Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the ACTING PRESIDENT, Senator RYBERG.

Memorandum To:   Clerk of the House

Clerk of the Senate

Re:           Transcipt of Hearings

In compliance with the provisions of Act 119 of 1975, it is respectfully requested that the following information be printed in the Journals of the Senate and the House.

Respectfully submitted,
Olin Phillips
Chairman

Pursuant to Act 119 of 1975, the Committee to Screen Candidates for Boards of Trustees of State Colleges and Universities was convened to consider the qualifications of candidates seeking to fill certain positions on boards of trustees of the state's colleges and universities. The committee conducts such investigation of each candidate as it deems appropriate and reports its findings to the General Assembly prior to the election. It is not the function of the Committee to recommend one candidate over another or to suggest to the individual legislator for whom to vote. The purpose of the committee is instead to determine whether a candidate is qualified and under the statute, the committee is instead to determine whether a candidate is qualified and under the statute, the committee's determination in that regard is not binding upon the General Assembly. The candidates are:

The Citadel
At large

one seat       Col. John A. McAllister, Jr. (Mt.Carmel)

Mr. Julian G. Frazier, III (Sumter)

Mr. Robert M. Sutton (Myrtle Beach)

Coastal Carolina University
Six congressional districts and two at large

1st District, Seat 1     Mr. Clark B. Parker (Myrtle Beach)

Ms. Gloria A. Bonali (Conway)

Mr. Ronald R. Norton (Conway)

2nd District, Seat 3     Mr. Oran P. Smith (Columbia)

3rd District, Seat 5     Mr. Payne H. Barnette, Jr.(Greenwood)

4th District, Seat 7     Ms. Elaine W. Marks (Spartanburg)

5th District, Seat 9     Ms. Juli Streater Powers (Bennettsville)

6th District, Seat 11     Mr. Fred F. DuBard, Jr. (Florence)

At-large, Seat 13     Mr. H. Franklin Burroughs (Conway)

Ms. Etrulia P. Dozier (Conway)

At-large, Seat 15     Mrs. Lee Mason (Surfside Beach)

Lander University

One congressional district

1st District, Seat 2     Mrs. Robin R. Agnew (Pawleys Island)

South Carolina State

Three congressional districts

1st District, Seat 1     Mr. Arnold Collins (Charleston)

2nd District, Seat 2     Mr. Samuel Glover (Columbia)

4th District, Seat 4     Dr. James L Bullard (Greenville)

Mr. John A. McCarroll (Lyman)

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School

At-large

Three seats     Mr. Vince Rhoads (West Columbia)

Dr. Louis T. Scott (Florence)

Mr. Lowell C. "Butch" Spires (Cayce)

Dr. Barbara D. Dilligard (Charleston)

Winthrop University

At-large

One seat     Mr. Robert L. Thompson (Fort Mill)

Mr. Rick Lee (Rock Hill)

Respectfully submitted,

___________________ _______________________
s/s Rep. Olin Phillips, Chrm.     s/s Sen. Joe Wilson, V-Chrm.

___________________ _______________________
s/s Rep. Curtis Inabinett, Sec.   s/s Sen. Warren K. Giese

___________________ ________________________
s/s Rep. Lanny Littlejohn   s/s Sen. Maggie W. Glover

___________________ ________________________
s/s Rep. Margaret Gamble   s/s Sen. James E. Bryan, Jr.

APPEARANCES:
Representative Olin Phillips
Representative Margaret Gamble
Representative Lanny F. Littlejohn
Representative Curtis B. Inabinett
Senator Addison "Joe" G. Wilson
Senator Maggie W. Glover
Senator James E. Bryan, Jr.

ALSO PRESENT: Sophia Floyd

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'd like to call the meeting to order. The Committee to Screen Candidates for the Boards of the Trustees of Colleges and Universities. First of all, I'd like to introduce the committee and starting with Senator Jim Bryan, and Senator Joe Wilson, and Representative Margaret Gamble, Representative Lanny Littlejohn, and Representative Curtis Inabinett. Senator Giese couldn't be here, he's got another committee meeting. And we are expecting Senator Glover to come at anytime. The swearing in of the candidates, each one of you as you come forth will be sworn in, raise your right hand and I'll ask you to swear in. And we'll start off with the Citadel.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes.

