The panel looking into ways to make state government more effective and accountable is coming to Myrtle Beach after all, on Tuesday. Between 6:30 and 8 p.m., local folks with ideas on how state government might save money, improve agency performance and respond more effectively to residents' needs will have a pipeline to Gov. Mark Sanford, via his Commission on Management, Accountability and Performance. Initially, the commission bypassed the Grand Strand in planning public hearings around the state.

This event, to be held at the Grand Strand campus of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, will be no dog and pony show. Sanford wants to reinvent state government so that we taxpayers get greater value for our money.

He ran for governor last year on a reform platform, which this year grew into a major restructuring proposal now before the General Assembly. As he made clear in announcing the MAP Commission in June, he doesn't intend to stop there. He wants South Carolinians to come forward with their ideas, on the ground that the politicians can't think of everything.

Specifically, he wants residents' thoughts on improving service, consolidating state functions and returning jobs to the private sector. The commission will distill these ideas into a report for presentation to Sanford in September.

The hearing will be held at HGTC's Grand Strand Conference Center on the former Air Force base. Attendees will have two minutes each to present ideas. Those who have a beef with some aspect of state government should testify.

This is your chance to be heard. Take it.