Gov. Mark Sanford's decision
regarding use of a BMW-donated vehicle will be praised
for its symbolism.
Equally, it will be questioned
in an age of cynicism about politicians'
motives.
Sanford on Monday announced he is
instructing the State Law Enforcement Division to
transfer use of a BMW X-5 Sport Utility Vehicle
currently assigned to the governor's security detail to
the S.C. Highway Patrol and Department of Commerce for
dual use by those state entities.
"I learned
today that BMW was making this automobile available to
my family," Sanford said. "Although this car has been
used by former first families, I didn't feel comfortable
personally accepting it. We've got a Chevy Suburban
that'll work just fine for our personal
needs.''
That such a decision would be a
principled one for Sanford should come as no surprise.
He is not the typical politician, with a congressional
record that proves the point.
Remember, Mark
Sanford ran and won as a reformer among young
Republicans in Congress. He supports term limits and
left office as pledged. He said the federal government
spends to much and voted even against money coming back
to his home district in Charleston.
He vowed the
same conservative ideals as governor of South Carolina,
taking over amid a budget crisis that does not offer
opportunity for major new initiatives and
outlays.
Not surprising then is Sanford's
practical recommendation for what to do with the
BMW.
"Believe me, as much as Jenny, the boys and
I would love to have such a wonderful car parked out
back, I think it's important to remember the budget
crunch we're facing as a state. Letting the Highway
Patrol have another vehicle to bolster its fleet and
then giving Commerce a nice 'Made in South Carolina'
economic development tool just strike me as better uses
for this car than running the first family's
errands."
The symbolic act it is, the Sanford
action is important. Just as opposing one government
grant from Washington won't slow federal spending, one
action by the governor won't solve the budget crisis.
Lots of little things add up, however.
To date,
Sanford also has eliminated the $80,000 Governor's
Mansion director's position, reduced the salaries of his
communications staff by nearly a third from the previous
two administrations and placed the State Homeland
Security office under SLED's
authority.
"Ultimately it goes back to what I
said in my State of the State speech," Sanford said. "If
every state agency and every department office is able
to find something they can do without, it would go a
long way toward addressing the budget crisis that's
currently before us. We just decided that as much of an
improvement this amazing SUV would be over our Suburban,
we should take advantage of BMW's generosity to our
state in a more productive, budget-conscious
way."
Good job, governor. With funding feuds with
the Legislature ahead, the challenges will be many. But
for now, at least, the cynics should remain on the
sideline.
