By Wendy Weinhold
Independent-Mail
September 16, 2003

Gov. Mark Sanford will move his office to Anderson today to meet one-on-one with ordinary Anderson residents.

The second installment of Gov. Sanford’s "Neighborhood Office Hours" will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. today outside Wal-Mart on the S.C. 28 Bypass. The governor hopes to engage the public in informal conversation about the government.

Unlike the nine "Open Door After 4" events that already have been held in Columbia at the governor’s actual office, individuals who wish to speak with the governor do not have to pre-arrange appointment times during today’s event.

Everyone who visits Wal-Mart and wants to talk to Gov. Sanford will be accommodated.

"This is a way for him to meet everyday South Carolinians who have questions or thoughts or concerns about their government," said Will Folks, spokesperson for the governor’s office. "He generally stays as long as he needs to, and the format is simple."

Mr. Folks said the governor will take suggestions from people, and he wants to use the meeting as a way to find out what local residents think is working and what is not working in state government.

The low-key office offers the governor an opportunity to get out where people are and hear from them in an unedited, unfiltered arena, Mr. Folks said.

Wendy Weinhold can be reached at (864) 260-1248 or by e-mail at weinholdwm@IndependentMail.com.

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