Kiawah sand spit bill gets ax
Rep. Brown says he hears his constituents
Amid a chorus of criticism, U.S. Rep. Henry Brown said Thursday he killed his bill to make a large undeveloped spit on Kiawah Island eligible for cheaper government-subsidized flood insurance.
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In recent days, voters flooded Brown's office with e-mails and phone calls saying the government shouldn't subsidize new development on fragile barrier islands. "Our constituents spoke, and we listened," Brown said.
The bill involved a rare attempt to modify the boundaries of the Coastal Barrier Resources System, a program Congress created 26 years ago to discourage development on undeveloped hurricane-prone coastal areas.
Land in this system is not eligible for federal funds, including beach renourishment projects and federal flood insurance.
A windswept area of about 150 acres on Kiawah's southwestern tip is inside this system. The property's owner,
Kiawah Development Partners, plans to build 50 homes there and sought Brown's help to have the land removed from the federal zone so future homeowners would qualify for federal flood insurance.
With strong support from the town's mayor, William Wert, Brown introduced the legislation in June and called for a congressional hearing Sept. 10. Wert said Brown's office asked him to testify in favor of the bill.
Past stories
Watchdog Update: Rep. Brown: Friend or foe of the coast?
Council votes against Washington trip, published 08/28/08
Planned Kiawah development would affect county park, published 08/14/08
As opposition to the bill grew after a Post and Courier Watchdog report on the issue, Wert called a special town meeting. In a split vote, Town Council voted against sending Wert to Washington, D.C.
Brown, R-S.C., said the town's vote prompted him to change his mind about the bill. "We're doing this basically at the request of the mayor, so when the council voted that he not go to Washington to testify, there was no reason to do it." Brown then canceled the hearing, effectively killing the bill.
Wert said he was disappointed with Brown's decision because the town still supports the bill. The council merely decided not to send him to testify in person.
Opponents of the bill welcomed the news of its death. "We appreciate Congressman Brown's recall of his legislation, which was very bad for the environment and very bad for the taxpayers," said Nancy Vinson of the Coastal Conservation League.
In an e-mail, Brown's campaign spokesman, Rod Shealy, blamed politics for the bill's short life.
"The public should understand that the recent media controversy on this matter was nothing more than negative politics-as-usual — weeks before an election — orchestrated by Ms. Ketner's campaign in a deliberate attempt to damage the congressman's outstanding reputation." Linda Ketner is running against Brown this November to represent the 1st District.
Kelly Love Johnson, Ketner's communications director, said politics had nothing to do with it. "The first story on this came out on a Monday. We did not get into the fray immediately because we wanted to give the residents of Kiawah — those most affected by the legislation — an opportunity to respond. Our first press release went out that Friday only because so many angry people contacted our office and asked Linda to speak up about it on their behalf."
Ketner was in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. In an e-mail through her communications director, she said that she was glad Brown "decided to do the right thing and can understand why he's embarrassed." She said the bill's death was "a victory for those who spoke out against special interest groups and for the protection of the coast of South Carolina."
Changes in the Coastal Barrier Resource System are relatively rare and usually involve technical changes to maps because shorelines eroded or grew, a Watchdog analysis of past legislation showed.
The debate over Brown's bill also triggered scrutiny of Kiawah Development Partners' plans to build next to the county park, along with a permit the company is seeking for a half-mile-long revetment to keep the Kiawah River from cutting through to the beach.
Company officials say they plan to build no matter what happened with Brown's legislation, and that they've hired scientists to make sure homes don't affect wildlife or the area's ecological health. Plans call for 50 homes on about 20 acres, with most of the remaining land being placed in a protective easement with the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy.
Reach Tony Bartelme at 937-5554 or tbartelme@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
Representative Brown presents himself as if he believes stupidity is a virtue, furthermore he believes that we the citizens of the 1st district will simply accept all the "spin" that he didn't really know all that much about the request for the bill or where it came from.