SENATOR WILSON: Even before we begin I want to thank Ms. Floyd for the terrific job that she has done of getting information out to the citizens of South Carolina of how to apply. And also her excellent work in providing to us that information so that we could have such a good meeting this morning with the information previously provided.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Ms. Floyd. And I'd like to say the same thing, Sophia has done a wonderful job. Our first candidate will be Colonel John McAllister, Jr. Will you please raise your right hand? The information you give here to be the sole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right, sir. You may go ahead and make a statement. First of all, I've got a few questions I'd like to ask you.

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health related problems that the screening committee should know that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: No, I do not, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Yes, I would, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that presents a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: No, I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that if elected to the Board would cause you to violate the dual office holding in the Constitution?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: No, I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir. All right. You're welcome to start with your statement.
COLONEL MCALLISTER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Phillips and distinguished members of the Committee, I come before you today to express my intent to run for re-election to the Citadel Board of Visitors. In 1989, I was elected to fill the seat vacated by Senator Billy O'Dell of Ware Shoals. I graduated from the Citadel in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. I completed the Executive Program of Professional Management at the Keenan-Flagler School of Business, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991. I also completed the Program for Senior Managers in Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1982. I am the owner and Broker-In-Charge of Valley Properties, a real estate brokerage, and consulting firm in Mount Carmel. I serve as an Officer in the South Carolina National Guard. I am Chairman of the Citadel Board of Visitors Building and Grounds Committee. I'm a member of the Education, Curriculum, and Faculty Liaison Committee; Honorary Degrees, Palmetto Medal, and Special Recognition Committee; Customs, Regulation, and Cadet Liaison Committee. Also, I'm a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. My interest in the College is not limited to the Board. I'm actively involved in the Citadel Alumni Association, the Brigadier Club, and the Friends of the Daniel Library. I am also a member of the State Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, The Executive Board of the Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America, The Abbeville Historic and Preservation Commission, and an Elder in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. For the past ten years, I have served on the Board of Visitors in many leadership roles. The Citadel's tradition of educating citizen soldiers for our State and Nation will stand the test of time. Thank you for your continued support of the military college of South Carolina, and I will be glad to answer any questions that you might have.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Colonel. Any committee members got any questions at all?

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Wilson?

SENATOR WILSON: A great concern that I have is a four year graduation rate that if the public colleges and private colleges of South Carolina need to encourage students to complete their higher education in four years and then hopefully go on to a graduate degree. Of course the Citadel has the highest graduation rate of any public college in South Carolina. It should be commended. And what do you feel could be done more to assist in providing for a four year graduation rating?

COLONEL MCALLISTER: As you said, Senator, the Citadel leads the State and the southeast region of the United States for graduation for four year graduates. We're very proud of that. We have a very difficult process at the Citadel. The freshman year, I think most of you agree that are familiar with the Citadel, understands it's a very tedious, very emotional, a very physical process that they go through. If I was asked, just as you've asked me today, what suggestion I would make, the Citadel begins with teaching values. And those values that we impart, the duty, honor, country; those values, when it is imparted at a very early time in a young man or a young woman's educational process, I really believe that that gives them the foundation by which when the going gets tough they get going and they'll finish that four year degree within the allocated time.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Mr. Phillips?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Inabinett?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you. Colonel McAllister, I have one question.

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Yes.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: The statement prior to the question, we are lobbied pretty heavily by lobbyists, particularly during the budgetary process.

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Yes, sir.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: As a board member, are you involved in the dialogue determining what, or the amount that's going to be asked for by the college? I mean, you know, going to ask the State for.

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Certainly as a member of the Citadel Board of Visitors I monitor that very closely. We have a very capable and qualified governmental affairs representative here that accurately shares the administration policy and the policies of the Board of Visitors. I do monitor that. I do re-enforce the request of the College, but I do not actively lobby members of the General Assembly. We do that through our governmental affairs area. But we do support budgetary requests, and we do support those.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: So you are aware of the amount that will be asked for before the lobbyists and others ...

