South Carolina has faced many challenges and difficulties during the last one hundred years.  Yet time and time again we have risen to the challenge and overcome great obstacles, even those imposed from within.

 

In the 1960's, 70's, 80's, and even early 90's our state was moving forward and making progress.  We were known as a vibrant part of the New South. Through a commitment to public education, a proactive approach to economic development, a belief in government reform, and a relatively peaceful acceptance of integration, we were able to make tremendous strides.

 

Unfortunately, the last decade has seen that forward momentum dwindle to a trickle.  We have stood still while our neighboring states have moved forward.  Our leaders have accepted mediocrity.  I believe the status quo is unacceptable for our state.  In the end, our inability as a state to move forward on the important issues comes from a failure of leadership.

 

What do we need at this critical time in our history?  We need leaders who are willing to tackle the transformative issues of our time and our state.  Leaders who believe in reforming our system of government; leaders who recognize that our tax structure must be completely overhauled; leaders who understand that our government is unaccountable and unable to plan for the future; leaders who know that making college and technical schools affordable is a key to long term economic growth; leaders who are willing to overhaul the way we fund and operate our public schools; leaders who believe that our government can and should be expected to perform its functions well.

 

Right now in our history we need leaders who will bring stability to a chaotic political culture.  In the last six years we have seen our state wide elected officials rocked by scandal.  One resigned after being indicted for financial impropriety.  One resigned after being indicted for drug related charges.  And the turmoil brought onto our state by our current governor's travails needs no further description.

 

In South Carolina, we want to be proud of our families; proud of our faith; proud of who we are.  But our leaders have damaged our state’s reputation by their irresponsible behavior.  We need leaders who will work for the best interests of all our people, not just their friends and the special interests.

 

Right now in our history we need leaders who have intelligence.  We need leaders who are willing to tackle the complex problems facing our state with creative and thoughtful solutions.  We don't need leaders who simply repeat over and over again the same old sound bites that we have heard for so very long.  Simply bashing government is not a solution to our long-term problems.  Holding press conferences is not governing.

 

Right now in our history, we need leaders who can work together.

Sending out negative attacks is not leadership; pulling political stunts at the state house is not leadership; refusing to talk with one's political opponents is not leadership.  Proposing a vision and bringing other leaders together to accomplish that vision is the kind of leadership that South Carolina is thirsting for.

 

We are at a critical time in our history.  We have choices to make- continue down the mindless, do-nothing path that we have followed for far too long; or choose to come together to find solutions to the problems that are before us.  For our future's sake, I hope we choose correctly.