SCDP Grand Strand Reception a hugh success

It couldn't have happened at a better (or worst) time.

The South Carolina Democratic Party held their Grand Strand Reception in Pawleys Island amidst hard times and a huge uncertainty along the coast. However, the message was plain and clear from each candidate in attendance: We must elect a Democratic governor in 2010.

Gubernatorial candidates - minus state Sen. Robert Ford - were drumming it up amongst donors and activists alike. In talking with the people in attendance, their message could have been broadcasted all over the state. It's a message that people need to hear. Republicans do not care for you in South Carolina. I, personally, was going through different motions in head.

I guess I was taken back a bit - to when I held a reception on Pawleys Island right before the January presidential debate held in Myrtle Beach. The emotion, the excitement and the need for something different was similar.

People tonight came back together. They realize what is in store for this state if we elect Republicans yet again. It was like I've been here before.

But there was something different. There was a candidate who became my STRONG second. Someone that I feel is possibly related to me - somewhere. I didn't feel this during the presidential campaign. I never had a strong second after John Edwards left the race. But there is one in this race.

That candidate is Mullins McLeod. I feel we were separated at birth. I was actually looking at my wife frequently when he was speaking because he was speaking with such energy, such vigor and such defiance to what's being done in S.C. now.

The problem I have with McLeod is I feel he won't make it out of the primary. I don't feel there are enough liberals - enough true Democratic supporters I shall say - that will put him over the top. It's sad, but true. McLeod has the chance to prove me wrong.

Vincent Sheheen has been my clear choice from the beginning. I like his style. I have seen what he's done for public education in the statehouse. He won me over with his speech right after Gov. Sanford's State of the State address.

Dr. Jim Rex was pleasant. It was actually the first time I met him. Go figure. I still disagree with his line of thinking in regards to running for governor, although he did explain it further tonight.

Dwight Drake is a smooth talker. Honestly, it was nice meeting the guy. Lobbyist? I really don't think we need such a person in the high office with that connotation.

So, I ask that all Democratic people in South Carolina get involved now. Start hosting meetings in your home and invite the candidates. Have them talk to seniors, to the unemployed and to the ones making it day by day.

Get them into your communities. They all have a good message.

But for what it's worth, my bet is on Vincent Sheheen or Mullins McLeod. They would do South Carolina well.

SCGOP names anti-voter Kincannon executive director

The Palmetto Scoop is reporting Mr. Anti-voter Todd Kincannon is in line to become the South Carolina Republican Party's executive director. Kincannon is going to replace Ryan Meerstein, who has served as Floyd’s right-hand man since she became chairman in May.

But why do I call him Mr. Anti-voter? Here's why...

Three absentee voter precincts were set to be open on Monday, allowing eligible absentee voters in North Augusta, Wagener and Aiken select a convenient office.

However this all changed thanks to the input, a letter, from one man - Todd Kincannon. So who is this Greenville County native who has taken an interest in Aiken County election politics?

An "avid gun collector" and strong gun laws supporter, Kincannon now gets a key position in the state party that only caters to a certain demographic - that's it. Who cares about voters, right? He now can use his title to basically effect every county in S.C.

On the eve of opening the three sites, however, a challenge to the action was made by an out-of-county attorney and it was determined not to open the sites. Todd Kincannon, parliamentarian for the state Republican Party, protested opening the absentee balloting locations in North Augusta, Wagener and at Kalmia Mall in Aiken. The decision not to open those sites makes it that much more difficult for the poor and the aged who qualify for absentee voting to do so. That is unfortunate.

It truly is.

McGowan responds to DeMint's remarks

From the McGowan campaign:

Democratic Candidate for United States Senate Chad McGowan today released the following statement on Senator Jim DeMint's admission that he's more interested in advancing conservative goals nationwide than he is in representing the interests of South Carolina.

"Having watched Senator DeMint over the years, I was disappointed but not surprised to read his comments on Sunday," said McGowan. "It's the same story over and over. Jim DeMint and his personal political ambitions come first. In times like these, we need TWO Senators who care about South Carolina, who advocate for South Carolina, and who produce for South Carolina. If we had that, we would be making real progress on some of the problems we face in our schools, employment, and crime."

DeMint has recently been in the national spotlight for publicly endorsing extreme right-wing conservative candidates in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York.

"An election in California or New York doesn't matter to the man or woman in South Carolina who can't find a job," McGowan stated. "This is a question of priorities."

"We only have two Senators, and both of them should stick up for South Carolina. If they won't, who will? You can be certain that the candidates DeMint is trying to help in other states are not going to do anything for us."

34-17... Yeah, I said it

Snead, I had to borrow this. As a 1999 alumnus, I want to plaster this post with some truth...

Looking deeper into Act 388: Richland County

I decided to dig a little more into the Act 388 with the county mentioned in the story WIS's Drew Stewart did. That county?

Richland.

John Cloyd is the tax assessor for Richland County. He says the problem lies within the way taxes are levied on properties. Properties sold more recently are taxed on their sale price. Homes that were sold before act 388 took effect are taxed at their most recent assessment value.

"If all of the properties are valued in a neighborhood at $100,000, and those were 2004 values, and someone buys a house for $130,000 in 2009, then they're assessed at $130,000," said Cloyd. "That's not fair and equitable taxation."

So folks like the Bennetts who bought property in the past two years are getting hit with the heaviest increases.

Plus, 2009 is a reassessment year for Richland County. Cloyd says because of the property value cap, more than $1 billion of property is going untaxed.

Now, let's look at who represents them in the statehouse: Democratic lawmakers Joe Neal, James E. Smith, Jr., Chris Hart, Todd Rutherford, Leon Howard, Joe McEachern, Anton Gunn, and Dr. Jimmy Bales. Republican lawmakers are Nathan Ballentine, James Harrison and Joan Brady.

So, let's see how the vote went when Act 388 came up. Session 166 (2005-06) has one on record. The bill passed 86-31. Some of these people did not vote (or were not in office), but let's see the votes of those who were.

The nays? James E. Smith, Todd Rutherford, Joe Neal, Leon Howard - all Democratic. The yeas? James Harrison, Joan Brady and Democratic lawmaker Dr. Jimmy Bales.

If you want to put blame on the people who increased your taxes - who said they wouldn't - then I suggest you look at the Republicans who control the state. Or DINOs. Your choice. They both play the parts. Republicans have always championed low/no taxes. Funny, they creep in... Democratic legislators know what taxes are meant for, what surpluses are meant for, and what revenue is meant for. It's not meant to blow all at one time.

Why blame DINOs? Because we actually have a few who sided with Republicans on this. I guess they had to cater to people who are primarily rich in their districts. I would like to see some of them explain it. They have their reasons. Hardcore Democratic activists have theirs as well.

Some say it's a tax swap. Please. Some property isn't even being taxed. No money - revenue - is coming in. Others, however, get the butt-end of the stick. That's not a swap, that's a beating.

