LETTER: Transparent voting is now

I agree with the Aiken Standard's April 15 editorial lauding the signing into law of the Roll Call Voting bill; it is good for transparency and accountability by those who serve in the South Carolina General Assembly.

Your editorial further stated, "Now Haley and lawmakers need to make these votes easily accessible. That's as important as recording the votes, and technology makes that easy now."

Right again! Technology has made it so easy that every vote I've taken since being sworn into office is available online. The South Carolina Legislature website (www.scstatehouse.gov) shows every vote for every representative. Just click and learn. Furthermore, since starting my service in Columbia, I have posted a link on my personal legislative website (www.TaylorSCHouse.com) that not only shows every vote I've taken, but every bill I've sponsored. The voting page features this statement from me:

"I believe in and support government transparency. Citizens need to know how their elected officials vote and the legislation they sponsor; we can't say one thing and do another. It's all here in this section. Just click on the tabs above and see the bills I have sponsored and the up-to-the-moment results of voting. Below, I have added comments on the substantial issues so you will better understand my representation of the citizens of S.C. House District 86."

Both Representatives Tom Young (Aiken) and Bill Hixon (North Augusta) have similar voting links.

I hope the Aiken Standard's editors and reporters will join the many citizens who keep a watchful eye on how their legislators vote.

Rep. Bill Taylor

South Carolina General Assembly

House District 86