The privatization proposal, for which Corrections already has received bids, is being criticized because of the shortcomings of a private contract in the 1990s, and objections by Corrections medical workers who don't want to lose their jobs.

House Majority Leader Rick Quinn reportedly is among those who object to the governor's plan. According to The Associated Press, the Columbia Republican insists that privatization in prisons doesn't work because it isn't profitable.

If that's the case, then, why have three private companies responded with bids to the state's request? Surely not to lose money.

Rep. Quinn says he will try to convince the governor to change his mind and, failing that, it will be the Legislature's responsibility to block the initiative.

The voters of South Carolina didn't elect Rep. Quinn and his House colleagues to exercise executive authority over the state's Department of Corrections. Gov. Sanford serves as the state's chief executive, and state government would be more functional if he had more scope for his executive authority. Unfortunately, the Legislature has been unwilling to advance the comprehensive government reforms recommended by the governor.

This administration already has instituted several cost-savings ideas at Corrections, and the success of those initiatives gives credibility to the governor's latest proposal. The Legislative Audit Council's critique of the previous health care contractor should be used to ensure that the previous errors are addressed under any new contract.

The governor's continued interest in using the private sector to provide the same or better level of service at a reduced cost deserves the support of taxpayers, and their representatives in the Legislature. If the Cabinet system is to be meaningful, the final call on this proposal should be the governor's.

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