Gov. Sanford's bold agenda

e-mail this story discuss this issue in our forums

Although not every page of Gov. Mark Sanford's State of the State address was devoted to restructuring state government, that was the theme running through his second message to legislators and the people of South Carolina. Indeed, restructuring government so it is more accountable, more efficient and more cost-effective is the cornerstone of this governor's agenda.

It wasn't an inspirational speech last week, in part because of the governor's conversational delivery style and in larger part because Sanford had set his agenda two weeks earlier when he released his executive budget. The 301-page budget was unprecedented in its detail and depth, and even though every item shouldn't be adopted, Sanford can be commended for presenting a realistic plan for running state government next year despite an expected $350 million revenue shortfall.

The comprehensive executive budget and Sanford's seemingly sincere efforts to work with state lawmakers have earned him praise. In a Wednesday afternoon meeting, members of the House of Representatives' leadership told editorial writers that Sanford's budget provides a starting point for debate, as does his proposal to restructure state government. Sanford wants to complete what Gov. Carroll Campbell started a decade ago.

South Carolina is a relatively poor state with a bloated bureaucracy that indulges waste, diffuses accountability and serves inefficiently. Restructuring government is absolutely critical.

Sanford showed what could be accomplished through restructuring during his first year in office — one with as many economic challenges as a governor has seen in recent years. His appointment to the Department of Juvenile Justice, Judge Bill Byars, took over a beleaguered agency, gave the agency instant credibility and quickly installed reforms.

The governor directed that agencies under his office stop paying for lobbyists to beg the Legislature for more money, and he saved almost $2 million. He put Bob Faith at the head of the Commerce Department, and that agency also has slimmed down and sharpened its focus.

The governor of South Carolina — be it Sanford now or someone else in a decade or so — needs more authority, and state government needs shorter and clearer lines of accountability. Sanford's plan for restructuring brings more state government under his office and eliminates the positions of most of the constitutional officers.

One of the most positive signs of recent years is that lawmakers are showing a willingness to move forward on restructuring. Charleston Sen. Glenn McConnell has filed a restructuring bill that picks up many of Sanford's ideas.

The 800-pound gorilla staring at Sanford and the Legislature is the $350 million revenue shortfall. State revenue is expected to grow this year — at least 2 percent and maybe more — but not enough to stave off the need for cuts in some agency budgets. As Sanford and the House leadership have recognized, South Carolina has got to grow its way to prosperity.

Working together, the governor and key legislators have some sound ideas for making this state more competitive. They can declare victory at the end of this session if they have enacted legislation needed to accomplish restructuring, adopted laws in the state's economic interest such as tort reform and the Life Sciences Bill, and signed off on a budget that directs as much revenue as possible to obvious priorities such as education.