes operates: when a desired outcome can’t be achieved in court, some will try to achieve it through backdoor legislation instead.
Here are the facts:
First, a private national sanitation company filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block GGS from expanding services and building a transfer station. They lost. The court upheld GGS’s ability to continue serving the public and investing in infrastructure.
Shortly afterward, a state legislator—who happens to work for the law firm involved in that case—introduced House Bill 4002 and 4003, seeking to accomplish through legislation what failed in the courtroom: the dismantling of GGS’s structure and authority.
Once the public became aware, the response was immediate and powerful. Citizens made it clear: GGS provides excellent service, and they didn’t want politically motivated interference. Community members, neighborhood groups, and everyday residents raised their voices:
“Leave our sanitation service alone!”
County Council heard you loud and clear. We prepared a resolution in direct opposition to the legislation—ready to vote and push back.
As a result, House Bill 4002 was defeated in the Senate and left us with House Bill 4003.
In a last-minute move just before our council meeting, lawmakers introduced a revised version of House Bill 4003. These changes, which GGS leadership agreed to, removed some of the more extreme restructuring language that would have directly harmed local services. In good faith, and out of respect for that compromise, we agreed to pull the resolution.
To be clear: no services will be interrupted. Business will continue as usual for all citizens currently receiving GGS service.
But let’s also be honest. This is not how government should work.
The fact that legislation was introduced to override a court decision—on behalf of a private company, no less—and only changed after public backlash, is a perfect example of what people are sick of. Political games. Quiet deals. Using state power to achieve what couldn’t be won in a courtroom.
Laws should be based on principle, not power plays. They should be clear, fair, and stand on their own merit—not serve as tools to reverse outcomes that didn’t go someone’s way.
As Chairman, I will continue to call out tactics that undermine public trust and sidestep the voice of the people. Greenville County residents expect better—and they deserve it. We will continue fighting to ensure that public services stay in public hands and that political favors don’t take precedence over community needs.