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Oh, yes. Yes, sir. Yes, we are.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there anymore questions from Council? No. Thank you, Mr. McAllister.

COLONEL MCALLISTER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The next candidate is Mr. Julian Frasier, III. Mr. Frasier, will you please raise your right hand? Do you swear to give the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?

MR. FRASIER: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Do you have any health related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of ...

MR. FRASIER: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?

MR. FRASIER: Yes, sir. (sic)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend the Board and meetings on a regular basis?

MR. FRASIER: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests personally or professionally that presents a conflict of interest because of your service on this Board?

MR. FRASIER: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public position of honor and trust that if you were elected would consider it a dual office holding?

MR. FRASIER: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Go ahead with your statement, sir.

MR. FRASIER: I'm Julian Frasier, III. I was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1937. I've lived in Sumter, South Carolina for the last 25 years. And my profession is I'm a GoodYear tire dealer which we operate stores scattered all over the State. My involvement with the Citadel has been numerous jobs. I started off as a Director of the Alumni Association, and also the Brigadier Foundation. I've been the President of the Brigadier Foundation which is the athletic fundraising arm of the Citadel. I've also been President of the Alumni Association. I was elected in 1990 by the alumni of the Citadel to serve on the Board of Visitors which I did for nearly seven years filling an unexpired term plus my regular term. Of my involvement with the Board of visitors was that I was building and grounds chairman, and then my most recent chairmanship was the athletic committee. I have financially contributed to the Citadel as well as my time and my talents, and I feel like I'm very qualified to retain ... to obtain a seat that is of this office.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Wilson?

SENATOR WILSON: Again, my interest, and I appreciate so much that the Citadel has the highest graduation rate. What do you feel can be done to promote a four year graduation rating?

MR. FRASIER: Senator, are you talking about just at the Citadel or ...

SENATOR WILSON: At the Citadel.

MR. FRASIER: At the Citadel.

SENATOR WILSON: And possibly it could be picked up by other colleges and universities, too.

Mr. FRASIER: Well, as to build on what my colleague, Colonel McAllister had to say, the Citadel is unique as far as the pressure. I will use that word to ... on young cadets, male and female, to finish with their class. And that's one of the reasons you have this pressure that you want when you come in together and you want to walk the stage together. And that's one of the biggest things that I see that is a pressure point on the young folks to finish with their class and be expediate with their studies so that they walk out at the same time. That uniqueness is one of the biggest reasons and the discipline that goes with it is the reason that the Citadel has such a high graduation rate. I don't see that, Senator, that the Citadel can do a whole lot more than what it's doing right now to accomplish this. The pressures are such as I just pointed out that I feel like that all of the emphasis can be put on studies are there for them to graduate on time, and I think the record speaks for itself.

SENATOR WILSON: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We welcome to the committee Senator Glover. Good morning, Ms. Glover, Maggie.

SENATOR GLOVER: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Anymore questions from any of the members of the Board? None.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Mr. Robert M. Sutton. Mr. Sutton, will you please raise your right hand? Do you swear to the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God that the information to be asked to you this morning?

MR. SUTTON: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Mr. Sutton, do you have any health related problems that this screening committee should be aware of that would keep you from serving in a full capacity?

MR. SUTTON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities would you be able to attend the Boards and meetings on a regular basis?

MR. SUTTON: I would.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that presents a conflict of interest because of your service on this Board?

MR. SUTTON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that if elected to the Board would cause you to violate the dual office holding by the Constitution?

MR. SUTTON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The committee members are welcome to ask any questions. Any committee members?

SENATOR WILSON: His opening statement.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, okay, I'm sorry. Your opening statement, sir.

