Gov. Mark Sanford might have a
legitimate point to make about the constitutionality of passing what
amounts to local legislation in the General Assembly. But stealth
vetoes aren't the most effective way to make that point.
Sanford surprised state lawmakers, including members of his own
party, with vetoes of several bills that pertained to local issues.
Under Sanford's interpretation, the bills are unconstitutional
because of the Home Rule amendment to the state constitution in the
early 1970s that states local legislation can't be enacted by the
General Assembly.
With that in mind, the governor vetoed a handful of bills,
including one that would have combined Charleston County's two
voting offices into one and another that would have excused three
days students missed because of a December ice storm caused power
outages in Greenville County. The governor also vetoed a bill
sponsored by state Sen. Wes Hayes, R-Rock Hill, that would have
increased the number of people serving on the York County Board of
Elections.
And what was the ultimate result of this confrontation? The
legislature voted to override all the governor's vetoes, easily
amassing the two-thirds needed for an override.
In other words, it was mostly a waste of time. Hayes estimated
that overriding the governor's vetoes ate up about a week of the
Legislature's calendar.
Sponsors of the bills were peeved at the governor, especially for
failing to consult them before issuing the vetoes. But Sanford has
pledged to continue to veto local legislation.
"I suspect for the rest of the term, he'll continue to veto bills
and we'll continue to override them," said Hayes.
The issue may be worthy of debate, but it shouldn't take the form
of a game of chicken between the governor and the Legislature. And,
realistically speaking, sometimes local legislation passed by the
General Assembly has become an accepted way of getting things done
in South Carolina.
If Sanford is serious about reforming the system, he should
appoint a committee to study the problems, talk to local officials
and work with state lawmakers to create legislation -- or even a
constitutional amendment if necessary -- to address the problem.
Just vetoing bills that are certain to be overridden is just
another fruitless symbolic gesture.
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In summary
Sanfords stealth vetoes of local legislation do little to
enhance the debate.
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