I'm a life long republican, but I'm convinced that the republican party and Mr. Brown are out of touch with America. The only connection they have to our country is via big business and their deep pockets.
It is time we thank Mr. Brown for his many years of service to developers and builders by sending the curmudgeonly old goat out to pasture in November.
More about the out of touch republican party at: http://www.cedarposts.blogspot.com/
August 29, 2008 at 4:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
It takes a big man to admit to his mistakes and rectify them. Thank you Henry Brown.
August 29, 2008 at 4:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
It almost seems like common sense to me....if you are going to build on land that will probably wash away....you should have to pay a higher insurance premium. DUH!
High risk = High rates.
August 29, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
steve (anonymous) says...
It's time for the good people of District 1 to retire Rep. Brown. At his age I would prefer to be with my family and friends.
August 29, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Good job everyone! Now I won't be able to build my $2 million home on shaky ground!!
You people are meanies!
August 29, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LocalHero (anonymous) says...
"It takes a big man to admit to his mistakes and rectify them. Thank you Henry Brown."
I hope this is intended as sarcasm! Henry is ducking and running because he got caught red-handed introducing legislation aimed at serving special interest (and one would assume, his own).
He needs to get the boot.
August 29, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Mr. Brown does not seem to realize that he should not only represent us but also lead at times. Rather than introduce a bill that he on a subject of which he had not a better understanding and then killing, thereby, representing the vocally outraged, I would appreciate him taking the bull by the horns initially (having failed that) and surely now with a second chance introducing a bill to stop subsidizing all, including current, property owners flood insurance for those who build(t) on these shifting sands. (That sentence is way too long, isn't it.)
August 29, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
DoaMM - LoL
I have some great waterfront lots that enjoy a sunset view and are really shakey.... can you say California?
Seriously has anyone looked at some of the homes built on our barrier islands?
12x12 or greater pitched roofs, gabels sprouting out on all sides, breeze ways and hugh over hangs and four stories high! 20 years since Hugo has made for some pretty scary construction.
They look great and I'd love to own a 2 million dollar home looking out on the ocean. But these things are no better than a double wide trailer in Kansas!
August 29, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
Theronce - Written like a true politician
In other words "screw em"!
If you want to build a sand castle great! But don't plan on have it shored up, rebuilt, or "saved" from acts of God with my tax dollars.
August 29, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Thank you Henry for validating my belief that you are not fit to serve!
August 29, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Next objective is to eliminate the Parole program.
August 29, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Hey people, you are missing the real villian here - Kiawah Development Partners. Brown was just their stooge, along with the mayor, and they got caught trying to sneak this one through in their usual underhanded manner.
Kiawah is a typical developer. To hell with the environment, to hell with anyone who may have to pay more in taxes, to hell with anyone who stands in their way. Pure, unadulterated greed is their only motivation.
August 29, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
While Ketner's certainly entitled for credit for being on the right side of this issue, it's pretty clear her campaign didn't drive it. There was huge outrage across the lowcounty, plenty of it from Republicans and Independents. Kentner waited, checked the facts and responded intellegently. They listened to people and got input.
Brown just reacted, made stuff up, tried to deflect blame and couldn't take responsibility for legislation he introduced. He probably didn't remember the facts. He probably doesn't care what they are. His staff gets requests from well connected supporters and does what they're asked. No real need to think or remember anything.
Ketner would give us an intellegent, capable congressman who can handle detail and gather input, the marks of good management.
The congress passes over hundreds of Federal Regulations a year, passes dozens of bills and handles a complex appropriation process. Does anyone believe Brown is capable of managing an effort as complex and demanding at that.
I'm sure Brown is a nice man and wonderful at Church and Bar-B-Ques, but this is government and it is important. We need bettter.
August 29, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
voteobama (anonymous) says...
Oh my lord....you little peasants just don't understand. Henry Brown represents us, the rich people...and we have rights too. We employ you to mow our lawns, clean our toilets, and pick our food. Why can't you allow us to pass our greedy bills, all we want to do is build another weekend home on a shifting, delicate island. It shouldn't matter to you as you will never be allowed to even see our private island!! Thank you for your valiant effort Mr. Brown we will find another way to stick it to the taxpayers. PS The check is in the mail for your time.
