Posted on Thu, Dec. 07, 2006

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S.C. House panel jobs amplify local clout

Strand leader gains Labor, Commerce, Industry post

By Zane Wilson

The Sun News

COLUMBIA - House committee assignments handed out Wednesday give Horry and Georgetown counties wider representation than they have had in years.

Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, was named to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. No one from the two counties has been on that panel for several years.

The committee has first crack at House bills that involve real estate and insurance, business and labor regulations and consumer affairs.

Anderson, who is in his second term, was on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last session along with two other members from the two counties.

"This is going to be good for our area," Anderson said, because most of its issues have prominent roles in the local economy.

"Carl will be an excellent addition to LCI," said Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach.

One of the panel's hot issues this year is expected to be controlling the spike in homeowner insurance. There were no other committee changes among the delegation.

Rep. Billy Witherspoon, R-Conway, was easily re-elected chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He is the only one on the local delegation to lead any of the six major committees.

Clemmons was named chairman of the Election Laws Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. He had wanted to be the panel's first vice chairman but said the subcommittee leadership spot was "a good deal."

Most members said they were happy where they were. Rep. Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach, will continue to lead the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Care, which includes some environmental activity funds through the health department.

Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island, said she will lead an Education and Public Works subcommittee but does not yet know which one.

Rep. Nelson Hardwick, R-Surfside Beach, said he likes being on the Agriculture Committee because so many of its issues affect Horry County.

"The environment is very important to both agriculture and tourism," he said.

Miller gave up her post as deputy minority leader, saying it was time to pass it along. Rep. Cathy Harvin, D-Summerton, was chosen for that spot while Rep. Harry Ott was re-elected minority leader. Anderson was re-elected as Democratic chaplain.

The Republican Caucus did not hold elections during the two-day House session.