By David Williams
Independent-Mail
September 24, 2003

CLEMSON — Gov. Mark Sanford covered nearly as many topics as there were dishes at the 2003 Oconee County Industry Appreciation Banquet Wednesday night.

The governor was the special guest speaker for the Greater Seneca Chamber of Commerce and Oconee County Economic Development Commission’s salute to the county’s more than 60 industries.

"I’m here to say thank you to the people in the private sector for going out to make a difference in people’s lives," Gov. Sanford said. "The people in business are not thanked enough."

The first-term Republican governor pointed to the event’s program that noted in 2002 Oconee County industries supported more than 8,000 jobs, paid more than $262 million in salaries and $30.5 million in county taxes.

"I admire what you are doing," the governor said. "How many times is a business person’s name at the base of a bridge or on a road. All too often politics gets too much credit."

The governor also told a light-hearted story of how he and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., became fast friends while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sen. Graham is the godfather of the governor’s youngest son, Blake.

When introducing Sen. Graham during one function, the governor accidentally said Sen. Graham was the father of the governor’s child.

Following the roar of laughter, the governor hinted at his move to reorganize state government and make several elected positions, including the state superintendent of education, appointed posts.

"There is a lack of unity in Columbia," Gov. Sanford said. "We do not have a unified management structure. With restructuring, we will have a unified system and get cost-effective and good service out of state government."

Gov. Sanford said it was important not to have conflicting signals and to use the tough times facing South Carolina to think differently and make changes.

The governor said the General Assembly in January will be looking at a $350 million hole, and with the carry-over deficit from last year, the deficit could easily top $500 million.

"Sure it’s a crisis, but it is also a real opportunity to take the energy and make change," Gov. Sanford said.

Gov. Sanford said the Commerce Department already has been reduced from 11 divisions to four, the Corrections Department has taken innovative steps in agriculture to raise food for sale and to feed inmates and the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is looking at ways to market the state.

Gov. Sanford also said he hopes to work with the General Assembly in finding a way to reduce the state’s 7 percent income tax.

"It’s the highest tax in the Southeast," the governor said.

David Williams can be reached at (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at williamsde@IndependentMail.com.

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