Thumbs up
“Work ready.” Congratulations to the state for efforts to become the nation’s first “work ready” certified state. Each of the state’s 46 counties met specified workforce and education goals to achieve the rating.
Charleston. Thumbs up for being picked by magazine readers as the world’s best city. But be careful — all of this attention means lots of change could be ahead that if mismanaged could dramatically change the Holy City’s quality of life. Example: The community is facing 200,000 new residents in coming years, as reported here.
In the middle
Haley’s email trail. Stories by media outlets highlighting the general lack of an e-mail trail by Gov. Nikki Haley following the Emanuel AME Church shooting last year isn’t unique, but it is troubling to some. A Haley spokesman said that Haley, who appeared to use at least two pre-written template responses to thousands sent to her office after the shootings, said the governor preferred to talk with leaders in person or on the phone. More.
Too many deaths. Traffic deaths are down slightly at midyear, but 460 deaths are still way too many. More.
Thumbs down
Child abuse, neglect. Reports of cases of child abuse and neglect rose 48 percent from 2012 to 2015 despite more funding in recent years for the state Department of Social Services. Maybe it’s just better reporting and record-keeping but 40,000 complaints are 40,000 too many.
Weather. We love summer, but the high heat and periodic deluges in some places — and drought in others — makes it much less fun. Stay cool. Be safe.
Vandals. Thumbs down to vandals who are looking state parks. These parks are public spaces, not personal treasure troves for people to use for their personal benefit. More.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!