August 29, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbird (anonymous) says...
Cedar Post; good comment. I reposted below... I am a life long conservative who believes the house should be occasionally cleaned. HENRY, IT IS TIME TO VACATE THE HOUSE... YOU HAVE BEEN IN THIS OFFICE TOO LONG AND LIKE AN OL' SHOE, IT HAS BECOME MUCH TOO COMFORTABLE. YOUR CONSTIUENCY NEEDS YOU MUCH MORE IN BERKELEY COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE...
Representative Brown presents himself as if he believes stupidity is a virtue, furthermore he believes that we the citizens of the 1st district will simply accept all the "spin" that he didn't really know all that much about the request for the bill or where it came from.
I'm a life long republican, but I'm convinced that the republican party and Mr. Brown are out of touch with America. The only connection they have to our country is via big business and their deep pockets.
It is time we thank Mr. Brown for his many years of service to developers and builders by sending the curmudgeonly old goat out to pasture in November.
More about the out of touch republican party at: http://www.cedarposts.blogspot.com/
August 29, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
My family lives in what is considered a "V" zone. This is a high velocity zone. We are in the same zone as those who live in beach front properties. I am NOT on the water. I can see the river across the street, waaaayyyy back behind my neighbor's houses.
Our community is trying to have our zone changed. There are a few older homes that are "grandfathered" in and are not in the same zone as the rest of us. That is until they sell and the new owners try to get insurance.
I agree that if you build your house upon the sand you risk losing it. Therefore you better have some good insurance and be ready to pay out the nose for it. Nobody is subsidizing MY insurance. Nobody came to MY rescue when All State "non-renewed" (um, dropped!!) us last December simply because we COULD be a risk.
You have to pay to play.....it's just some can pay more to play unfairly.
August 29, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
WHAT??
LIAR ...LIAR! Somethings on FIRE ??!!
This will not stand......!
"..Brown, R-S.C., said the town's vote prompted him to change his mind about the bill. "We're doing this basically at the request of the mayor.."
The only reason this BILL was KILLED was because of the actions by..... ME !!
What GALL Henry?! Not one OUNCE of SHAME?
Henry...you know for a fact the ONLY reason you KILLED this bill was because of the steps taken by me! YOU do remember OUR time in the Men's restroom outside GATE 35 at the National Airport? You were relieving yourself at a Urinal and I pinned you up against the WALL and stated that the VOTERS and Citizens of South Carolina were "FED UP" with these types of Shenanigans !! I told you not to get MAD at me; BUT told you to get MAD at the Fact that the INCINERATOR or BEES FERRY LANDFILL has not been closed when we all know that NEW technology is here today!! I told you to get MAD at the FACT that we have COASTAL WIND and NO WINDFARMS !! I told you to get MAD at all these lawyer groups showing up to MILK taxpayers and hold up NUCLEAR PERMITTING in OUR STATE. I told you to get MAD at the fact that we have NO STATEWIDE MASS TRANSPORTATION. I told you to get MAD at the fact that OUR state leads the NATION in ..WHAT?? We were one of the original 13 COLONIES !!! I told you to get MAD at the fact that Rep BARFIELD was porking 100K dollars of OUR tax money to GERMAN tourists and YOU didn't publicly call him OUT !!! I told you to get MAD at the fact that OUR WHIP (James "GRAND MASTER FLASH" Clyburn)is porking federal dollars back to foundations that his family has ties too and you didn't publicly call him OUT on his UNETHICAL behavior!!
...and here you are stating that you killed this bill because of a MAYOR??? DO you and I need to spend some time in front of a MIRROR??
