Legislative session shows need to restructure state government
This year's legislative session closed Tuesday as the House and the Senate overrode the 10 vetoes that I had cast. These overrides ranged from effectively taking away the governor's control over the Ports Authority and giving it to the legislature, to a special tax break for developers who have unsold homes, leaving current homeowners to pick up more of the costs of local government.
South Carolina held back by tyranny of the state legislature
My first year as a senator in the South Carolina General Assembly confirmed for me why I decided to seek public office in the first place -- our state's government is badly structured, badly managed and badly in need of reform. I believe this now more than ever.
Beaufort city budget should hold no surprises
While Beaufort City Council debates many issues and sets numerous policies throughout the year, the city's guiding document is the city manager's annual budget.
Graduations reminder of challenges facing South Carolina
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of South Carolina families will have observed an annual rite of spring, watching with pride as their sons and daughters cross stages to collect their high school diplomas. It's cap-and-gown season, a time when we congratulate students on their accomplishments and send them into the world for further study or productive employment.
Sustaining Verizon Heritage will demand greater local support
It all started in 1969. For four days every April, all eyes are fixed on Beaufort County. The beauty of the Lowcountry is showcased. Visitors flock to our beaches, stay in our accommodations, dine at our restaurants and patronize our businesses. Residents get caught up in the excitement that is "tournament week." And thanks to CBS Sports, the world gets a sneak peek at everything we hold sacred ... pristine greens in a setting of lush foliage and unparalleled natural beauty, all of which is worth millions of dollars in marketing for our community. Truly, the positive impact of the Verizon Heritage golf tournament on this community far exceeds anything that can be quantified.
Governor trample states' rights
Gov. Mark Sanford says his federal court case is about the "balance of power." The truth is that this case is about his power.
Act now: Lowcountry birthright, heritage at risk
For much of the last decade, the bulk of my efforts in the public arena has been focused on the congestion issue. Our roads were too few, too old, and too dangerous.
Why you should urge state budget to go back to the drawing board
I write to ask for your help in sending the legislative body back to the drawing board on this year's budget. It will mean you asking that they support my vetoes this year. For a host of reasons, there never has been a more important time to do this, and let me give you a few:
Everyone benefits when students stay competitive in today's work force
On the path to the American dream today, there is no detour around post-secondary education. Employers increasingly require their employees to have higher-level skills. Those without at least some education beyond high school find themselves at a serious disadvantage in the job market. Meanwhile, the ethnic and socioeconomic makeup of our citizenry is continuing to evolve across the country and here in the Lowcountry, and employers are relying more than ever on workers from the populations that are least likely to complete their education.
Obama's significance for South Carolina
I won't be voting for Barack Obama for president. There are too many vital issues -- from taxes and spending, to immigration and national security, to traditional values -- on which we have fundamentally different points of view about the right direction for our country. However, as the presidential campaign trail now makes its turn toward this state, and as South Carolinians make their final decisions on whom to vote for, it's worth pausing to take notice of something important that the Obama candidacy means for our corner of America.
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