MR. SUTTON: Thank you, Chairman Phillips, and distinguished members of the committee. My name is Bob Sutton and I'm from Horry County. I'm a 1985 distinguished military graduate of the Citadel. Following graduation I went off for service in the United States Army. I was commissioned as a regular army officer which is the same commission given to graduates in the military academy. My first assignment was Fort Knox, Kentucky where I was selected to be the class leader of 80 other officers in my class. I graduated from Fort Knox, Kentucky with a Commandant's List Honors. Went on from there to serve in the First Armored Division in Germany. I had two troop leading assignments while I was there. Finished up my assignment in Germany as an operations officer for what we call a military sub community. It's essentially being an assistant to the Mayor type position. When I returned to the States I was assigned to the Cavalry weapons department at Fort Knox, Kentucky where I was placed in charge of the development of the Cavalry weapons training facility. That's a $3.5 million project. It involved close coordination with the civilian sector industry, and in the end we had Senator McConnell, United States Senator come visit. And I was in charge of his ...

SENATOR WILSON: He seems like a United States Senator, but he's a State Senator.

MR. SUTTON: Yeah, I'm sorry.

SENATOR WILSON: He's a ... excuse me, he's a Senator from the State of Charleston.

MR. SUTTON: I'm referring to ... I'm sorry.

SENATOR WILSON: Kentucky.

MR. SUTTON: I'm referring to United States Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky.

SENATOR WILSON: Oh, here, excellent.

MR. SUTTON: Following the ... I'm sorry, following the military I decided to go to law school. Went to the University of South Carolina. Graduated in 1990. Following graduation I served a one year judicial clerkship with the honorable David Maring, Circuit Court Judge. From there I went into private practice. Served a year in private practice and then went out on my own. I've been on my own in private practice for four years now. I've practiced primarily criminal defense and personal injury. I'm a life member of the association of Citadel Men. I'm a member of the Horry County Citadel Club, and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mr. Sutton. Any committee members have any questions? Senator Wilson?

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Sutton, what is your view about promoting a four year graduation rating?

MR. SUTTON: As Julian Frasier said, Senator, the function of the four year graduation rate at the Citadel is the class pressure. And I remember that class pressure well. From day one you're part of a class, the class of 1985, which was my class. I wasn't '84, I wasn't '86, I wasn't '87. I was going to walk across that stage with the class of '85. And there is pressure from day one and all through your career, and I think that's why we have such a high graduation rating. And I remember, I still remember to this day some of my classmates senior year were getting a little close to that line. And some of us had to reach down and help them so they could walk across the stage with our class. But it's definitely a function of the class system at the Citadel, Senator.

SENATOR WILSON: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Littlejohn?

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Sutton, I notice you're a pretty busy man. How much time do you anticipate this Board taking of your time? How much time do you plan on spending?

MR. SUTTON: Mr. Chairman, I called Billy Jenkins, who's on the Board of Visitors and asked him about the time commitment before I decided to announce my candidacy. He informed me that it takes probably ten to 15, 20 hours a week. Sometimes more. At least one or two weeks, weekends a month. You can be as busy as you want to be. And to serve the Citadel, I'll do whatever is necessary. That's my Alma Mater. I have a vested interest in seeing it become the best school in the State, and remain the best school in the State.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Do you have any personal goals to see that something gets accomplished that you'd like to see?

MR. SUTTON: Yes, sir, I do. In a recent alumni magazine, I read a letter from one of the alumni, and he said it seems something is missing at the Citadel. And I would agree with him. I've heard that comment from many of my classmates, from many people I know. I think in recent years the Citadel's been under fire. We had our troubles, you know, we fought the integration of women. That battle was fought. The women are there. We're going to do the best we can to integrate them and make sure they're a part of that school, make sure they meet the same high standards as everybody else in the corp. We're going to put that behind us. We need to heal that wound. A lot of the alumni feel alienated by that battle. A lot of the alumni are not contributing who were former contributors to the Citadel. We need to bring them back into the fold. We need to heal those wounds. We need to reach out to those alumni, and we need to make sure the Corp of Cadets understands that we're all together in this thing.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other committee members? No? Thank you, Mr. Sutton.

MR. SUTTON: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, let's go to ...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, a form of inquiry. On these uncontested seats are we going to have a statement from these candidates or just the contestants?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: If there is no objection made, we can excuse them. Do we have any objection?

