In his State of the State address, Gov. Mark Sanford
pledged to stay close to the grass roots primarily by opening his office
door once each month to any citizen who wants a personal audience. The
response to his first "Open Door After Four" this week says the governor
has hit a responsive chord.
While the concept isn't new -- Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. has
presided over a "Mayor's Night In" since 1996 -- it hasn't been tried
before in the governor's office. Gov. Sanford himself became adept at
staying in touch with his constituents while he was a congressman from the
1st District.
According to The Associated Press, there were three times as many
citizens who wanted to get the governor's ear on Wednesday as time
allowed. The schedule calls for an average of 46 citizens per night at
about five minutes each. Initially, the idea was that on the day of the
"Open House" anyone could drop by the governor's office to sign up or call
to schedule an appointment. As a result of the response, an extra night
was added this month and the schedule for March's "Open Door" already is
filled.
If the governor's office isn't convenient, Mr. Sanford also has pledged
to travel around the state just as he did in his congressional district.
So, if you can't make it to Columbia, the governor may soon be coming to a
Wal-Mart near you. Politicians who are still wondering about Mr. Sanford's
popular appeal should take note.
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