Or as Mr. Sanford put it, "If we are cost-effectively delivering services, then we will be able to provide service to that many more people."

The governor's remarks came at his second Cabinet meeting, which unlike the first, was open to the public. The public should be reassured by the governor's policy on open government and his comments about the importance of economizing by top state bureaucrats.

And he had a good example in state Insurance Commissioner Ernest Csiszar, the lone holdover from the administration of Mr. Sanford's predecessor. Mr. Csiszar has reduced administrative staff and expenses in streamlining the state Insurance Department. Consequently, the department's budget has declined from $6.7 million to $4.4 million a year.

State budget problems have put increased focus on cutting unnecessary expenses. But, in some cases, agencies have been cut to the bone. Recognizing the problems in the Corrections Department, for example, the state Budget and Control Board recently agreed to allow that agency to run a deficit during the remainder of the fiscal year. Looking for new economies throughout state government can prevent needed services from being reduced.

Gov. Sanford's approach is correct when applied during the good economic times, as well as the tough year that state government is now experiencing. Taxpayers always deserve the best bargain available, and those in state government ought to be always aware of their responsibility to provide capable service.

The governor's scrutiny also has been applied to economic development, and he has taken some criticism for reviewing an incentive plan for an automotive research center in the Upstate. Mr. Sanford has correctly insisted that incentives shouldn't impose a burden on the taxpayers out of proportion to the benefits that the state will receive.

Such analyses should be done routinely to protect the long-term interests of the taxpayers.

Gov. Sanford said he opened Wednesday's Cabinet meeting as an example of the importance of openness in government. Open government produces accountability and public confidence. So will the governor's message of high value and low cost.