Even the South Carolina General Assembly should be able to handle this one without much fuss or confusion.

The issue is simple and straightforward — to end popular voting for the state superintendent of education and the agriculture commissioner and let the governor appoint the positions.

The House Judiciary Committee recommended the constitutional change last week. It is scheduled to come up for a floor vote Wednesday.

Currently the state has nine independently elected constitutional officers, compared to a national average of four.

Republican Gov. Mark Sanford would like to have five constitutional officers report directly to him: lieutenant governor — who would be elected as part of a ticket with the governor — adjutant general, secretary of state, agriculture commissioner and education superintendent — all of whom would be appointed by the governor.

“The committee doesn’t go far enough, but it’s a start,” Sanford spokesman Will Folks says. “We’re obviously pushing for the whole apple, but we’ll take the bites we can get.”

South Carolina remains a strong legislative state. Lawmakers are reluctant to surrender any of their power.

“We believe that the best way to increase government-wide accountability is to reduce the number of constitutional officers and instead have them appointed by the governor,” Sanford says.

The facts are on his side.

Sanford thinks South Carolina spends too much on government. He says it’s due in large part to a government structure that is duplicative, unresponsive and inefficient.

“We believe that by realigning and consolidating agencies with similar missions, not only will taxpayers realize a cost saving, but government will be able to deliver improved services,” Sanford says.

Legislators opposed to the changes say this is just another power-grab on the part of the governor.

“I don’t believe in government by messiah,” says state Rep. John Graham Altman, R-S.C., a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

South Carolina is one of 15 states that elect their education superintendents. About 40 percent of the state’s budget is dedicated to K-12 education — clearly one of the state’s largest responsibilities.

Inez Tenenbaum, the Democrat now holding that post, says “you can argue the merits” for making the job appointive or elected.

An elected superintendent is able to be independent and express her opinions openly. An appointed superintendent represents the governor and is restricted as to what she can say or do.

The people will have a voice. All constitutional amendments must be submitted to the electorate for approval.

Altman predicts South Carolinians will be reluctant to give up their right to vote for the constitutional officers.

But it’s time for the state to move into the 21st century.

South Carolina is the only state that elects its adjutant general. Even though the governor serves as commander-in-chief during a time of crisis, the National Guard is not directly accountable to him.

Sanford proposes the secretary of state be appointed and given the additional responsibility of serving as chief election officer. Currently, 37 states give the secretary of state direct oversight of elections.

Most importantly, consolidating and realigning state agencies would save the state money. The governor’s MAP Commission estimates that $150 million could be saved the first year.

Legislators have a choice Wednesday — to continue to operate in the dark ages or to take the state into the 21st century.

It’s a no-brainer.