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Sanford to allow open ethics inquiry, governor mum on school board appointment (VIDEO) - Aug. 28, 5:05 p.m.
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Gov. Mark Sanford (left) speaks with Conway resident and supporter Tony Belardo (center) after a press briefing Friday in Conway. Sanford says he'll waive confidentiality rights of any ethics probe into his controversial travel expenses. Photo by Michael Smith | The Chronicle.
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Conway city council members Jean Timbes (left), Vivian Chestnut (second right) and Mayor Alys Lawson (right) accompany Gov. Mark Sanford during the governor's visit to Conway on Friday. Photo by Michael Smith | The Chronicle.
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First reported on the Chronicle's Facebook fan page Aug. 28 at 12:16 p.m.
By Michael Smith
Editor
Gov. Mark Sanford said Friday he's waiving confidentiality rights into any ethics probe of his travel expenses.
Meantime, the governor said he's still not yet decided whether he'll sign off on the Horry County Board of Education's recommendation to appoint Loris resident Neil James to fill out the unexpired term of District 10 board member Chris Shannon, who faces felony breach of trust charges.
Sanford said in the interests of openness, he's allowing any ethics probe to be open. He also scolded members of the media - The State newspaper, in particular - for how they've handled the reporting of his business flights, which were booked on the more expensive business class.
The reports were also critical of Sanford for apparently using state aircraft for personal reasons.
"There's a larger context to this airplane brouhaha," Sanford said in a speech to the Conway Lions Club. "And I hope you see that."
Sanford also refused to confirm or deny whether he'll uphold the recommendation of James to the school board.
On Thursday, state Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach, said in a letter to the governor that some state lawmakers were lobbying for another candidate who did not even apply.
Rankin's letter warned the governor to not consider this appointment.
"Your choosing to do otherwise would be one of the most unfortunate acts of putting political patronage above merit you could embrace, which would totally circumvent the work of those who've been elected to serve," Rankin's letter said.
It remains unclear who the appointment was as of press time.
Sanford said he's still undecided, noting he often gets hundreds of letters and requests to fill board appointments.
"A lot of people have different opinions about these things, and [Rankin] is one of them," Sanford said. "We try to take all of this into consideration as best we can, and we'll come up with a determination next week."
Read the full story in the Sept. 3 edition of the Carolina Forest Chronicle.
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Submitted By:
B |
Submitted:
8/28/2009 |
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Submitted By:
James |
Submitted:
9/5/2009 |
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Submitted By:
Crystal S. Tatum |
Submitted:
9/7/2009 |
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