Former SC senator says he’s never been more disappointed than he is in Clyburn’s comments

Disappointed in Clyburn

I have never been more disappointed in an South Carolina elected official as I am with Congressman Jim Clyburn over his comments in which he compared the Republican party in the current elections to Nazi Germany! He is the third-ranking congressman in the United States. As a leader of the House of Representatives he should be preaching cooperation. Unfortunately, our country is becoming dangerously caustic as the national political parties demonize each other. For anyone to compare government in the United States to Nazi Germany is completely out of control. I’ve know Rep. Clyburn as a friend and colleague for a long time, but I am appalled at what he has done by framing the Republican party or any group of people in such a way. This doesn’t help anyone! We are now letting 8% of extremists on the left and 8% of extremists on the right run this country. I hope everyone understands this and does everything they can to stop this highly-charged atmosphere that we have been in over the last six years. I hope Rep. Clyburn has the fortitude to apologize. He has enough experience to understand what he said is inflammatory, insulting and bad for our country.

Scott Richardson, former SC Rep., Sen. & director of insurance, Hilton Head

Historic conservation

Election day was a historic moment for conservation efforts in the Lowcountry. Voters in Beaufort, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties all elected to invest mightily in conservation efforts to help protect the land, water, and quality of life in their communities.

Collectively, these measures are expected to create nearly $200 million for conservation initiatives in Beaufort, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties!

As growth throughout the Lowcountry continues at unprecedented rates, residents across our region sent a loud and clear message that they support protecting the unique people, places, and wild things found along our coast.

This milestone success is the result of broad collaboration across the entire conservation community, and with residents, elected officials, county staff, business leaders, and many other stakeholders. This is a collective victory we can all be proud of!

Conservation in South Carolina has always been a cooperative effort supported by folks from across the social and political spectrum. These wins serve as a bright reminder that protecting our fields, forests, rivers, and rural communities is an effort we can all get behind.

Faith Rivers James, executive director S.C. Coastal Conservation League

Substitute teachers

I commend the vision of the Beaufort County School Board for instituting a salary increase for all new and returning teachers to Beaufort County in order to attract and retain quality educators. This salary increase puts BCSD as one of the highest paying districts in the state and has led to more teachers in classrooms and fewer students learning from less qualified people. I would like to challenge the school board to creatively think of ways to attract and retain quality substitute teachers. Unfortunately, when there’s not enough substitutes to fill vacant classrooms, schools tend to use their Reading/Math Interventionists to fill these spots, specifically in Title 1 schools. Often, these interventionists have many years of experience, are highly paid, and are specialists in their area. This results in hindering the progress of our most at-risk students who need to be served on a consistent basis. We live in an area with a very high retirement population, therefore reaching out to retirement communities could prove to be helpful. Offering more than $10 for unused sick days or using paras/aides could be a solution. Finding creative ways to hire more substitute teachers should be a high priority. Our students deserve it.

Jill Marie Pangle, Beaufort

Bad ban

The county council’s vote against allowing shipping containers to be used as “tiny homes” is short sighted. Of course they will be modified for livability — light, circulation, maintenance — and subject to appropriate codes. They provide an affordable opportunity for low-income home buyers and have been converted to look very attractive. Just look at some of these decrepit “houses” and trailers off our county roads! Many people in the world live in tents and cardboard boxes.

Kate MCclintic, Beaufort

This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 5:00 AM.