Either way, public education and the middle class got screwed in favor of the rich.

Blaming the minority party in state that has been in that position for decades is like saying 'please excuse us from our mistakes, look at theirs before you call us out.' Sure, we have Democratic lawmakers who cater to specific people because when you are in the elected office you hold you do the best you can for all that put you there.

But Republicans have done the most damage to this state with their laissez-faire, free-market whirlwind. They have caused the large shortfalls in the state budget. They have produced the double-digit jobless numbers. They have a governor who is facing 37 ethics charges, hoping to have a legislature focus on that - rather than the important issues at hand.

Do the math. It's not hard to see that a majority of free-market, selfish thinkers care nothing about you.

Thank you

Ladies and Gentlemen.

According to the latest influence data this week from BlogNetNews.com, this blog has reached No.1 in S.C. All I can say is thank you.

I never got into this worrying about rankings, etc. I wanted people on the Democratic side of thinking to feel accepted. I wanted them to have a voice, but I also want them to use theirs as well. Doing this should give the people on the left some backbone, and seeing what we've accomplished with this ranking should say that there is power in numbers.

I am dedicated to making South Carolina a better place to live - for all of us. I do hope that the activism picks up on our side because 2010 needs us.

I thank all the readers and supporters out there and ask one thing:

Make it grow.

Thank you.

Complete rankings:

• The Politics of Jamie Sanderson (1)
• Wolfe Reports (2)
• Waldo Lydecker's Journal. (3)
• New Wars (4)
• Voting Under the Influence (5)
• FITSNews For Now (6)
• The Palmetto Scoop (7)
• SUNLIT UPLANDS (7)
• Wesley Donehue (9)
• Snead 303 (10)
• The Blogland of Earl Capps (10)
• SC6 (12)
• Cedar Posts and Barbwire Fences (13)
• S.C. Real Estate News (14)
• Patrick's Place (15)
• Indigo Journal (16)
• Blue South Carolina - A Progressive State of Mind (17)
• Roxanne's Blog (18)
• The Voice for School Choice (19)
• ...by Jeff Tompkins : The World Itself is a Satire (20)

Is DeMint worried about S.C.

Is your "freedom fighter" worried about losing his election in 2010? Heck no. As a matter of fact, he's dishing out money to other Republicans in different states who need it more - teabaggers.

The Sun News even touts him as a "kingmaker" in their story.

DeMint, who has met with or plans to interview 20 GOP candidates in eight states, has started doling out money from his Senate Conservatives Fund, a political action committee that's raised $1.45million -- most of it from supporters in other states.

DeMint's endorsements of former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio over Gov. Charlie Crist and California state Rep. Chuck DeVore over former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina put him at odds with other prominent Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and fellow South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.

That's right, people. This senator is living the life of extreme. He's going to shell out money for the wackos rather than worry about people in his own state. Furthermore, instead of actually giving a damn about the 12 percent who are jobless, he's going to continually tell you to fight for "freedom" and give him money.

Money he can use in other states to help his candidates.

Have fun donating.

In South Carolina, veterans who fought for your 'freedom' have none

A sad story today was published in The Sun News about a veteran who took his life because he was denied health care. A veteran who gave his all to this country and fought for the such "freedoms" U.S. Senator Jim DeMint uses sarcastically in his e-mail blasts. No, Jim. The freedom this person fought for was the real thing.

On the last day of his long, troubled life, Grover Cleveland Chapman packed a black duffel bag, washed out his coffee cup, put it in the dish rack and fetched his Smith & Wesson.

He threw away his favorite slippers and left his house key on his bedside table in the two-bedroom yellow bungalow he shared with his daughter, tucked in an aging neighborhood full of 1950s starter homes a few miles from downtown Greenville.

Harriett Chapman called as she always did on her morning break at the Wal-Mart deli, checking on her 89-year-old dad. Everything is fine, he told her.

But his fight goes deeper...

The VA turned down Chapman's PTSD claims a half-dozen times, even though psychiatrists mentioned he had elements of PTSD as early as 1990. For the rest of his life, his records make frequent reference to PTSD, but the VA kept denying his claim for extra disability without a great deal of explanation.

Chapman blamed his military service for the breakdown and asked the VA to pay him 100 percent disability. The military denied the problems were service-related, instead blaming the stress from dealing with his youngest daughter, Caroline, who had to be institutionalized with Down syndrome. The VA would eventually consider him 60 percent disabled from prostate problems he suffered during his service.

When are people going to get it? Are they going to continue telling people that military
personnel are just making things up in their head, there are other causes for their illness or that they simply don't have a problem?

In South Carolina, we've read a story where a veteran survived World War II. He fought against tyranny, against suppression and against a hostile regime. It seems to me, however, he came home and found the same thing he fought against in the form of our nation's health care system.

It, figuratively speaking, killed him.

South Carolina wants to continue selling out workers for profits

In unsurprising news, A South Carolina state representative and lt. gubernatorial hopeful wants to further stress our anti-union, Right to Work laws.

House Rep. Tim Scott is hoping more companies will follow. He is putting together the South Carolina Supplier Initiative, a resolution that will allow local and state governments to push the right to work status as a recruiting tool for new business.

He even boasts about these regressive laws as a godsend in bringing Boeing to Charleston - which politicos already knew.

“That to me was the lynchpin that brought Boeing to South Carolina, certainly the incentive package that we put together was a wonderful thing,” said Scott.

South Carolina doesn't say you have a right to work. It says you have a right to work without union representation, but you can benefit from what unions get - no matter if you pay dues or not.

Talk about freeloaders.

Tim Scott - selling out the people's need for corporate greed.

Do what? S.C. GOP gets away with more 'unregulation'

McClatchy Newspapers writer John O'Conner shares more truth in a story today on how the S.C. Republican Party would have no state oversight on their proposed legal defense fund. Howard Rich must have taught GOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd well.

State ethics laws have no rules regulating a state Republican plan to create a legal defense fund for election, ballot and candidate court issues. That means the public won't know who is donating money to candidates, and there are no limits on how much money can be contributed to the fund.

S.C. Republican Party Chairwoman Karen Floyd announced in September the party would begin collecting donations for a legal defense fund, a response, in part, to a libel lawsuit filed on behalf of Spartanburg Rep. Rita Allison. An anonymous mail piece sent to voters in Allison's district alleged Allison had an affair with Gov. Mark Sanford, for whom she worked as an adviser and legislative liaison.

Did you read that right? The public will not know who donates to the fund. The same way the public doesn't know who donates to S.C. Club for Growth or South Carolinians for Responsible Government.

The shade continues to grow. But who cares... As long as you people keep falling for the Red State Doctrine, the web of deceit will grow.

Sawyer provides more information on community meeting

Recently, I did an opinion piece on Georgetown City Councilman Paige Sawyer and his planned community meeting to be held at the City of Georgetown Police Department December 1st.

Seeing the frustration I had, Sawyer e-mailed me to share more information on this meeting - and others that could take place.

