COLUMBIA, S.C. - A commission studying government accountability has opened an online suggestion box for state workers and residents.

Gov. Mark Sanford set up a commission to study government management, accountability and performance. That commission has conducted polls and surveys and held focus groups. Now it is trying to get more ideas.

"Who better can make suggestions on ways to streamline, to eliminate duplication, to improve the alignment of the services that are being delivered?" commission Chairman Ken Wingate asked. The survey gives state workers an opportunity to "exercise their voices and tell Gov. Sanford how they would recommend changes could be made," he said.

"To hear from the employee on where things are going right and where things are going wrong is invaluable information to our process of trying to streamline and make South Carolina government more efficient," Sanford said.

For the next three weeks, residents and workers can go to the governor's Internet site and fill out surveys.

For instance, one question asks "How much of the time do you think you can trust state government?"

The survey also asks whether the governor should have more control of state agencies and if there are too many statewide elected offices. Sanford is pushing legislation to give governors more executive control of the state and to eliminate some elected offices.

Workers are asked questions involving their agencies, including whether their employer "encourages innovation in developing new ways to save money" and whether they have "observed instances of fraud, waste or abuse."

Participating in making suggestions is good for state workers, State Employee Association Executive Director Broadus Jamerson said.

He said he was not asked to participate in developing the questionnaire and is concerned about the fraud, waste and abuse component. "I would suggest to anybody who does give input to be very thoughtful and deliberate and to clearly understand the implications ... of what their thoughts and suggestions might bring," he said.

ON THE NET

Gov.'s office: www.state.sc.us/governor

Survey: http://www.mapcommission.sc.gov/survey.htm