Sanford not to blame for Legislature’s refusal to improve state
Sanford not to blame for Legislature’s refusal to improve state
I wish to address Time magazine’s assessment of Gov. Mark Sanford’s performance as governor. I am originally from Arizona. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (among the nation’s top state governors according to Mr. Padgett) is the worst governor the state of Arizona has ever had, and, believe me, they have had a few.
She has raised taxes and turned the other way while the illegal immigrant problem and crime get more and more out of control.
Gov. Sanford is a businessman. His attempts to secure growth industries that will enhance this state’s tax base while offering significant quality-of-life improvements to our citizens through better-paying jobs is far-sighted and crucial for our future. Many of his recommendations have been shot down by the good ol’ boys who want to retain their “big fish in the little pond” status and place personal importance above constituent good.
The state’s credit rating was in jeopardy before Mr. Sanford took office, and the Legislature was robbing Peter to pay Paul to balance the books. The primary reasons this state failed to secure several recent business ventures is not the governor and his philosophies, but this state’s general lack of work ethic, good public schools and yes, taxes.
Our vehicle and home property taxes seem to increase on an annual basis, while we observe little improvement in governmental services to warrant the increases. Doing away with automobile property taxes while raising sales tax on items (luxury commodities) other than food would better serve the general working public. A transportation license tax could provide support to roads and highways. I am not in favor of taking money from public schools but would rather see each school equally funded per child by the state as opposed to funding based on county revenue. This would ensure every county could offer consistent education opportunities.
Don’t blame Mark Sanford for trying to run this state as a business. At least he is attempting to advance this state into the 21st century. Blame the boys in the back room who don’t want to be shut out or reduced in stature.
SHARON SMITH
Sumter
I wish to address Time magazine’s assessment of Gov. Mark Sanford’s performance as governor. I am originally from Arizona. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (among the nation’s top state governors according to Mr. Padgett) is the worst governor the state of Arizona has ever had, and, believe me, they have had a few.
She has raised taxes and turned the other way while the illegal immigrant problem and crime get more and more out of control.
Gov. Sanford is a businessman. His attempts to secure growth industries that will enhance this state’s tax base while offering significant quality-of-life improvements to our citizens through better-paying jobs is far-sighted and crucial for our future. Many of his recommendations have been shot down by the good ol’ boys who want to retain their “big fish in the little pond” status and place personal importance above constituent good.
The state’s credit rating was in jeopardy before Mr. Sanford took office, and the Legislature was robbing Peter to pay Paul to balance the books. The primary reasons this state failed to secure several recent business ventures is not the governor and his philosophies, but this state’s general lack of work ethic, good public schools and yes, taxes.
Our vehicle and home property taxes seem to increase on an annual basis, while we observe little improvement in governmental services to warrant the increases. Doing away with automobile property taxes while raising sales tax on items (luxury commodities) other than food would better serve the general working public. A transportation license tax could provide support to roads and highways. I am not in favor of taking money from public schools but would rather see each school equally funded per child by the state as opposed to funding based on county revenue. This would ensure every county could offer consistent education opportunities.
Don’t blame Mark Sanford for trying to run this state as a business. At least he is attempting to advance this state into the 21st century. Blame the boys in the back room who don’t want to be shut out or reduced in stature.
SHARON SMITH
Sumter
posted by SCGOP at 4:34 PM
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