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Article published Oct 6, 2004
Sanford pushing lawmakers to look past their
self-interest
Mark Sanford told a group of Spartanburg
supporters that the state needs to "get away from local politics deciding the
structure of the statewide education system."In doing so, the governor
identified another issue on which he is clashing with the General Assembly --
another issue on which he has been unable to get lawmakers to see past their own
interests and embrace the interests of the entire state.This issue encapsulates
much of Sanford's struggle with the General Assembly. In restructuring, in
budgeting and in the legislative process, the governor is trying to get
lawmakers to give up some of their power and privilege to benefit the state.So
far, they haven't been willing.Sanford made his remarks regarding the University
of South Carolina Union. In his budget, Sanford suggested closing that
institution.He was probably also referring to the University of South Carolina
Sumter. The General Assembly insisted on passing legislation last year that
turned that school into a four-year institution. The governor, USC officials and
the Commission on Higher Education opposed the move. It isn't a good use of
state resources and doesn't fit in with statewide plans.But Sumter lawmakers
wanted their institution expanded, and other lawmakers are usually willing to
let lawmakers have their way on local matters. After Sanford vetoed the bill, it
became a point of pride with lawmakers, and they overrode the veto.These are the
ways in which local politics determine the structure of the statewide education
system. As a practical matter, state officials cannot plan and design an
efficient statewide system because powerful lawmakers will always demand more
for their communities regardless of whether it makes sense for the state.To gain
the ability to plan statewide, to use state resources in a way that makes sense
for the whole state, lawmakers will have to shift past the priorities of
ensuring their own re-election and bringing home as much pork as possible. They
will have to recognize their duty to the state as a whole.They will also have to
give up some of their authority. The entire legislature can't continue to let
lawmakers have their way on projects in their own districts when it impacts a
statewide system.Lawmakers won't give up this authority easily. But it is
necessary for the sake of statewide efficiency. And Sanford is right to demand
it.