SENATOR WILSON:     Some of them.

MR. CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No objection? No objection, okay. So what ... when we get to the ones that are unopposed, and they are already incumbents, we will not ask you to make a statement at this time. We ask you to ... you may be excused. And when we get to that area we'll excuse you.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Well, we'll need to ask some questions.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oh, you want to ask questions? I thought you said ...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Yes, no statement, but I'd like to ask them some questions. I mean not a ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All incumbents?

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: No, just the ones that don't have, you know, opposition.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, we're going to do that.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Oh, okay. I'm sorry.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'm speaking about the ones here...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Okay, right.

MR. CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that don't have opposition. And are already seated.

SENATOR WILSON: So they can go back to work.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: But then he wanted to question everyone.

SENATOR WILSON: Everyone?

SENATOR BRYAN: He just wanted them not to make a statement. He still would like to have you introduce him and then let us ask questions.

SENATOR WILSON: I'll go along with that. It's the pleasure of the committee.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: It's the pleasure of the committee.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: I'll second that.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What?

SENATOR WILSON: Withdraw my amendment then.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: Right.

SENATOR WILSON: Or motion.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. All right, thank you. Next is the Coastal Carolina University. We have six congressional districts and two at-large. And the 1st District, Seat 1 is Mr. Clark Parker the incumbent. Mr. Parker. Mr. Parker, raise your right hand please. Do you swear the testimony you give this morning to be the truth so help you God?

MR. PARKER: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Questions. Do you have any health related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on this Board in a full capacity?

MR. PARKER: Not that I'm aware of.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities would you be able to attend the Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. PARKER: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that presents a conflict of interest because of your service on this Board?

MR. PARKER: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that if elected would constitute a dual office solely noted in the Constitution?

MR. PARKER: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Your statement, sir.

MR. PARKER: I'm a graduate of Coastal Carolina of 1977. And my wife is also a graduate of Coastal of 1978. I grew up in Horry County, born in Conway. And I've seen the institution grow from just a hand full of students to over 4000 students. I hope that as a parent of three boys that I will see hopefully one or three of those boys graduate from that institution as well. I've served on the Board since the Board was formed in 1995. I've seen a lot of transition and a lot of growth, as well as a lot of coming together. The institutions in the State are trying to help in whatever resources that we can share. As you know we come to the General Assembly a lot in asking for assistance in support of the institutions throughout the State. Monies are thin and we understand we've got to do other things to help bring dollars to the institution from the private sector as well. And I think Coastal's done a good job of doing that in its history as well as currently. And I feel like that's what we as Board members can possibly do is help bring financial resources to the institution to the private sector. I'm proud to be associated with the institution. I think we've got a lot of ... a future ahead of us ofthings to come that we can help the area, the community, and the State, as well as the southeast region. And I'm proud to be a part of the institution.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Does any committee members have any questions of Mr. Parker? Mr. Littlejohn?

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I'd just like to follow-up on Senator Wilson's statement about the graduation rating, Mr. Parker, something very concerned, that I'm concerned with, would you elaborate on that?

MR. PARKER: We've dealt with that issue quite a bit and we feel like by bringing up our standards of admission that will help with graduation. If we can basically sort out maybe the better students first and allow them, as far as admission standards, that's one barometer we've set. That necessarily doesn't mean a graduation rate at four years because of that. But I think also one thing we've initiated was a program in trying to identify those students that needed some help and trying to provide some assistance either being from other faculty or staff, or even the students, to help them try to bring that gap up. We're in a unique area of the State in that there's a lot of jobs, it's plentiful for our students. And that creates a little bit of problem in that they can go out and be either waitresses or waiters, and they earn pretty good money in the tip area, so that sometimes it's ... that postpones some of their graduation efforts. So I don't know if we'll totally eliminate our problem but we are trying to deal with it the best we can.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: One follow-up question. How do you feel about the State limiting the number of hours a student can take at a higher education school?

MR. PARKER: I think that as a student I think 15 hours is sort of a top barometer.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I'm talking about from graduation, 130, 140? Do you think the taxpayer would pay ever how many hours a student wants to take before he graduates?

