THUMBS UP
SouthernCarolina. Hats off to the SouthernCarolina Alliance, one of our underwriters, and its leadership team that won a much sought-after federal Promise Zone designation for Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. This designation should help pump millions of dollars and help into the area to improve lives. For those who see it as government meddling, think about this: The private sector has had about 150 years to improve lives in this impoverished area. More.
Duke Energy. Hats off to the energy mega-company for agreeing to move 4.2 million tons of coal ash at a Hartsville-area power plant to a lined landfill. The announcement makes S.C. the only state in the Southeast where every utility has agreed to clean up coal ash that threaten groundwater and rivers. More.
Sanford. Kudos to Lowcountry Congressman Mark Sanford for switching his position on offshore oil and natural gas testing and drilling. “There’s something we have here (in the Lowcountry) that’s unique and ought to be preserved,” he is quoted as saying. More.
IN THE MIDDLE
Body cameras. The state Senate has passed a measure to equip law enforcement officers with body cameras. But we again warn: Technology can’t solve every problem. Authorities need to make more inroads to gain the public’s trust if we want safer communities.
THUMBS DOWN
19 senators. Thumbs down to 19 state senators who blocked consideration of one of the state’s top priorities — improved road funding to deal with billions of dollars of needs. The Senate fell four votes short on Thursday of setting a $800 million road infrastructure bill for special order. While those who voted against the measure say there is still time, some are complaining that the state GOP seems more interested in passing a bill banning rare abortion at 20 weeks than a comprehensive road funding. More.
Anderson. Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, deserved the public spanking and $6,000 fine that he got for campaign violations stemming from an unsuccessful Senate bid. Memo to lawmakers: Keep better campaign records. More.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!