Legislative leaders apparently are disgruntled over a poll done for Gov. Mark Sanford that found most South Carolinians want their representatives and senators to work with the governor on his agenda. They should recognize that the poll demonstrates the extent to which the voters view the governor as the state's leader, and consider his reform program worthy of adoption.
Key legislators interpreted the poll as adversarial in nature, but they would do better to consider it advisory. It found that 73 percent of respondents would support the election of legislators who work with the governor as he attempts to bring changes to state government.
That is clear acknowledgement of the public sentiment in favor of greater government reform, including more authority to the state's chief executive officer. It recognizes that expanding the Cabinet system is vital to improving the delivery of state services, making necessary economies in state government and improving accountability.
When the governor is in charge, it is clear where responsibility lies. The buck should stop with the governor, not with some legislatively appointed commission that is accountable to no one.
The Cabinet system of government encompasses several important state departments, but many more remain outside his control and nearly beyond his influence. The Legislature should recognize the necessity of picking up the reform agenda next session.
Legislators should recall this year's recommendation from former Gov. Carroll Campbell, under whom the last major round of government restructuring took place. He wrote, "I never thought we completed restructuring in 1993. I saw it as the beginning of the process, and now it is time for the Legislature to consider taking the next step by considering some of the lesser constitutional offices in the governor's Cabinet. This would spark a much-needed debate that would be a good civics lesson for all of South Carolina."
Gov. Sanford tells us that the poll, only portions of which have been disclosed, was intended to measure public sentiment on important pending issues, and was shared with legislators to show the level of support. It should not be seen as an attempt to gain an edge over legislators indirectly, he said. "We'll deal with them directly and engage them in the process," Gov. Sanford said, adding that he met with legislative leaders in a productive session Thursday.
It is to be hoped that the governor was able to successfully smooth ruffled legislative feathers. For the first time in more than a century, the Republican Party is in control of both Legislative bodies and the governor's office. South Carolinians who voted them in should expect them to work together to advance needed reforms, not to bog down on personality conflicts and legislative hurt feelings.
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