The News
First Monday is a Republican Business Forum allowing members of the club to become acquainted with and participate in discussions with elected officials, business leaders, candidates and party leaders.
Stephen Goldfinch, Candidate for South Carolina’s Attorney General
In March, First Monday was pleased to host Stephen Goldfinch, candidate for South Carolina’s Attorney General.
Senator Stephen Goldfinch is a native South Carolinian who grew up in Conway and graduated from Conway High School. He went on to attend The Citadel, where he earned a degree in Biology and graduated with honors. He is also a graduate of the Charleston School of Law.
Following graduation, Stephen founded a successful biotechnology company based in Charleston. His success in business allowed him to pursue additional ventures in entrepreneurship and public service. In addition to his legislative work, Senator Goldfinch serves as a JAG officer in the Army National Guard.
His campaign is centered on making sure South Carolina runs efficiently, effectively, and with accountability to the people it serves. He also spoke about Law and Order, Immigration Enforcement, Limited Government, and the protection of Small Businesses across South Carolina.
Mike Burkhold, Candidate for SC Comptroller
First Monday was pleased to host Mike Burkhold, Candidate for SC Comptroller
A lifelong South Carolinian, Mike was raised in Chapin and now lives with his family on Sullivan’s Island.
In 2009, Mike founded Equiscript, growing it into a multi-million-dollar company by mastering complex healthcare data systems and analytics.
During his remarks, Mike discussed his plan to implement an Online Taxpayer Checkbook, a transparency initiative aimed at exposing wasteful and unnecessary government spending. The platform would track millions of transactions with precision, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to build roads and classrooms, not expand bureaucracy.
He emphasized the need to:
- Expose the full state budget to public view
- Scrutinize every government expense
- Reform the role of the Comptroller General’s office from bookkeeper to taxpayer advocate
His message centered on accountability, transparency, and putting South Carolina taxpayers first.
Speaker of the South Carolina House – Honorable Murrell Smith
First Monday was pleased to host the Speaker of the South Carolina House – the Honorable Murrell Smith.
Speaker Smith outlined the agenda for the South Carolina House as it prepares to convene for the 2026 legislative session. He emphasized building on past successes while cutting waste and improving efficiency. Key priorities include tax reform—particularly income tax cuts—addressing juvenile crime, reforming insurance-related issues, and tackling infrastructure needs such as road repairs. He also highlighted the importance of securing South Carolina’s energy future, focusing on lowering costs for residents and strengthening the state’s competitiveness to support a strong business climate.