Republican Horry County Council District 5 candidate Clif Smith this month signed a pledge from the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers that he will oppose any tax increases if elected.

“I believe that Horry County government must live within its means, just like county families have to do every day. Especially in these difficult economic times, county council cannot continue to saddle hard working families and businesses with higher taxes,” Clif Smith said. “I’m willing to pledge to taxpayers in writing that I will oppose tax increases and call upon the other candidates in this race to join me in making this pledge.”

“The South Carolina Association of Taxpayers is delighted that Clif Smith has signed our ‘No New Tax Pledge.’ This shows to the voters and taxpayers of Horry County that he is serious about managing the county’s budget,” SCAT President Don Weaver said. “Government at all levels must live within its means, particularly as families continue to struggle in this economy. We applaud Clif for his willingness to stand up for county taxpayers.”

The pledge signed by Smith states: “I, Clif Smith, pledge to the taxpayers of Horry County Council District Five, and to all the people of the State of South Carolina, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

Smith joins Gov. Nikki Haley, state House and Senate Majority Leaders Rep. Bruce Bannister and Sen. Harvey Peeler, and here locally, Reps. Tracy Edge and Stephen Goldfinch in signing the SCAT pledge.

The national version of the no-new-tax pledge, produced by the Americans for Tax Reform, has been signed by SC congressional delegation members Tim Scott, Lindsey Graham, Mark Sanford, Joe Wilson, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, and Mick Mulvaney.