Sanford declines county's request to call special session

e-mail this story

Phyllis Henderson, the council chairwoman, said, "It's no big secret we've got some active prospects, and the sooner we get that passed the better."

Officials have declined to identify the company, the jobs it could create, or other states in competition. The House-passed incentives bill did not make it through the Senate before the Legislature adjourned.

Sanford spokesman Chris Drummond said if the General Assembly is called back, Sanford "cannot set the agenda or the period of time for the session. You're talking $75,000 a day and the governor still not being able to tell them, 'These are the issues I want you to take up in this period of time.' "

Council Vice Chairman Scott Case said time is critical because not having the incentives hinders the effort to recruit specific biotech companies.

Henderson said she told a Commerce Department aide that the governor and Commerce Secretary Bob Faith should have been on the floor of the Senate pushing the bill through. She said she's since received assurances from the administration of new initiatives.

Drummond said Sanford was actively working several bills during the session's final days and that the administration pushed aggressively for the incentives bill.

House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, said the bill will win Senate approval next year. He said the governor and Faith "were pushing hard" for it.

Faith told The Greenville News a special session "was one of the options" he discussed with Sanford. He declined to say whether he asked for one.

Wilkins said he agreed with Sanford's decision, calling a special session "a risky procedure" because Senate rules make it difficult to limit the agenda.

Henderson said Faith offered assurances the Commerce Department would use existing funds to keep the biotech company interested until the bill can be enacted.

Rep. Harry Cato, R-Travelers Rest, said the matter is so important to Greenville and the state that Sanford should recall the Legislature, but only if a one-day session can be arranged.

State Sen. David Thomas, R-Fountain Inn, said the importance of the legislation had never been conveyed to him. He doubted the Senate's rules would allow for a limited agenda.

Dan Hoover covers politics and can be reached at 298-4883.