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Thread-Topic: SC DOT Reform
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Subject: SC DOT Reform
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2016 23:33:09 -0500
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<APP>CUSTOM
<PREFIX>Dr.</PREFIX>
<FIRST>Jonathan</FIRST>
<MIDDLE>Edward</MIDDLE>
<LAST>Walker</LAST>
<SUFFIX></SUFFIX>
<TITLE></TITLE>
<ORGANIZATION></ORGANIZATION>
<ADDR1>5044 Coral Reef Drive</ADDR1>
<ADDR2></ADDR2>
<CITY>Johns Island</CITY>
<STATE>SC</STATE>
<ZIP>29455</ZIP>
<EMAIL>jon_walker114@yahoo.com</EMAIL>
<PHONE_H>(843) 559.7917</PHONE_H>
<PHONE_B></PHONE_B>
<ISSUE>TRAN</ISSUE>
<SUBJECT>SC DOT Reform</SUBJECT>
<CUSTOM1>73.131.112.146</CUSTOM1>
<MSG>
The SC DOT clearly has a public accountability issue,  but contrary to public opinion, the DOT does a good job with the resources it is accorded and the political constraints within which it operates.  It properly prioritizes projects based on a sound formula &amp it does a good job of considering extraneous factors that may impact projects.  The problems the DOT actually faces &amp has to deal with on a day-to-day basis are in large measure financial, political &amp organizational in character.

The 2007 DOT "reforms" were much too modest in character &amp essentially affirmed existing procedural policies, whereas a primary consideration should have been clear accountability to the public through the Governors office for its policies, priorities &amp decisions.  

That said, the DOT should be under the control of the Governor's office &amp not some axillary DOT commission.  The current policy making structure is largely controlled by a few legislative leaders via the DOT commission.  A public accountability solution to this issue is for the Governor to have the power to appoint a DOT Head (Secretary) with deciding authority on all DOT projects, priorities &amp funding, accountable to the Governor &amp therefore indirectly to the public.  

A DOT advisory committee should also be a part of this organizational configuration, but the Act 114 that concentrated power of the DOT Commission into the hands of a few legislative leaders is clearly unjustified &amp undemocratic. 

The DOT advisory committee should be selected by the DOT Head based on a representative political affiliation formula (not district based): screening for advisory committee representatives would be the responsibility of the DOT Head &amp Governor, however. The advisory committee's function would be to review &amp perhaps revise DOT proposals, but the final decision should always be with the DOT head in consultation with the Governor.  The DOT advisory committee should have the ability to override decisions by the DOT head via a two-thirds majority vote.  

SC needs an accountability structure that consistently prioritizes needed development &amp maintenance throughout the state over unnecessary expansion in a few politically influential counties. 

The primary consideration is a clear accountability to the public through the DOT head to the Governor.

I am sure that I have unintentionally misstated or left out some important aspects of this issue.  In this respect, I would be most appreciative of any corrective comments or suggestions.

Jonathan E. Walker, PhD
5044 Corall Reef Drive
Johns Island, SC  29455
(843) 559.7917

</MSG>

</APP>