Rep. Young: Sanford probe may be in order 7/20/2009 11:42 PM
By ROB NOVIT Senior writer
S.C. Rep. Tom Young, R-Aiken, doesn't want the controversy surrounding Gov. Mark Sanford to be a distraction when the General Assembly convenes in January and, in that regard, believes an independent prosecutor should be considered to explore the possible misuse of state funds.
Last month Sanford admitted to an affair with an Argentine woman and has reimbursed the state $3,300 for a taxpayer-funded trip to Argentina.
In a speech at the Rotary Club of Aiken and in a subsequent interview, Young said his constituents have been asking questions about the governor.
SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd announced earlier this month that Sanford violated no laws because no state funds were used on the governor's trips to see his mistress.
"It's important that we don't have a distraction and can focus on real issues," Young said. "If we need to have something other than SLED look at this, I would welcome that. I'm hearing from constituents who wonder if there was no misuse of state funds, why did the governor write a personal check for $3,300?"
Young is concerned that Lloyd has acknowledged that his conclusion was based in part on Sanford's own statements to Lloyd.
"There are things we need to get to the bottom of so they won't be a distraction," said Young. "We've got real issues that deserve attention. We can't let this be the elephant in the room."
The key issues, he said, include government restructuring, education, job creation, health care and tax reform. The state needs to give more authority to the governor's position, said Young.
The legislature-oriented government in South Carolina dates back to 1895, he said. That structure was driven by fear of an African-American becoming governor at a time when the state had a majority African-American population. Nineteen states have rewritten their state constitution; in this state, a two-thirds vote would be needed in the legislature to put the question to the voters.
Current bills would call for the authority of the state's Budget and Control Board to move to the governor. The governor would also add to his Cabinet as many as six constitutional offices. Only the secretary of state and the superintendent of education have made it to the House floor.
Young introduced a measure in which gubernatorial party nominees would pick a running mate for lieutenant governor. He noted the recent confusion over the governor's disappearance for five days and how no one, including Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, knew where he was.
"This is perfect climate to get this bill passed," Young said.
The tax realignment commission that was approved in June must get under way to look at overhauling the entire tax code, he said.
"We have $2.7 million in state sales and user tax exemptions," said Young. "We're also too dependent on sales tax revenue."
That's a factor in the state's general appropriations bill of $5.7 billion, which is $1.4 billion less than the previous year, Young said.
State legislators had to contend with a seven-week furlough earlier this year and the time spent on debating the federal stabilization funds. Sanford had resisted those funds, unless they could be utilized in a way that would result in debt retirement.
Young said the governor has written all legislators a letter, apologizing for not working effectively with them to accomplish significant legislation. He has promised to do so in the remainder of his term.
"I know the state needs leadership and consensus building in the governor's office," said Young. "We need to move on to issues that will affect everyday South Carolinians."
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
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Posted by: Bruce On: Thursday, July 23, 2009 9:32 PM
Comment Title:
A probe to investigate the governors probing. LOL
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Posted by: On: Thursday, July 23, 2009 3:00 AM
Comment Title: Dumb Ass
What a dumb ass. If Sanford gave some money back to the state and the teasurer accepted it then it was taken from the state. The treasurer cannot just accept money into the general fund as a gift. SLED is covering for Sanford because Reggie lloyd works for Sanford. Just look at the SLED website, they don't arrest people for murder, etc. They arrest public officials for misconduct, etc. That's what there job is to watch the hen house.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 6:43 PM
Comment Title:
All requests for comment from Sanford will have to be vetted through his press secretary, God.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:57 PM
Comment Title:
Mr. Young now is the time for POLITICAL COURAGE. Take the bull by the horns, and start this probe and investigation. Sanford must go.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:54 PM
Comment Title:
If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as "proof" of what a dunce he is? So tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? I can't think of anything! Don't worry, you'll have three years and 6 months to come up with an answer.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:54 PM
Comment Title: Something is not right here.
Wait just a minute. Sanford is in Greer today and stated that it's time for the state to move forward. After all he's "sorry". Hmm now he just came back from a second honeymoon with Lady Jenny, and now he is leaving for a trip with his sons! Next he'll be going back to Buenos Aires to bang his bombshell. Is this guy ever going to work for us? Ah no, okay then Young it's time for this probe. No if's, maybe's or but's. Sanford really thinks he is above it all. Time to go, adios, see ya.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:49 PM
Comment Title:
If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current on their income taxes, would you have approved? So tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive?
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:44 PM
Comment Title: SANFORD PROBE MAY BE IN ORDER!
How about SANFORD PROBE SHOULD BE IN ORDER. No "maybe's about it.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:40 PM
Comment Title: Representative of What
Isn't this the fool that along with Ryberg backed Sanford's attempts to refuse billions of dollars in stimulus money (education and law enforcement) for the state of South Carolina. That's what you call leadership in Aiken County? You better look for some men of character and quit supporting these wimps who have little or no backbone if you ever want to bring Aiken out of the stone ages.
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Posted by: Mista ChaChinger On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:57 PM
Comment Title:
yes 1st San-Fraud, then carpetbagger (RYBERG), then keep on moving down the list...little shane, Andre the Bauer, Tom Davis, Katon Dawson, Todd KinKKKannon...the list goes on...
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 1:59 PM
Comment Title: Okay Tom what is it?
Are you talking out of both sides of your mouth? First you mentioned that some action or investigation perhaps should be taken into the Sanford affair. But in your very last sentence in this article to quote you. "We need to move on to issues that will effect everyday South Carolinians." Whoops that is a quick move I'm sorry, but you confused me. Are you or are you not in support or willing to bring forth a COMPLETE investigation into this embarrassing matter. Kindly come out with a FIRM and DIRECT yes or no statement that you would do so. Please no tap dancing your constituents are watching very closely.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 1:41 PM
Comment Title:
I don't think so. I get a little upset about the so-called morals and values of the republican right and christian conservation movement. Please tell me, what example does Sanford's actions and the inaction taken by our politicians from both parties show to our children? What happened to civility, ethics, morality and just plain commonsense? This guy and others like him should be made an example of.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:26 AM
Comment Title: Let Sanford do his worst to the Republican Party
OK, this might work. Maybe the Republicans will grow from this experience.....
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:16 AM
Comment Title: Mr. Young work to get Sanford out.
Once again Sanford was a "no show" in Columbia at the USC announcement pertaining to the new business school building. Hmmm still trying to patch up things with Lady Jennifer or did his Buenos Aires Bombshell come up to the states. This idiot is an embarrassment to South Carolina. Get rid of him.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:55 AM
Comment Title:
First thing to do is get rid of Sanford and then RYBERG is next! How's that sound Jane?
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Posted by: Jane Page Thompson On: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 8:19 AM
Comment Title: Keep up the good work!
Rep. Young, thank you for being right on target with your concerns and commitment to balance our state's power! I know you have supported the tax reforms and repeals needed to secure a sound economic footing for our state. Good Luck winning the votes, let us know what we as voters can do to support your efforts.
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