EDITORIAL: This year's elections must address leadership

South Carolina is at a crucial point in its history. As the economic quagmire of the past two years continues to eat away at state resources and the morale of its citizens, the need for leadership in state government is more pronounced now than ever.

Essential services such as education, health care and law enforcement are being cut to the bone. In some cases even the bone has been cut. The state's unemployment rate has passed the 12 percent mark with no signs that it will slow down. The executive leader of the state has been hamstrung for the past seven months because of his own personal indiscretions - leaving the state essentially leaderless during this economic crisis.

In November, South Carolina voters will go to the polls and make decisions that will affect the future of the state. Their decisions will directly affect how the state will fare over the next four years. South Carolinians need to look for leaders - bold, courageous women and men - who will look to the future and make decisions on what is best for the state, not what will get them re-elected in four years.

From the governor's office to the State House to local county and school board seats, leaders with vision, patience and determination are needed to lead this state through the rough waters of this economic tide. Voters should seek candidates who promise more than the status quo and who are not afraid to step outside the comfort of business-as-usual in order to move our state forward.

Leadership does not come in the endless refrain of reducing taxes and cutting spending as the solution to the current woes. That does not address the need for improving our education system and preparing South Carolina's young for quality, high paying careers. That does not help provide medical care for our children in poverty. It does not provide new career opportunities for those who are out of work and seeking to provide for their families.

The search for real leadership begins with each voter who must diligently search for that rare quality among the candidates for office. All will say they have it, but few will actually possess the quality. Only by becoming knowledgeable of the candidates, their backgrounds and their platforms can voters be assured they are choosing the appropriate candidates who will truly lead this state.