Sanford advances needed reform of state government

A recent article and letters to the editor in this paper have attempted to draw conclusions about Gov. Mark Sanford's tenure in office. With a full two years remaining in his term, there is plenty of this history that has not yet been written. However, I do think it is constructive to pause and review a few of his administration's many accomplishments in the past six years.

Under Gov. Sanford's watch, South Carolina has begun to address the problems that have held our state back for more than a century. We need real reforms to streamline our antiquated governmental structure, encourage job growth, protect our natural resources and better educate our children. Gov. Sanford has steadfastly led calls for change in each of these areas — often leading to significant resistence from those who benefit from the status quo.

Voters in South Carolina have twice overwhelmingly elected Gov. Sanford because they know he is unafraid to take on the "good old boys" and entrenched special interests feeding at the taxpayer trough. In the past six years, we have learned about boondoggles like the no-bid, $22 million a year state contract given to a former legislator for more than two decades. Not surprisingly, when the state finally bid the contract last year, taxpayers saved millions through a fair and competitive process.

Consider these important accomplishments in Gov. Sanford's first six years of office.

Among them are:

--Hundreds of millions in savings adopted from the Sanford administration's groundbreaking, zero-based budgets;

--The first marginal rate tax cut for small businesses, along with giving businesses the ability to join together to purchase health insurance;

--New job growth, ranking in the top one-third of the nation;

--Conservation of more land than under any previous administration;

--Increased options for students through virtual schools, a statewide charter school district and a choice-based system at First Steps;

--Hundreds of millions in additional K-12 funding that puts us near the top in the Southeast in spending per student;

--Safer roads, partially as a result of recently-signed DUI reform legislation;

--Improvements at the Department of Juvenile Justice, leading to the end of 13 years of federal oversight;

--Tens of millions dollars saved at the Department of Transportation after moving the agency partially into the executive branch;

--A 75 percent reduction in waiting time at the DMV from improved management and a new structure;

--Tort reform and workers' compensation changes that helped remove our state from the list of "judicial hellholes;"

--Elimination of funding from a program called a "legislative slush fund" and defeating wasteful proposals like $950,000 for a "Green Bean Museum."

While some of these items involved spirited debate between the governor and some legislators, it is important to note that most were accomplished with the cooperation of the General Assembly.

South Carolina has a long tradition as a legislatively run state, which is dominated by local issues and special interests. If you know anyone who thinks change comes easily in that kind of environment, please let me know because there is a no-bid, 20-year insurance contract I'd like to sell them.

Whether doing more with less by cutting unnecessary functions, selling assets such as state airplanes or having agencies report directly to the administration, the changes have led the way in improving government. Similar improvements are sure to follow when the General Assembly joins other states in creating a modern, streamlined structure with more agencies accountable to our current and future chief executives.

The Sanford administration has overcome significant obstacles in moving our state forward. Yet much more needs to be done. I am hopeful that these tough budget times, combined with efforts by many new reform-minded legislators, will be the catalyst for further change. While we can all be proud of Gov. Sanford's accomplishments over the past six years, I believe the best is yet to come in the final years of his administration.

Chad Walldorf is a businessman who served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Sanford from 2003-2005. He is currently chairman of the S.C. Club for Growth.