Governor sets positive tone for coming year

Regardless of your political philosophy, his message of looking forward is one we all need to hear.

By Richard Eckstrom

Governor Sanford set a positive tone for the coming year with his annual State of the State address.

In his Jan. 14 speech, the Governor sounded some familiar themes, emphasizing the need to reform government, rein in spending and impose greater accountability. He spoke of the need to restructure state government, saying, "It is my hope that these jolting economic times force us to move South Carolina state government into the 21st Century."

The governor renewed his call for fiscal restraint, once again urging spending limits to keep the growth of government from outpacing our ability to pay for it. He made the case for a tax policy he says would improve the business climate in the state and boost the economy.

I was particularly pleased to hear the governor emphasize increased government transparency, an issue near and dear to my own heart. Giving citizens greater access to how decisions are made and how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent is the key to sound governance and to renewing the faith that many people have lost in government.

But the most remarkable part of the address, perhaps, came not in the form of a policy proposal or a good-government reform – but in an appeal to state leaders to lay down their arms, set aside their differences and start fresh. He set "we must look forward" as his first principle for improving the fortunes of South Carolinians. He summoned his audience to move beyond their divisions and work to heal South Carolina.

"Our differences are in the past, and from my perspective, bygones are bygones. All that matters is what we do from this day forward," the governor said, signaling a new era of cooperation may be in store. The State of the State address closed with the story of an Alexandria, Va. High school football team, chronicled in the movie Remember the Titans, in which the merger of several schools into one resulted in a racially charged atmosphere: "Despite what critics had considered impossible, they so ably moved past their differences and found ways to work together that they went 13-0 for the season, and ultimately won the State Championship."

In other words: Yes, stand on principle. Fight for beliefs. But don’t let past disagreements hinder future efforts to make our state a better place. Our differences of opinion certainly pale in comparison to the common bond we share in our desire to move South Carolina forward.

Even in the best of times, the challenges facing South Carolina are great. Today, we also face an economic crisis and a gargantuan budget shortfall. Whether or not you agree with the governor’s specific policy proposals, his message of looking forward and healing divisions is needed more than ever.