COLUMBIA - The 2006 legislative session was the Year of Charleston.
For the first time in modern history, Charleston lawmakers controlled the
state's top three political posts.
And boy, did they make it count.
From favorable legislation to incentives for area businesses, House Speaker
Bobby Harrell, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell and Gov. Mark Sanford
used their positions of influence to put a Lowcountry touch on state policy.
The questions going into the session were whether the local power-holders
could get along and whether the Lowcountry would reap any benefits from its
unprecedented political dominance.
The West Ashley Republican lawmakers and Sullivan's Island chief executive
didn't always agree on issues, but combined, their efforts produced plenty of
bounty for the region.
It helped that other Lowcountry lawmakers held numerous, powerful roles,
including the chairmanships of one House and three Senate committees, the top
two posts in the House GOP Caucus, two prime positions on the House budget
writing committee and the chairmanship of the Legislative Black Caucus.
"Let's face it, we have a tremendous delegation," said House GOP Leader Jim
Merrill of Daniel Island.
For evidence of Charleston's influence, look no further than the property tax
issue.
From the beginning, rising property values were a predominantly coastal
problem. But with McConnell and Harrell now setting the agenda, systemwide
reforms became a statewide priority.
Capitalizing on 2005 as a reassessment year, the legislative leaders formed
special study committees, launched a statewide public relations tour and made it
the Legislature's top objective.
Not until last month did Senate lawmakers finally acknowledge that property
taxes were not a statewide problem. But by then it was too late. The squeaky
wheel gets the grease.
"Representative Harrell and myself - having the positions we're in - brought
it to the forefront in both chambers," McConnell said. "If we hadn't pushed it
forward it wouldn't have gotten done."
Other examples of the Lowcountry's presence in the power structure
abound:
--Sanford proposed a $10 million conservation fund to preserve timberland
amid the region's burgeoning development.
--The state budget - for the second straight year - includes more than $30
million in new money earmarked specifically for area needs.
--An economic incentives bill contains a provision designed to lure outdoor
outfitter Cabela's to build a mega-store in North Charleston.
--Legislation loosening the rules for incorporation was written to allow
James Island to become a town again.
--Incentives for movie production companies were suggested by Sanford and
passed by lawmakers, in addition to a bill that creates a top-end production
studio at Trident Technical College.
"It's good to be at the table when the cards are played," McConnell said.
Many of the victories were handled discreetly, and area leaders made sure to
lose a few very visible battles to keep geographical tension to a minimum.
For instance, the House shot down Merrill's attempt to pass a bill to let
counties keep the accommodations taxes they generate - a move that would have
meant millions for tourism-rich counties.
"Sometimes you have lose" to stay honest, he said.
Harrell said his close working relationship with McConnell limited the
legislative logjam and led to a unified vision for improving the state.
"I think that Charleston got its share, and I wouldn't say more than our
share," Harrell said.
The legislative leaders understand that in order to stay in power they have
to work with the rest of the state.
The biggest test of their influence comes in two weeks, when the Legislature
returns to deal with Sanford's budget vetoes. It's typically the most
contentious time of the year, and Charleston has a lot of money on the line.
John Frank covers the Legislature and state politics from Columbia.
Reach him at jbfrank@postandcourier.com or (803) 799-9051.
