You can help 'MAP' a new course for South Carolina

e-mail this story discuss this issue in our forums Guest column • Stephen O'Neill: School district evades the spirit of state expulsion law (09/22/03) • L.D. Reamer: South Carolina's verdant landscape going to pieces (09/22/03) • Bill Harner: Greenville is serious about student achievement (09/20/03) • Gene and Champ Covington: United Way does matter (09/20/03) • Karen Kapp: Tanglewood Middle works to meet all students' needs (09/19/03) More details Ken Wingate, a lawyer in Columbia, is chairman of the Governor's Commission on Management, Accountability and Performance. He earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Gov. Sanford's executive order charges the MAP Commission with analyzing government systems and services in South Carolina in an effort to reduce costs, increase accountability, improve service, consolidate similar functions and return jobs to the private sector. The goal is to make South Carolina more competitive in a world economy and to increase customer satisfaction.

Government functions like information technology, human resources, transportation, procurement and facilities are being examined. Organizational structure, both in alignment between the agencies and within the agencies, is being re-evaluated. This bipartisan commission is asking tough questions and will make some tough suggestions.

We all have a vested interest in improving the way South Carolina does business. Major constituencies include state employees — the front-line workers who perform the services of state government; the general public — the "customers" whose satisfaction with the efficiency and effectiveness of state services must be the ultimate measure of success; and state leaders — whose willingness and ability in tough times to make tough decisions will be tested.

Can our political leaders embrace change? The answer in part depends on whether the people will use their voice to cry out for change.

Two specific sets of voices must be heard. The MAP Commission wants input from state employees and from citizens at large, suggesting ways to improve state government. We already have conducted focus groups with state employees and private citizens. We have conducted a scientific public opinion poll, the results of which will be released with our final report Sept. 30.

But we also have other ways for the voices to be heard. First, all citizens and employees are asked to complete a survey found at the commission's Web site (www.mapcommission.sc.gov).

Second, the MAP Commission will conduct six public hearings around the state in the next two weeks. The commission will hold a hearing in Greenville from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Verne Smith Building at Greenville Technical College. This format offers any person an opportunity to voice concerns or make suggestions to Gov. Sanford and members of the MAP Commission. You can either address the commission for up to two minutes or you may submit written comments.

We want to listen to your voice. Please respond to the online survey or attend one of the public hearings and tell us what you think.