"If any body else had concerns or issues with some of our other parks, I'd be glad to help them with it. As for East Bay Park, I'm just responding to citizen's concerns. That is part of my responsibility. I'll be glad to do the same for you in Bayview or any other citizen in another neighborhood. I complain to the PD all the time about speeding in our city. It was one of my issues on my political website. I've asked for the mobile speed limit sign to be placed on different streets throughout our city. I've asked for "dummy" police cars to be parked on different streets throughout our city."

Thank you for the insight, Paige. You already recognize the problems without residential input, so I hope to see initiative on your part to hold more of these meetings - in the neighborhoods of the affected residents. I'll be more than happy have my home host one. You just let me know. And that offer goes for any city council member willing to hold one here for Bayview residents.

If there are residents in other areas of our city that would like to have such meeting, let's get our message out to these leaders, invite them into our homes and have others join us. Let's get more involved in out city and take more responsibility in taking care of it by holding the elected officials accountable.

First Lady Michelle Obama: Giving Thanks

Tomorrow, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks over a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy -- and let’s not forget pumpkin pie!

But for some in this country, the feast will not be as bountiful. In fact, it won’t be much of a feast at all. Hunger is on the rise in America -- hitting its highest levels in nearly 15 years. A recent report released by the USDA reveals that in 2008 an estimated 1.1 million children were living in households that experienced hunger multiple times over the past year.

To combat hunger this winter, we’re launching, in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor initiative -- a program that empowers you with all the resources you need to mobilize against the hunger crisis in your community. Learn how you can get started today:



Barack and I are committed to doing all we can to end hunger by making food programs more accessible to eligible families. But government can only do so much -- it will take all of us working together to put an end to hunger in America.

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get involved at Serve.gov. Find local volunteer opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering your professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with your neighbors. You can also create your own volunteer opportunity using our anti-hunger toolkit.

This holiday season let’s recommit to serving our communities and working together to feed American families. Get started giving back today.

Thank you,

Michelle

First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House

What about the rest of the city, Paige?

Interesting.

City leaders plan on hearing from East Bay Park residents on issues like speeding, vandalism and other illegal actions taking place.

Those are the complaints Georgetown City Councilman Paige Sawyer said he has been receiving from people who live in the East Bay Park area, which is why he has helped organize a special meeting to start to address the issue.

With all due respect, Paige, there are other areas of the city that need such meetings - in the neighborhoods - to address these types of issues. There's no mention of planned meetings after the one in this story.

“I am hoping there can be more of a police presence so we can make that area as safe as possible,” Sawyer said.

I am hoping for such action in my neighborhood: Bayview. My family and I encounter speeders all the time, some of which don't bother to even stop at the stop sign.

The renovations at the park here are in jeopardy because people actually drive right up to the playground equipment and leave their cars there. I have called the city police twice for this.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Georgetown Police Department on Highmarket Street.

Why? Could it not be held at East Bay Park? In the open? To show the people that there are those who take this seriously? It would be more effective in the neighborhood because people may not be able to travel to the police department.

I do hope that other meetings will be planned in the future, and that other council members will initiate the process.

Bayview, Maryville, the West End are just a few areas that come to mind.

SCDP: Don't forget Grand Strand Reception this Monday

43 Blockade Drive
Pawleys Island, SC
[Directions]

Individuals ~ 50 dollars

To RSVP Online, click here.

To RSVP in Person, contact Lindsey Maxwell at Lmaxwell@scdp.org or call 803-799-7798.

Paid for by the South Carolina Democratic Party - 1.800.841.1817 or www.scdp.org -
and not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate's committee.

Sheheen: Thanksgiving message to S.C. families

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I'm writing simply to say thank you. I want you to know how much I appreciate the time, energy, prayers, and financial support you've offered our family throughout these past nine months of campaigning. We will continue to rely on your support through the June 8 gubernatorial primary. We can't do this without you.

Yesterday we filmed a thank you video, and we've posted it on our blog. I encourage you to check it out. (Over the coming months, we'll be posting regular video updates from our campaign headquarters.)

As I reflect on how blessed my family and I are to have a warm meal to look forward to tomorrow, I'm mindful that there are many in South Carolina who are far less fortunate. Last Friday we learned that South Carolina's unemployment rate rose to 12.1% -- among the highest in the country, a deplorable distinction we've maintained for too long. This number has doubled in the last eight years, and these aren't just statistics. These are families in our communities whose Thanksgiving dinner may be meager tomorrow. They deserve better.

Working together, we can restore South Carolina's promise. But we're only going to fulfill the potential of our great state if we have a vested interest in each other and work together for our common good -- not just during the holidays but all year round.

Thank you again for your support, and have a safe and happy holiday.

From our family to yours,

Vincent, Amy, Austin, Joseph, and Anthony

MegaVote for S.C.'s 1st Congressional District - 11/25/09

"Do nothing" Henry Brown lives up to his nickname here...

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 Senate: Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 Senate: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed; Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 House: Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 House: Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 Editor's Note: Congress is now in recess for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate will return on Monday, November 30, and the House will return on Tuesday, December 1.

Recent Senate Votes

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 - Vote Passed (100-0) The Senate unanimously passed this $133.9 billion bill funding military construction projects and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate and House will now go to conference to work out differences between their versions of the bill. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (98-0, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill intended to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans and to improve veterans’ health care. It now goes to the House. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed; Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 - Vote Agreed to (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate voted to proceed to debate on this bill, which is being used as the vehicle for health care reform legislation. The Senate will begin debate following the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim DeMint voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (395-31, 8 Not Voting) The House approved this legislation that would reauthorize FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program through FY2014. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 - Vote Passed (243-183, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill to change the formula that determines the Medicare physician fee schedule, with the intention of preventing a 21 percent reduction in Medicare payments to physicians. It now goes to the Senate. Rep. Henry Brown Jr. voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio

Sen. DeMint forgets we already have term limits

Waterloo DeMint has forgotten we already have term limits. It's called elections. If people are sick enough of the lies, deceit and failures, they should vote you out, Jim.

But, they aren't. So, Waterloo DeMint is going further. I wonder whether this is a blacklist being put together for the Tea Party folks so they can see who doesn't support their crazy, extreme agenda.

It has to stop or we will never rebuild our economy and put America back on top.

That’s why I’m pushing my term limits bill in the Senate and why I’m calling on you to help now. We are recruiting a team of conservatives to stand with us. I need your help finding them today.

We have launched a new volunteer activation center at www.voterfetch.com. With Voter Fetch, you can call your neighbors and ask them to sign our Term Limits Petition at www.jimdemint.com.

Let's take a good look at this Sanford mess, shall we?

Look, I know as much as any liberal how nice it would feel to liberate this state from Governor Mark Sanford. I just hope people realize that there's another Republican next in line, one who wants to be the next governor, if that happens.