MR. PARKER: No, I think under the ... in a four year program we should be able to ... that should be able to accomplishment that. I think...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: But it's not happening though, across the State. And that maybe an underlying reason why we don't have a higher up graduation rate. Kids are not put under pressure to graduate within a scope of time.

MR. PARKER: I think that's got to be dealt with several levels, not only from the parents side. Students' own commitment, as well as the faculty incentives, the faculty has got to be also pushing that as well. And I think it's... all of those have got to be part of the solution.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Anyone else?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: I have one.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Inabinett?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Yes, sir. Sir, I have the same question for you. Have you been involved in the annual budgetary process and, if so, briefly tell us to what extent?

MR. PARKER: The budgetary process, we as the Board actually approved the actual budget that's presented as well as entered into by our vice president of financial affairs. As far as our involvement on it, we basically have input as to the contents of that as well as discussions as what those things are that's represented inside the budget. Now as far as we may contact our local delegations but by and large we don't go out and solicit directly to the General Assembly ourselves. We do have a lobbyist group that does that.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Anybody else have anything? I'd like to ask you one. Coastal Carolina now has been, I think, probably close to four years maybe a little over, four years since you left the University system. Can you elaborate on the success of the institution since it left the University system? Can you tell us about the growth and what's happening down there since you left?

MR. PARKER: The growth has been consistent. I think our identity is one issue that has come to light, is that we have an identity that's our own. We're, I think we're recognized more in the local community as well as the regional community as an institution that's Coastal Carolina's Institution, or it belongs to the region. And I think that two areas that we've done extremely well in is our business area, and are recently accredited. And also in our marine science area. If you look at our enrollment you'll see a good number of our students are coming from out-of-state. About 30 percent are coming from out-of-state. So I think they're looking at a lot of things. Location is important, but academics are very important. And I think we've done a good job there in those particular areas.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Are there anymore questions from anybody? None?

SENATOR GLOVER: I have one.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oh, you have one, Senator Glover?

SENATOR GLOVER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think this is for Mr.?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Parker.

MR. PARKER: Parker.

SENATOR GLOVER: Mr. Parker, what, in your involvement with the budget, what is the institution doing, and you as an individual board member to enhance funds for the institution?

MR. PARKER: We have ... we serve on various committees. One of those is alumni and development committees that's basically looking for private support to do certain things on campus. Recently, for example, local funds built one of our last buildings there. Roughly $3,000,000.00 was done through local millage and local help in Horry County. Right now we're in local fund support for new science and a science building, basically to raise a little over $2,000,000.00 for that effort. So a lot of things have happened in the last years as well as since it's inception from, if you look at the total picture at Coastal Carolina, and the buildings and the contents are there. Probably one half of the buildings and the physical plant there have been built by local funds in a lot of cases. So we've done, I feel like we've done our part from the local level.

SENATOR GLOVER: That was one of the reasons I asked that, because I knew that Coastal had done a great deal, and other candidates and institutions need to hear that story.

MR. PARKER: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any other questions of Mr. Parker? None? Thank you, Mr. Parker. The next candidate is Mr. George D. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was not able to attend today. He's on a vacation cruise and won't be back in the Country until about the 6th of April. What would be the desire of the committee? That's a little longer that, and I'll be gone, and ...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, are we going to finish today?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We hope to.

SENATOR BRYAN: He sent a statement, didn't he?

SENATOR WILSON: Yes.

SENATOR BRYAN: For the record. All of these are going to be a part of the record, these opening statements here?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right. He sent everything he was requested to send except he couldn't be here for the screening because his vacation was planned.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Dr. Gamble?

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: I recommend that we have Ms. Bonali come next, and the two others, Mr. Norton as well, and if we do not finish today then we can give Mr. Anderson the opportunity to come at the next time. We can just make that decision. But it's 25 til, we're going to need to stop in just about 20 minutes, and we may not finish today.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That's right. Okay, we'll do that and see what happens when we go back. Next is Ms. Gloria Bonali.

