There's government (sometimes a dirty word) and then there's smart government. And contrary to political agendas, one party doesn't have a monopoly on smart government. In fact, there is some smart things going on with our very own county government righ now.

But there are some critical issues at the national level. The most important is that Republicans are stopping any plans for critical jobs creation measures, including the much-needed infrastructure rebuilding, under the guise of deficit reduction.  I suggest they read their history books — they did that in 1937 and we went back into depression (unemployment went back UP from 15% to 19%!).  Only World War II pulled us out of that mistake. 

We need to tackle the long range deficit problem, but we also need to tackle this near term jobs creation emergency. But Democrats will need Republican support, and I am sure they will not get it. I am still furious that our own Congressman Tim Scott was willing to let our country go into default. That was just wrong –  it shows a lack of proper perspective and a lack of leadership by Scott. 

So what are our state leaders — Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Mike Rose and Rep. Jenny Horne and Murphy —  doing about jobs?  It looks like nothing!  I understand we have a budget to balance, but after 15 years of being the majority party you would think the Republicans could run this state better. We are still in the bottom five in education and top five in unemployment. Why are they not doing anything about this?  

State Superintendent Mick Zais, with Haley’s support, just turned down $144 million for our schools. That is a crime – even the conservative Post & Courier said that was a bad and very shortsighted move! I thought the Republicans would do better! 

And has Zais done anything to reduce the supposedly horrible school bureaucracy in our state?  Uh, no!  He has actually added (high paying) jobs to his staff! 

And don’t tell me Haley did this to save Federal money. First, the money just went to another state and, second, Haley has asked the Feds to bail out her Dept. of Transportation! What a hypocrite! 

I do have some good news. Dorchester County Councilman and Republican Larry Hargett has shown some real leadership and is supporting smart growth, a policy that the Democrats have been championing for years now. For the first time, mayors and other tri-county leaders agreed to join together to create the area's first regional plan.

That work is now finishing up, and those involved say a final Aug. 23 hearing at Trident Technical College in North Charleston is the public's last and best chance not only to see the work done to date, but also to speak out on the final version. This effort — billed the first of its kind in the Carolinas — was initiated by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley but steered by Hargett. 

I urge you all to participate, thank Hargett for his leadership, and make Haley and Zais accountable for their lack of leadership on key state issues.