More than 30 ethic violations - 37 to be exact - are no laughing matter. No governor of South Carolina has been hit with such a similar blow. Should he pay for these? Yes. But taking him out of office, or spending time to do so, would only hurt this state even more and give republicans the higher ground.

We would be entrenched in a lengthy battle, friends. Our state would put the needs of our school children, the jobless, the uninsured and scores of others who need work dedicated to them on the back burner, in favor of a lame duck governor. To do what? Prove a point?

We knew eight years ago this clown wasn't up to snuff when he decided Howard Rich's money was too good to be true, took it and tried to buy legislation in favor of rich, private schools over poor, public schools. Why are they poor? Republicans.

It is also a well known fact that this governor grandstanded with the stimulus money and treated the people of South Carolina as guinea pigs, or circus monkeys, as well. Who supported him? Republicans.

No matter what, the Republicans of this state know what an impeachment would do. It would take the heat off the legislators who need to be called out for allowing Sanford to get away with all he has. It would allow them to slip through and not be held on the votes to sustain Sanford's vetoes. They would go back to jobless districts and have nothing to worry about because the news of the day would be Sanford, not them.

Who would benefit from an impeachment? Republicans. All the way to the polls in 2010.

I ask my fellow Democratic lawmakers, friends and voters to not push for Sanford's impeachment. Push for Republicans to help with the jobless. Push for Republicans to quit grandstanding, attacking Obama and get to work on South Carolina's problems.

He needs to answer for his ethics violations. Hold him accountable. But do not use valuable, limited time on a worthless politician who has already sealed his fate.

The 12.1 percent unemployed can't - and won't - take it. The thousands without healthcare won't take it if Rep. Tim Scott cuts choice before choice is an option in S.C.

Remember, 2010. Make your case for the elections by doing substantive work at the statehouse that you can bring home to the people who need it.

Sun News Column: GOP's cuts sever agencies' lifeblood

Here's my column, published in The Sun News:


Why has South Carolina lost revenue? Is it that hard of a question to answer?

I suppose it's a question that Republicans don't want to take any stab at because, frankly, they're to blame for the mess this state is in. Why do you think we're facing budget cuts, even more announced this month that add to the woes of our state's public education system? It's simple. We lack the revenue to support the agencies we depend on in this state.

The result? They get cut. And hundreds of thousands of students in this state suffer the consequences. The scores of jobless residents are put out. Basically, all people of the state have to feel the pain, unless you are rich.

One of the biggest mistakes the Republicans have made in this state: Act 388, [which replaced school operating taxes on owner-occupied homes with a new 1-cent sales tax]. Economists agree that more tax cuts have fueled the fire since 2008.

If we do not realize that taxes support the agencies created in this state, taxes are needed to make life livable and taxes are the lifeblood of a government's operating procedure, then we'll all be doomed to the Red State Doctrine. Tax cuts are why South Carolina loses revenue. The way to reverse the process? You tax accordingly.

But you're not going to see that if you continue to select-serving Republicans. It's your call.

You either vote for people who continually choose to put you in a downward spiral or vote for progressive leaders who want to see agencies in the black and people of the state with jobs, a great education system and better health care for its people.

The Shawn Mitchell Show November 22, 2009

The Shawn Mitchell Show November 22, 2009 by Shawn Mitchell Show


Sunday at 6am on The Shawn Mitchell Show we will discuss the news that Oprah is ending her show in 2011, Sarah Palin fakes out hundreds at a book signing in Indiana, and SC Politics with our guest Jamie Sanderson. Check out Jamie's blog: http://thepoliticsofjamiesanderson.blogspot.com/ . Join us Sunday morning at 6am on Star 99.7FM or www.star997.com The Shawn Mitchell Show "Speaking Truth 2 Power!"

Is what you seek that hard to find, SCGOP?

Venturing through the blogosphere, I saw this being promoted through the SCGOP.

According to the Obama Administration’s new website at www.recovery.gov, the jobs were created in South Carolina’s 16th, 43rd, 45th, 32nd and 12th Congressional districts. There’s just one problem. The Congressional districts are fake. South Carolina only has 6 Congressional districts.

Um, are you looking for the right information? It didn't take me long to find it.

Here it is:

Top Congressional Districts	Jobs	Amount
3rd congressional district	984.9	$1,747,063,063
6th congressional district	5,506.3	$840,402,996
1st congressional district	321.1	$682,419,366
2nd congressional district	517.5	$264,010,058
5th congressional district	188.4	$142,218,483
4th congressional district	576.3	$105,627,214
Unassigned congressional district	52.4	$40,729,993

Count'em, SCGOP. There's six with a category for unassigned as well. I guess the real story is the fact the Republican districts lag Democratic House Whip James Clyburn. And how about Republican Congessman Barrett? The guy who wants to be governor. His district has received the most money so far with mediocre job creation.

Is this the real statistics you want people not to see? That republicans continue to smokescreen the real truth?

Here's the whole truth right here. For specifics, here's just one example.

Blind to the people's needs, blind to the truth the SCGOP is. Funny, I haven't heard or seen them having a hard time finding the fact we're fifth in the nation in unemployment. I just haven't heard what they plan to do. Oh, wait...

Nothing.

Senate Dems reach 60, will move forward

WASHINGTON – Democratic leaders secured the last two votes to move ahead on historic health care legislation, clearing the way for a Saturday night showdown on President Barack Obama's top domestic initiative.

In long-awaited speeches, centrist Sens. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana said they would stand with their party and vote "yes" on the crucial test vote despite deep reservations with elements of the 2,074-page bill to remake the nation's health care system.

Read the full story here.

Current Georgetown mayor disregards steel mill in favor of IP

The announcement of a new mill manager at Georgetown's International Paper must have made current City of Georgetown Mayor Lynn Wood Wilson jump for joy - or at least let his comments do it for him. His words are a slap in the face to steelworkers, both hourly and salaried.

“Congratulations to Miss Debby and to Jeannine, too,” Georgetown Mayor Lynn Wood Wilson said when contacted by the Georgetown Times. “The mill is such an asset to our town. We’ve all been touched by IP. Their families are involved. We appreciate all they do for the community.”

I wonder where the excitement was when International Steel Group opened the steel mill up in 2004 after a prolonged shutdown?

Well, I did find what he said when the mill ceased operations before the purchase.

"Where we go from here is a good question, because something of this magnitude has never happened," said Georgetown Mayor Lynn Wood Wilson. "We'll ... try to rebuild this community."

From what I remember, he really didn't do much to help rebuild. It was union leadership that rode buses to attend court hearings, swaying the court in favor of the mill opening up with a company that intended to run it.

But, that's small news. Well, not to city council.

Mr. Johnson told Council these are very difficult issues. With the Steel Mill situation and our economy in general, the City needs to reduce operations or increase revenues by $1,000,000 a year. Eighty percent (80%) of the anticipated Steel Mill taxes were budgeted for this year as well as their full business license fee. He did say some taxes would be paid: we just don’t know when or how much. Some changes will have to be in effect by January 1, 2004, because this impacts current year revenue. If nothing is done, the audit for next year will show a huge deficit.