Citizens and VOTERS..it is clearly evident that we need to find a WOMAN with some GONADs to ensure that LINDA KETNER knows that any stunts like this will be answered. Linda needs to be reminded that its the ENERGY. Linda needs to be reminded that she answers to VOTERS and Citizens..NOT SOME MAYOR !!! Linda needs to be reminded that she is to ..CUT TAXES !! Not ..insurance rates!! GIECO..does that !!
LINDA....are you a leader?? Are you Ethical?? Don't LIE !! You know that it was my EMAIL to your OFFICE that lit your Fire!! Do you want to be the Rep for District 1? You ..young lady need to get on a backpack and start walking door to door!! Don't forget your PUP TENT! Lord knows that none of our state Legislators know how to use one in Columbia when they need to work overtime and its a beautiful night in Columbia!!
Henry Brown...... GET ..BUSY !!!
August 29, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
All of us on Charleston.net need to take some pride in sharing our disdain for liberal government wealth redistribution policies and stupid government bills such as Mr. Brown's that are just plain way out there. In this case we did make a difference by keeping pressure on Brown and we can on other elected people through the use of Charleston.net and by sending emails to their offices when their shenanigans become known. I realize we have a long way to go to bring common sense back into government, it is one step at a time, and small victories like ours today against this flood insurance bill will make the long trip worthwhile.
August 29, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OverHere (anonymous) says...
The real issue was you basically can't get a bank loan for the new homes without flood insurance.
The developer wanted to expand its market by making flood insurance an option.
Now their market only includes the super wealthy who can afford to come out of pocket for the lots & homes, can afford the loss if lost to a storm, and have no real care if they are able to sell it in the future. A very eccentric market, indeed.
I don't think Brown has done anything to warrant another term in office.
August 29, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thedarkpolitician (anonymous) says...
I cant believe that the majority of you are still complaining about Henry Brown's decision. This action by Brown is a true testament that he actually listens to the citizens of the first district of South Carolina. I applaud him for killing the bill and hope that the public will not be influenced by the obvious Ketner supporters who flood this site. They will never have anything good to say about him.
Look at the facts. Henry Brown has done so much for this district. He has managed to listen to his Constituents and killed a bill they did not approve of which means he really listens to them. Finally, he will fight for and uphold the key values and ideas that we in South Carolina support. Do not let Ketner and he pro-choice, pro-homosexual, left wing socialist supporters keep you from voting on what really matters. I found it funny that one of the first things she does when she goes to Denver was to attend a major Gay and Lesbian function which their community praised her for, but you never hear about her in that perspective in South Carolina. Why? Because she knows that issues like that will make or break her here in South Carolina.
Frankly, I am tired of no one making a bigger deal about this. I believe that the people of the First District need to really consider who they want to vote for based on merit, morals, principles, and experience. And let us not forget that Ketner is very outspoken about her dislike of the Southern Baptist areas of the District as well as other faction of Christianity. Henry Brown stands strong in support of Pro Life, is against Gay marriage, and supports the religious values of Christianity, even in the face of a Liberal Washington, and will continue to be the faith and value base man that he has always been. So thank you Henry for listening to your Constituents on this one, and you still have my vote in November.
-TDP
August 29, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
"Henry Brown stands strong in support of Pro Life, is against Gay marriage, and supports the religious values of Christianity, even in the face of a Liberal Washington, and will continue to be the faith and value base man that he has always been. So thank you Henry for listening to your Constituents on this one, and you still have my vote in November."
That's enough reason for me NOT to vote for him!!!!
August 29, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
Hate to break it to you, Darkpolitician, but all Brown did was damage control after being exposed. He shouldn't have needed to "listen to the citizens". He should have known on his own that this was a ridiculous bill.
You're applauding him for killing a bill that HE introduced.
August 29, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thedarkpolitician (anonymous) says...
guidedbystewart,
If you are against those issues than that is your choice. I am not trying to persuade the more Liberal of you to change. I am simply pointing out facts to the Conservative and Independent voters in the District that I feel are important.
yeahright,
I am fully aware that Brown is the one who put the bill in originally. I am applauding him for listening to the voice of his constituents. Thats is the true sign of a good representative.
