Sanfords quick to criticize, yet easily wounded by response

To advance his image as a budget-cutter, Gov. Mark Sanford recently called on the members of the S.C. General Assembly to forgo their per-day expense and their mileage reimbursement for the extended session now underway to deal with budget issues. This is to reimburse legislators for the costs of hotels, gas, and meals while they are in Columbia on official business.

I realize it's easy to take shots at legislators, but I declined to join the governor in putting that kind of pressure on a group of public servants, many of whom are not wealthy. I pointed out that legislators make $10,400 a year in salary for their services and $1,000 a month for in-district expenses and, unlike the governor, do not live in a taxpayer-funded mansion with chauffeurs to drive them to work every day.

First Lady Jenny Sanford then wrote a letter to the editor (Oct. 18) accusing me of taking a "cheap shot" at her husband. She went on at great length with a long list of unfair and inaccurate allegations about me and others. It always amazes me that the Sanfords are so quick to criticize and attack the General Assembly and yet so easily wounded by even the mildest response.

However, I do agree with the first lady that we should take care to get our facts right. Unfortunately, she did not practice what she preaches. So I am grateful for this opportunity to set the record straight.

First of all, I was not criticizing Mrs. Sanford's management of the Governor's Mansion. It is merely truthful (and appropriate) that governors enjoy rent-free use of the mansion as well as security guards who serve as chauffeurs. Legislators have no such taxpayer-funded benefits. I also did not criticize the governor for not vetoing a budget proviso that only applies to the first lady that allows her to be reimbursed for costs when accompanying the governor on trips, and yet he criticizes lawmakers for seeking reimbursement for expenses incurred in their official capacities.

And Mrs. Sanford is not correct in her claim that members of the General Assembly commonly use security guards to drive them to parties and legislative receptions. Senate security provides protective services for legislators, staff and visitors. They are the first responders at times of threat at the Senate. There are only seven Senate security officers on duty during the day, and after business hours only one. That person does not transport leadership to parties or receptions. I think it is a disservice to impugn the work of these brave law officers by characterizing their work as trivial.

Mrs. Sanford also accuses me of almost single-handedly pushing to appropriate $30 million in state tax funds to support the conservation of the Hunley submarine. Readers of this newspaper know better. That false allegation was completely discredited by an investigative report in The Post Courier long ago. Though the Hunley is now largely supported by private, not public, funds, it is a major contributor to the local tourist economy. For example, I learned of her unkind and misleading remarks on Saturday while I joined two other volunteers in Fresno, Calif., promoting the Hunley and South Carolina. Witnessing the many thousands who were eager to learn about the Hunley and South Carolina, I opined that this enmity toward the project and me was politics as usual.

I truly do regret the governor's decision to take every opportunity to attack the General Assembly in the media. By now, it is painfully clear he believes such a negative approach is good for his image as a would-be agent of change. Sadly, he has damaged the cause of change by constantly choosing controversy over cooperation and reaction over result.

I wish the Sanfords well. No one I know in the state Legislature envies their personal wealth or the privileges they enjoy.

I would just ask them to try to understand that being reimbursed for the costs of hotels, gas, and meals may not seem like much to them, but for some, it helps pay the bills in difficult times.

I urge Gov. Sanford to join us in addressing the consequences of a national economic crisis at hand with a spirit of joint purpose. And just as I do not presume to call on the governor or the first lady to forgo the reimbursements or the benefits to which they are entitled, I would hope they would extend the same courtesy to the members of the General Assembly, especially those of lesser means than their own.

Glenn McConnell is president pro tempore of the S.C. Senate.