The same tune is being played this time, too. They know what affects their budget.

But what did Wilson say about the closing this time?

"I don't know what to say about it."

Yeah, and it's probably a comment that cost you the mayor post this summer. But it goes deeper.

"The reality is, if it does or does not, the city will move on. We'll deal with it and continue to be the wonderful city that we are."

Indeed... As long as we have "such an asset" like IP, forget the steel mill.

Funny, the city's budget can't forget.

Remembering GHS teachers: Sandra Lee Hunt

I started getting nostalgic about my years at Georgetown High School. As a Class of 1995 alumnus, I wanted to do something I haven't seen done in the blogosphere yet: Honoring S.C. teachers of years past.

I start today.

For those who remember, Sandra Lee Hunt was a Spanish teacher at Georgetown High in the 1990's. She was named Teacher of the Year in Georgetown County in 1990, and South Carolina's Spanish Teacher of the Year in 1994. Great accolades.

It's a shame we couldn't keep her here in the county.

She moved on, and the accomplishments grew.

"Best All-Around Teacher" & "Most Dedicated Teacher" - Tift County HS - 2001, 2002; Atlanta Journal Constitution's Honor Teacher Award - 2001; Teacher of Excellence Award - Tift Education Foundation - 2001; "Be Your Best" Teaching Award - one of 10 national recipients - 2001; National Board Certification Scholarship winner; Georgia's Teacher of the Year - finalist - 1998; Teacher of the Year - Douglas County (GA)
School System - 1997

In 2003, she was named Foreign Language Association of Georgia (FLAG) Teacher of the Year.

Teacher of the Year 2003 - Sandra Hunt, - Tift County High School, Tift County Schools.

For 32 years, Ms. Hunt has taught Spanish, German, Italian, and French in five different states.

She has received numerous awards throughout her teaching career. The Foreign Language Association of Georgia (FLAG) selects one foreign language teacher annually as the most outstanding foreign language teacher in the state of Georgia and Ms. Hunt was selected for 2003.

Kudos.

I am honored to have been taught by her. Muchas, muchas gracias, Señorita Hunt.

Asking my state representatives to stand against H. 4171

To the Honorable Representatives Vida O. Miller and Carl Anderson,

I would like to commend you both for standing and voting for Democratic principles when able. In a Republican-controlled state house, it's hard to do such a noble task. Even more so, you should be commended on your search for bipartisanship, and in rare times, finding it. Your accomplishments speak volumes.

But now's the time to act for the majority of the people in South Carolina: The middle class and the poor. It's time to stand up for the people who need it the most.

This state has been dominated with Republican policy for decades. We still get mocked for leaving a racist flag on our state house grounds, grounds the taxpayers pay to keep. We hover in the 12-percent range for unemployment, tying a summer record. We lose jobs more than we gain. We continually keep giving tax cuts to the rich while burdening the poor even more. When's it enough for the two of you? We sell out public education to take care of the rich. We do nothing to fix the problems we are in.

The latest insult to the majority of people, the people struggling with health care costs, is Rep. Tim Scott's waste of a bill. In H.4171, he calls for the "THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA HERBY "OPTS OUT" AND DECLINES TO HAVE THIS PUBLIC PLAN OPTION APPLY TO OR BE AVAILABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE."

Boldly.

How can one person be so cold to the many needs of the people of South Carolina? Can you support such a dismal proposal? Can you face the voters if you do?

The Senate bill hasn't even come to a vote and Rep. Scott wants to eliminate choice before choice can even come to life. How's that for compassion?

I urgently ask that something be said by the both of you now in efforts to stop any momentum this may pick up in our state. We already know we need to vote out the dominating party. It's your job to stand up for us so that we may stand up for you.

Looking forward to your statement in this regard.

I Want To Win A Cruise with Air America

That's right.

Air America wants to reward one lucky member of the progressive blogosphere with a free cruise through the Mexican Riviera from March 6 - 13, 2010 with Gov. Howard Dean, Rachel Maddow, Robert Kennedy Jr, Ron Reagan, and other leading progressives.Simply nominate your favorite progressive blogger.

I am asking my readers to nominate me as that progressive blogger.

The top FIVE bloggers with the MOST nominations will be entered into a second voting round where Air America readers will vote again on the top five entries.

• First voting round: November 16th - December 3rd, 2009

• Second voting round: December 4th - December 17th, 2009

• Winners announced: December 21st, 2009

Thank you in advance. I hope to at least get one vote. Good luck to the others competing for this.

What joy! S.C. jobless rate rises to 12.1 percent

Republicans rejoice!!!

The state's unemployment numbers are out for October. State GOPers, have fun explaining this.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The unemployment rate in South Carolina rose nearly half a percentage point in October, returning to a record level of 12.1 percent set earlier this year, the state agency that calculates the rate said Friday.

The Employment Security Commission also said it had revised September's rate up 0.1 percentage points, to 11.7. Nationally, South Carolina's unemployment again ranked fifth-highest in the country, behind Michigan (15.1), Nevada (13.0), Rhode Island (12.9) and Colorado (12.5), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

South Carolina's 12.1 percent, which tied the state's record unemployment first reached this summer, marked a decline after several months of relative stability.

O.K. So, we're back at summer's levels. Fifth-highest in the land.

How important is 2010 again, people? Important enough to get out of double-digit jobless numbers? Important enough to stop wasting time on fears and untruths?

If we end up with Republican rule in this state in 2010, thank yourselves for putting yourselves under the gun - and out of jobs, out of health care and out of money.

Now more people have begun looking for work again, though many without success as construction and manufacturing continued cut backs, said Sam McClary, labor market analyst for the S.C. Employment Security Commission.

Still nearly 1,100 jobs were added in October from September. The biggest increases came from temporary agencies as well as government with more school-related hires and retail where stores began holiday season hiring ramp-up, McClary said.

Hey, Lynn Mueller. That letter you wrote to President Obama. Do you want to send another, stating you now know that small businesses aren't enough to support the revival of our economy? That the state needs manufacturing and industrial jobs as well? I'll let you decide.

Retail stores will cut those jobs after the holidays -seeing the potential of a dismal season - to cut costs.

No, there is no small-business savior plan to help rejuvenate our state's economy.

But the state job count is down 60,500 from a year ago and down nearly 95,000 than Dec. 2007 when the recession began.

Republicans, you control the state. Have so for decades. To blame a president with less than a year in office shows how stupid people can be. Republican governor. Republican state Senate. Republican state House. Tax give away/holiday to any business. All this going on for more than 10 years. 5th highest national unemployment rate.

Explain this to the people, without the federal government rhetoric.

To S.C. Dems: Leave Sanford where he is

With the latest news about the misguided South Carolina governor, I suggest one thing to statehouse Democratic lawmakers: Leave the continuing gift right where he is.