-TDP
August 29, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
He got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, plain and simple. Applaud all you want.
August 29, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Oceanlover (anonymous) says...
TDP, the only reason Brown "listened" to his constituents is because they raised so much H E Double L at this craven political kissup to Kiawah Development Partners. And P&C, I would surely like to see in the future, some more scrutiny of their plan for these houses on this sensitive piece of land. This is how you sell papers - by giving us stuff we need to know to keep Charleston from one day looking like Myrtle Beach. I'm going to renew my subscription.
August 29, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Yep nothing has changed, thedarkpolitician,when ever Republicans looks bad the always fall back on the old social issues argument blah, blah, blah.
But, but, but, I pro family values..
August 29, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedDorchesterCitizen (anonymous) says...
Does this mean ole Henry will return the money he took - oh I am so sorry - the donation he recieved for his vote or will he try to bring it up later????
Poor ole Henry everybody is picking on him. I have some tissues if he needs them.
August 29, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
thedarkpolitician - you are of course joking, or perhaps you too believe your stupidity is a virtue?
What you ignorantly consider listening to his constituents, is simply pandering to big business, whose dollars are lining his pockets with PAC contributions.
Mr. Brown doesn't listen to anyone. Case in point:
I wrote a letter to Mr. Brown expressing my concern regarding the illegal immigrant problem and I outlined my suggestion to tax the cash dollars flowing to Latin counties, an amount that by many estimates is in the billions of dollars each year.
In response, I got a nice letter outlining Mr. Brown's support of President Bush's initiatives, increased funding for CBP and building a fence along the Mexican US border.
So I wrote another letter to Mr. Brown explaining my concern and suggesting he was missing the point of my prior letter regarding the amazing amount of money that leaves our country every day via, Western Union on it's way to Mexico.
In response I got a nice letter outlining Mr. Brown's support of President Bush's initiatives, increased funding for CBP and building a fence along the Mexican US border.
So I wrote another letter to Mr. Brown explaining my concern that he was the South end of a north bound mule, that if he would get to work on the issue taxing illegal workers in our country perhaps entering our country illegally would not be so attractive
In response I got a nice letter outlining Mr. Brown's support of President Bush's initiatives, increased funding for CBP and building a fence along the Mexican US border and that he understood my concerns regarding increased taxes. Oh and that he appreciated my continued support.
Yeah he listens to his constituents all right as long as they are major donors and PACs!
August 29, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hightide (anonymous) says...
CedarPosts, I got the same letters... yes, more than one.
sigh.
Brown's a joke whose time is up.
August 29, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Posted by tbird on August 29, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cedar Post; good comment. I reposted below... I am a life long conservative who believes the house should be occasionally cleaned. HENRY, IT IS TIME TO VACATE THE HOUSE... YOU HAVE BEEN IN THIS OFFICE TOO LONG AND LIKE AN OL' SHOE, IT HAS BECOME MUCH TOO COMFORTABLE. YOUR CONSTIUENCY NEEDS YOU MUCH MORE IN BERKELEY COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE...
Representative Brown presents himself as if he believes stupidity is a virtue, furthermore he believes that we the citizens of the 1st district will simply accept all the "spin" that he didn't really know all that much about the request for the bill or where it came from.
I'm a life long republican, but I'm convinced that the republican party and Mr. Brown are out of touch with America. The only connection they have to our country is via big business and their deep pockets.
It is time we thank Mr. Brown for his many years of service to developers and builders by sending the curmudgeonly old goat out to pasture in November.
More about the out of touch republican party at: http://www.cedarposts.blogspot.com/
----
This is exactly what bothers me about the GOP. They have made a mockery of everything that conservatism stands for.
Nice try Henry, but you still need to go.
August 29, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
Thanks Iceman
August 29, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
I'm no big fan of Ketners, but look at the real issues, domestic and foreign, that the USA is facing and all the "family values" stuff pales in comparison. Its a red herring put up by sophists to distract from the issues of big money buying and selling this country.
August 29, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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