Policy Cuts
Chap 8It took the form of the closest image of a social reform mayor the South was able to elect: John P. Grace. Grace, an Irish Catholic, a liberal Democrat was not considered as one of Charleston’s “better citizens.”. He was opposed by the businessman organizations, including the Chamber and the Commercial Club. Elected in 1911 after Rhett, Grace spoke out against “corporate monopoly and privilege, and called for government efficiency, street paving, expanded government services (including welfare) and commercial development. He advocated municipal ownership of the port and waterfront, and his signature project were highways/bridges that connected water and port areas. The business community struck back, supporting successful passage of a commission form of government—which was vetoed by the Governor. Grace was defeated in 1915 and replaced by a business conservative with a “near obsession with economy” who cut city services and reduced taxes. Apparently, that didn’t go over too well and Grace was reelected in 1919. He faced continued opposition from the city council and the business community—resulting in, except for his highway and bridge construction, a fairly unproductive second administration. Beaten in 1923 by a traditional Charleston business conservative, old style Charleston politics returned[1].
[1] Blaine A. Brownell, the Urban Ethos in the South, op. cit., p. 31.
Ron W. Coan 