Sunday’s editorial explains why after a promising start the editorial board soured on Nikki Haley in the governor’s race and prefers Vincent Sheheen:
The editorial board of The Sun News has long stated that, as representatives of the free press, our first policy priority should be advancing the cause of openness in every level of government. First and foremost, we are gatherers and purveyors of information, and we firmly believe we should always take a stand on behalf of your right to know what your government is trying to do and what your tax dollars are paying for.
Accordingly, when state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington County flew into the Myrtle Beach airport in September 2008 with Gov. Mark Sanford to promote a bill to put lawmakers’ votes on the record, she immediately had our full attention. Of course their votes should be on the record, and here was a valiant rookie fighting an entrenched culture of secrecy and apparently unafraid to suffer politically for it.
Continue reading "A Proven Leader" »
Saturday’s editorial explain’s the editorial board’s preferences in local races for the legislature, and why we think the incumbents deserve to return:
Drafting the state budget is the most important task before our state legislators every year, but amid the staggering budget shortfalls caused by the recession, that job has become even more crucial.
Instead of it being an exercise in what they can get for Horry and Georgetown counties, their job will be far more difficult – minimizing what we lose in the massive cuts that are sure to come. This is no time for the substantial on-the-job training required on first arrival in the Statehouse, and it is this fact more than any other that drives our recommendations to send our incumbent state representatives back to Columbia for another term.
Continue reading "No Job For a Rookie" »
Friday’s editorial explains the editorial board’s decisions on Horry County school board candidates. You can read more about their biographies and answers to questions here.
School board elections this year have focused on security, student achievement and, above all, finances. With a shortfall estimated to reach $17 million next year, candidates have offered a range of suggestions for balancing the books, some more viable than others. The contests pit three strong incumbents against some impressive challengers, but the decision for our editorial board came down to the experience each possesses entering a grueling budget year with little time for playing catch up.
Continue reading "Veterans Get the Edge" »
Thursday’s editorial explains the editorial board’s choice for Horry County school board chairman:
In talking with Horry County school board candidates over the past week, the district’s shrinking finances emerged clearly as the most critical issue facing our school system in the coming years. The shadow of the 2011-2012 budget looms large over the election, with hard decisions on how to manage a $17 million shortfall awaiting the winners.
In such a reality, the post of board chairman becomes even more important as a leader who will oversee and guide the board’s tough choices. The current board chairman, Will Garland, brings to the table 10 years of experience on the Horry County school board, as well as decades of experience in education, including the post of vice president of finance at Coastal Carolina University.
Continue reading "All About the Experience" »
Traffic is arguably among the most significant public problems on the Grand Strand, and it’s hard to say for sure what is a more conspicuous absence: the lack of an interstate highway, or of reliable public transportation.
The interstate problem may be somewhat out of our hands, but public transportation is largely our own cross to bear. It’s had a spotty tenure here in recent memory, from the rampant mismanagement of the previous administration to the constant tension between expanding and downsizing that has held The Coast RTA in thrall since its restructuring.
Continue reading "On the Road Again" »
Wednesday's editorial offers the Editorial Board's thoughts on Horry County Council members:
District 1
The election contest between Horry County Council District 1 incumbent Harold Worley and challenger Brian Scott is like all campaigns should be. Worley, a well-known hotel owner-operator, contractor and developer, is seeking re-election to the council because he wants to “help people do good things.” Scott, a self-employed small businessman, is making sure the incumbent has viable opposition, as he has done in previous elections.
Continue reading "Horry Council Elections" »
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