Governor Mark Sanford has proven to be ill-advised leader, a shrewd politician, an outspoken critic against the stimulus, a advocate for private school vouchers paid for by public money, and a hard-nosed libertarian.

Leave him where he is. Let him suffer.

In his efforts to bring jobs to this state, he touts Boeing. Well, Sanford, if it's so good, show the incentives you gave the company now instead of waiting years to do so. Show us what the taxpayers gave up for this to happen. We already know of the promise in not having to worrying about unions. This state is Right-to-Work. Expose the rest.

His lack of leadership has led this state into the downward trend we are in. His favoritism for the rich has lead to the back-breaking of the poor. His turned-eye to needed state support of public education has pushed us further down the drain.

Let's all agree he's a political failure for this state. But as far as the gift-giving to the state Dems, he's a winner.

The more he sits in office and brews on lack of accomplishments, the more we make the case to the South Carolina people that Republicans do not care about the less fortunate.

Leave him be. It's far better to exploit the misadventures than to argue against someone who takes his spot who already wants to be governor.

We just make the case for Bauer, friends.

I don't want to do that. Let him earn it.

Dobbs speaks on Brown's veterans' message

Here's a press release from the Dobbs' campaign in regards to Henry Brown:

Georgetown, SC - Congressional candidate Robert Dobbs (SC-1, D) made the following statement concerning Rep. Henry Brown’s (R, SC-01) statement honoring the nation’s veterans.

Dobbs said, “As Henry Brown honors our nation’s veterans, as he should, Henry Brown continues to support placing our nation’s military members in harms way in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These corrupt countries, Afghanistan and Iraq, have received billions of dollars a year in U.S. and other foreign support, yet they are among the world's most corrupt governments. It is time to honor our young men and women by bringing them back home to be with their families and ensure our nation’s security in other hot spots in the world.”

Oversight and controls for more than $40 billion in U.S. funds to rebuild Afghanistan have been mismanaged and the United States continues to put billions of dollars into the Afghanistan government even though the Afghanistan government continues to lose control of its country.

According to the U.S. Special Investigator General for Reconstruction in Iraq, about $3 billion to $5 billion in U.S. aid for rebuilding Iraq has been wasted since 2003.

Dobbs continued, “Being a disabled military veteran, I understand the sacrifices our young men and women and their families make. I applaud them for their service to our country, but a continuation of the failed policies in Iraq and Afghanistan are not honoring these brave soldiers’ sacrifices.”

Robert Dobbs, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is running for Congress in South Carolina’s First District.

Mayor-elect Scoville answers questions, provides insight into his term

The City of Georgetown elected a new mayor earlier this month, in a deafening tone may I say. With that, Democratic mayor-elect Jack Scoville has some challenging endeavors proposed, hurdles to jump and people to convince.

I asked Scoville some questions that just might provide insight to what his term may look like. Let's start with his most appealing, yet controversial goal: Free internet for city residents. I also asked how soon this could become a reality.

"This will not be done immediately. We need to convert our water and electric meters to be read electronically via WiFi. This will result in more efficiencies and allow us to cut five staff positions. The savings from the salaries will cover the costs of implementing this system in about six years," Scoville said.

"We also need a WiFi system for our police, building department, and other departments so staff may carry laptops with them into the field and be online at all times. We have already implemented a city wide fiber optic system that is underused. Adding additional capacity to this system to allow city wide internet service will not cost much more. Hopefully this can be done within about three years."

So, cutting five jobs will allow for funds to implement free internet for city residents. No more human meter readers, I suppose, since reading them could be done virtually, if Scoville's idea becomes reality.

Asked about potential costs to give city residents free internet, Scoville responds with this.

"The big cost is the hardware, i.e., the fiber optic, which is already there, and the receivers, which we will install for the city’s use anyway when we upgrade the meters. Making the system available to the public should not cost much in addition."

Scoville proposed an economic development director for the city during the campaign, so I asked him whether he's found someone or not for that position and how soon we could see someone in that position.

"I have no one in mind. The position will have to be defined by City Council but I would want a college graduate with experience in economic development matters and public relations. I hope we can put that position in place as soon as funds can be found for the salary and a person hired. In reality, we are probably looking at next fiscal year before this can be implemented."

The next item up for discussion was the steel mill. Scoville says he's willing to sit down with labor and corporate officials if the mill is not open by the time he takes office. He also said he would reach out to mill employees in an attempt to show that the city cares about them as well as tourism.

I would love to see this happen.

Referring to his economic plan in regards to parking, Scoville doesn't say whether or not we'll see parking meters on Front Street specifically, but offers this instead.

"With the opening of the new court house on Cleland Street, a lot of parking pressure was taken off Front Street. The public parking areas on Orange and Screven Street are rarely full now. The biggest problem is signage directing people to these areas. That needs to be upgraded using the banners suggested by the Charette. We also need aggressive ticketing on Front Street and employers need to make sure employees don’t park on Front Street. We need to look at making the maximum time one can park on Front Street three instead of two hours."

I wonder how the businesses will feel about employees not taking up Front Street parking. Even some employers park in those spaces.

And now, government transparency. I have been pressing candidates on the trail before the election for their positions. Few responded. Mayor-elect Scoville finally shares his views on this.

"The City bought and installed cameras in the Council Chamber a couple of years ago but because we lost our information technology director, that project has stalled. I intend to get it back on track so we can broadcast over Channel 12 and other municipal access stations. I intend to have the City be entirely open subject to legal, contractual, personel and other constraints as allowed by the FOIA. I want the City to have its own Facebook Page to post items of interest about the City, and be available for questions and comments by citizens."

Well, with the mayor-elect and Paige Sawyer on record supporting televised meetings, I suggest we as residents push for the others to get on board.

An open-door policy? Scoville thinks the issue has been addressed.

"I think the open door policy has been addressed to a large degree. Someone is supposed to be answering the phone now. Like any business, however, people have to go to lunch, etc., and there is not always someone available to cover for them. That should be a very rare occurrence, though."

Time will tell, I guess.

And finally, Scoville shares his views on Harborwalk.

"Yes but I would like to see some changes. At present there is no focus, no reason to have it other than for a festival. I would like to see become a fundraising event for some worthy cause such as the Winyah Auditorium, Rice Museum, Kaminski House, etc. Also, it needs to be moved to the spring when it is cooler. Now it is held at the peak of tourist season. This made sense when we were using it to educate people about the Harborwalk, but that is no longer necessary. Having it on a weekend when tourists are not already here in full force as they are the week before the Fourth of July would help downtown businesses."

Act 388 helps rich get by scot free

From WIS 10 - Drew Stewart:

WIS News 10 viewer Veda Bennett recently opened her 2009 property tax bill for some land she owns in Richland County. Expecting a modest amount, she got the shock of her life.

"It made me sick," said Bennett of the tax bill.

In 2008, the Bennetts paid about $1,000 in taxes, but for 2009, the bill increased to around $2,300.

It gets worse...

John Cloyd is the tax assessor for Richland County. He says the problem lies within the way taxes are levied on properties. Properties sold more recently are taxed on their sale price. Homes that were sold before act 388 took effect are taxed at their most recent assessment value.

"If all of the properties are valued in a neighborhood at $100,000, and those were 2004 values, and someone buys a house for $130,000 in 2009, then they're assessed at $130,000," said Cloyd. "That's not fair and equitable taxation."

So folks like the Bennetts who bought property in the past two years are getting hit with the heaviest increases.

Plus, 2009 is a reassessment year for Richland County. Cloyd says because of the property value cap, more than $1 billion of property is going untaxed.

Did you read that right? UNTAXED.

Act 388 is doing a fine job, huh... That's O.K. People get rewarded for screwing others.

Charleston resident Emerson Read's crusade against property taxes resulted in sweeping changes in South Carolina, and prompted Gov. Mark Sanford to present him with the state's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.

Here's more truth...

In Charleston, where owners of the city's most valuable properties watched their property tax bills drop by thousands of dollars in 2007, Read was given a humanitarian award by The French Society.

The Act 388 property tax reductions for homes were indeed popular, but an analysis by The Post and Courier found that they have made the state's budget crisis worse in several ways.

An $81 million shortfall in the sales tax collections that were supposed to fund property tax relief will account for about 15 percent of the gap anticipated in the next state budget. That means the state will have to cut spending elsewhere to pay for property tax breaks.

That was not supposed to happen.

Well, it did.

"We traded the most unpopular but most stable tax, the property tax, for the least unpopular but most unstable tax, the sales tax," state Board of Economic Advisors Chairman John Rainey said. "It's all snowballing."

It's time to repeal Act 388.

The law limited increases in assessed value to 15 percent every five years. That means the owners of quickly appreciating property such as waterfront homes and homes in trendy subdivisions will pay a lower share of taxes than other homeowners.

Act 388 was a hastily passed law that was aimed at appeasing taxpayers angered by rising property taxes. It was not well thought-out. It has eroded the local control of city, county and school budgets. It has benefited wealthy homeowners by allowing them to pay taxes on less than the full value of their homes. It replaced stable property tax income for local bodies with unstable state funding. It has been a disaster.

Lawmakers should fix their mistake.

Good news, bad news with Senate health care bill information

There is some good news and some bad news with the just released CBO statistics of the Senate's health care bill.

The health care bill--which includes an opt-out public option--will require $849 billion over 10 years in new spending, to be paid for with cuts to Medicare, while reducing the deficit by $127 billion.

In that time it will extend coverage to 31 million Americans--94 percent of citizens will be covered.

Over the second 10 years, CBO projects even greater cost savings--up to $650 billion, with the caveat that after 10 years, their analyses become highly uncertain.

Pertaining to South Carolina, the idea of an opt-out public option should be fresh on people's minds. I shared the prefiled bills for our state yesterday. I do hope you paid attention to Rep. Tim Scott's bill.

H. 4171 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL LAW MANDATE THAT ALL CITIZENS WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS PURCHASE OR SECURE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGH A RANGE OF OPTIONS ONE OF WHICH IS TO PURCHASE OR SECURE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGH A PUBLIC PLAN UNDERWRITTEN IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THE PUBLIC PLAN PERMITS STATES TO "OPT OUT" OF THIS PUBLIC OPTION, THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA HERBY "OPTS OUT" AND DECLINES TO HAVE THIS PUBLIC PLAN OPTION APPLY TO OR BE AVAILABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.

O.K. Cards are on the table. How important are our state elections in 2010?

You decide.

And remember, you already have traitor Dems supporting Scott for his statewide seat run.

More than $50 million for green jobs training, but where's the press?

Did you see this anywhere in the corporate media? I haven't. Not locally. A place where unemployment is the trend, the norm and the fad. I'll ask a better question.

Where are DeMint, Graham, Brown, Inglis, Wilson, Barrett and the local Republicans on this?
In the wind?

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced nearly $55 million in green jobs grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants will support job training and labor market information programs to help workers, many in underserved communities, find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.

"Today's announcement is part of the administration's long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic growth and a clean energy future. It's an investment that will help American workers do well while doing good," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These grants provide an immediate return, and they are part of a larger green initiative that will help lead to increased job placements and promote economic growth."

The two categories of grant awards announced today are: State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants and Green Capacity Building Grants. Both will be administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.

Green Capacity Building Grants, totaling $5.8 million, will increase the training capacity of 62 current Labor Department grant recipients through a variety of strategies, and will offer training opportunities to help individuals acquire jobs in expanding green industries. These grants will help serve underserved communities. Targeted communities include American Indians, women, at-risk youth and farm workers.

Hmm... Women. At-risk youth. Farmers.

Yes, all of those are in South Carolina. Farmers could greatly benefit from this. Why are the Republicans not championing this to their voters, their supporters, their lifeblood of the South?

Keep asking the questions. You'll get no answers. But hey, this is Red State Doctrine territory. Eat it up.

Paige Sawyer and I actually agree on government transparency

Who’d of thought it? A “true” conservative and a liberal actually agreeing on something. Well, to be honest, openness in our city government should not be a party ideology.

It should be common sense.

I decided to have Georgetown City Councilman Paige Sawyer answer some questions that have been peaking in my mind after his successful re-election. I am pleased to share them with you.

Sawyer and I share the same motivation for government transparency. It’s about the people. City residents pay taxes. If we are asked to pay more to fund certain city functions, then we believe the people should know how it gets done. The people have a right to know how their money is being spent in the city.

Seeing the good that comes out of our city government with transparency, I asked Sawyer why the hold up. What are the roadblocks in front of open government for the city?

“Convincing other elected officials to think the same way,” Sawyer responded. Really? The lone Republican is for it? What does that mean? To me, I see our Democratic council members not leading the charge on an issue that is a win-win for both sides. The people get to interact with their government and the council members build a better, more responsive voter base.

Sawyer then shared his recent history in regards to our city being transparent.

“Earlier this year, the state comptroller general was urging local governments to offer online viewing of their finances. I thought it was a good idea and asked the city's administrator and finance director to see if this could become a reality for our city. It worked and I'm pleased with the results.”

So am I. It feels good to see where the money goes. It suppresses the rumor mill. It shows numbers. I was also pleased with Jeanette Ard, who won a seat on council and will take office in January, and her diligence to provide transparency.

Now, I get to a campaign issue I pushed for a while, with no decent response from a few: Televised city council meetings. Sawyer had this gem to offer.

“During my first term on city council (1996-2000), I suggested that we televise our meetings. Time Warner even came to two meetings and taped them so they could be shown at a later date on one of their channels. Some of the other council members were not happy with having the meetings televised so it was dropped. I would like all of our residents to have the opportunity to see their government at work. You can view state and federal government in session. Local government effects more people than state and federal government and I think residents should be able to see what their local government is doing. “

So, we’ve been down the road. We’ve actually had a chance to make this happen. Why not make it happen? It’s really past due. I urge our city council to find the way, the means and the resolve to enact televised meetings. Our city residents deserve it. It’s about the people who elected you in good faith.

Then, there was a key comment Sawyer offered up to me that I actually agree with 100 percent.

“I don't see transparency in government as being Democrat or Republican. I see it as a way of being honest with the citizens who have faith in you as their elected official.”

Exactly. The idea of a chosen few being allowed to participate should be over. We have partisan elections in the city because parties’ principles do shine through with our council’s actions. But I feel partisanship should be laid aside for the common good of the people and being transparent is that common good.

No matter how I feel about Sawyer and his stance on many issues, this is one I totally support. And using this premise, our other council members should be enacting more transparency to show honesty towards our city residents. I, for one, am sick of rumor mills in the city. I think Sawyer feels the same way.

“Folks are usually upset and skeptical with their government and I think more transparency is a way to relieve them of some of their fears, misconceptions and never ending rumors.”

Indeed.

With this column, I hope people can forgo the constant battery of attacks on people who actually have good ideas and solutions. Instead, why not push the people in power that will take office in January to do something about the lack of transparency in our city government.

Sure, we could start now. Let’s build a foundation for the mayor-elect and incoming members. It will benefit us all in the long run.

Georgetown's IP gains new mill manager

Jeannine Siembida, former Franklin, Virgina, International Paper mill manager, gets her shot to manage the Georgetown's IP mill.

How nice.

The Franklin mill manager stood before the media and dumfounded community leaders a few weeks ago and delivered the equivalent of a swift kick in the gut: the announcement that the mill would close by next spring, putting 1,100 people out of work. On Monday came the news that Siembida already has landed on her feet — as manager of an IP mill in Georgetown, S.C.

She replaces Debby Feck, who been promoted to vice president of manufacturing for coated paperboard for International Paper. Feck has a long history of supporting political candidates that have constantly voted against workers' rights and necessities. U.S. Congressman Henry Brown and former congressman and Gov. Mark Sanford are just two.

But what does Siembida bring to the table? The fact that she has a mill closed under her belt? Well, she has donated money to IP's PAC, of course. The International Paper political action committee gave $313,999 to federal candidates in the 2006 election cycle - 14% to Democrats, 86% to Republicans.

I wonder what's on the horizon?

Some of her critics, irresistibly, have deemed Siembida the “grim reaper,” offering the good folks of Georgetown some words of caution: Enjoy your mill while it’s still there.

Prefiled statehouse bills recorded, a few stand out

It's that time of the year again. The House in Columbia has prefiled bills. The full list can be found here.

Some stand out...

H. 4190 (Word version) -- Rep. Sellers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3890 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO USE A HANDHELD WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WHILE DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATING THIS PROVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO THE SCHEDULE OF POINTS ASSIGNED TO VARIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT USING A HANDHELD WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WHILE DRIVING IS A TWO POINT VIOLATION.


H. 4189 (Word version) -- Rep. Bowen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3890 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE TEXT MESSAGING, TEXTING, RECEIVING, OR READING TEXT MESSAGES OR PRINTED READING MATERIALS, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.


H. 4181 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SO AS TO ADD A NEW SECTION PRESERVING THE FREEDOM OF SOUTH CAROLINIANS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROVIDING OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES, BY PROHIBITING ANY LAW, REGULATION, OR RULE TO COMPEL AN INDIVIDUAL, EMPLOYER, OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO PARTICIPATE IN A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, BY ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES WITHOUT PENALTIES OR FINES FOR THESE DIRECT PAYMENTS, BY PROVIDING THAT THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS MUST NOT BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, REGULATION, OR RULE, BY PROVIDING THOSE INCENTIVES IN WHICH THE RIGHTS PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY, AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS.


H. 4171 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL LAW MANDATE THAT ALL CITIZENS WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS PURCHASE OR SECURE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGH A RANGE OF OPTIONS ONE OF WHICH IS TO PURCHASE OR SECURE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGH A PUBLIC PLAN UNDERWRITTEN IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THE PUBLIC PLAN PERMITS STATES TO "OPT OUT" OF THIS PUBLIC OPTION, THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA HERBY "OPTS OUT" AND DECLINES TO HAVE THIS PUBLIC PLAN OPTION APPLY TO OR BE AVAILABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.


H. 4201 (Word version) -- Rep. G. A. Brown: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN THIS STATE MAY NOT BE RECOGNIZED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2010, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR A COMMON LAW MARRIAGE EXISTING AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 20-1-360 RELATING TO THE VALIDITY OF A MARRIAGE CONTRACTED WITHOUT THE ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE.


H. 4206 (Word version) -- Rep. G. R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-305 SO AS TO ALLOW THE INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE IN A CIVIL ACTION OF THE USE OF A CELL PHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC HANDHELD COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AT THE TIME OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Please notice the health-care related bills sponsored by Republican Tim Scott, the same Scott supported by Dems in his run for lieutenant governor.

I would hate to be known as a Dem supporting such a follower of tea-party principles.

AGAIN, to Dems who have publicly come out in support for Scott, here's the wording from his bill:

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA HERBY "OPTS OUT" AND DECLINES TO HAVE THIS PUBLIC PLAN OPTION APPLY TO OR BE AVAILABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.

Care to reevaluate, friends?

Arrangements for Dot Davis

E-mail Visit Guest Book

PAWLEYS ISLAND |Dorothy May Davis, 76, died Monday, November 16, 2009 at her residence.

Born in Portage DeSioux, Missouri, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Ursa Bennett.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Davis of Pawleys Island; three daughters, Diane Kay Davis-Waller of Okemos, Mich., Karen Denise Davis of Lansing, Mich. and Kimberly Dawn Renninger of Powell, Ohio; a sister, Clara Jane Reese of St. Charles, Mo.; five grandchildren, Jacob Fortuna, Charles Waller, Charlotte Renninger, Chelsea Renninger and Edward Waller.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 19, 2009 at St. Pauls Waccamaw United Methodist Church.

Family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Pawleys/Litchfield Chapel.

Please sign a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com and at TheSunNews.com.

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

==========================================================

Sorry for the delay, but here is the information for the services:

Wednesday: Viewing, 6-8 pm

Gold Finch Funeral Home

Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel

202 Hinnant Ln.

Pawleys Island, 29585

Off of Hwy 17 on the West side just North of Sonic and behind Bove restaurant

Thursday: Funeral, 11 am

St. Paul’s Methodist Church

Hwy 17

Pawleys Island, 29585

Accommodations: Hampton Inn

150 Willbrook

Pawleys Island, SC

843-235-2000

Arrangements have been made for special pricing, $69/night, directly beside the Church. Mention Davis party when making reservations to get special pricing.

Davis Residence address if needed

84 St. Annes Pl.

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

843-237-3542