MS. BONALI: Chair.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, ma'am.

MS. BONALI: Members of the committee.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, ma'am, I'm going to swear you. Would you please raise your right hand. The truth, the questions and the truth that we hear today, nothing but the truth so help you God?
MS. BONALI: I do

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Would you make your opening statement then?

MS. BONALI: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Excuse me, ma'am, I want to ...

MS. BONALI: You're going to ask me some questions?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... ask you some questions.

MS. BONALI: All right.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes. Do you have any health related problems that would prevent you from serving in a full capacity on this should you ...

MS. BONALI: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... be elected?

MS. BONALI: No, I don't.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities would you be able to attend all of the Board meetings on a regular basis?

MS. BONALI: I would.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would cause a conflict of interest to you if you served and elected on this Board?

MS. BONALI: No, I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public position of election that would constitute dual office holding?

MS. BONALI: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, ma'am. Go ahead with your statement.

MS. BONALI: My name is Gloria Bonali. I live in Conway, South Carolina. I moved there five years ago. And I am, believe that I am qualified to hold a position for several reasons. I have four college degrees. Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, Master of Fine Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy. I have taught for 40 years, 38 of them at the college and university level. While a college professor, I served on a wide variety of college committees, Faculty Council, Promotion, Merit, Increase, Tenure, Reappointment, Budgets, Student Evaluation and Instruction, Resident Life and Security, Graduate Council, and Academic Affairs, Curriculum Committee, the Task Force on Assessment of Educational Outcomes, the Task Force on Support Facilities and Equipment and the Campus Master Plan. I am currently enrolled as a Senior Student, age 60 and over, at Coastal Carolina University, and I have taken several courses there. I am also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Life Long Learning Society of Coastal Carolina University. I have a very high regard for Coastal Carolina University, and I'm impressed with the quality of the faculty and the quality of education offered there. I have had an opportunity to be in classes, talk with students, and I'm impressed with their enthusiasm, their intelligence, and the faculty's willingness to work with students and to assist them whenever they can. I am also a member of the Waccamaw area agency. And I have worked on a action committee team with the Conway schools. I would consider it a privilege and an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do we have any other committee members questions?

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Dr. Gamble?

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: I'm curious to know at which colleges you taught and the graduation rate of those colleges?

MS. BONALI: I taught at Southern Illinois University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Central Connecticut State College, State University College at New Paltz, New York.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: Were all of those public colleges?

MS. BONALI: They were all public colleges.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: And what success did they have in graduating students in four years?

MS. BONALI: Their success rate was very good. One of the problems always facing graduation rates are the part-time students who seem to take longer of course to graduate, and that affects the calculations of your graduation rates. However, the institutions work very hard in working with students in advising, counseling, having faculty mentors, having a pride in being part of a class and being part of a University. And I think those are very important. Coastal has a small problem in that they are recent in their own eyes, having just been separated from the University in 1995. And so this is a kind of building that you have to build in pride, not only in the institution but also among your own classmates.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? Senator Glover?

SENATOR GLOVER: Yes. Do you have any specific goals or objectives that you'd like to see happen during your tenure if you are elected?

MS. BONALI: Yes, I would like to see Coastal continue to build on it's new and short reputation. I believe it is a fine institution and should develop into probably one of the more prestigious Universities in this State. I believe that it needs to work on developing a cohesion among the students in that loyalty and support not only to their class but to the University. And I believe those kinds of things would be very important. I believe it's also important to strengthen the concept of alumni. The alumni could be very, very important to an institution in helping to garner that kind of pride that one makes when one is a part of something as substantial and as important as higher education.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? None. Thank you, Ms. Bonali.

MS. BONALI: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What would be the pleasure of the committee since we have the statements in writing to make just a shorter, briefer statement rather than going through that whole thing that is submitted? In an essence of time.

SENATOR GLOVER: So moved, Mr. Chairman.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I second it.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All in favor please signify saying aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, Mr. Ronald Norton. Mr. Norton, we have your opening statement that you sent in. I would like to swear you on any other questions. Would you please raise your right hand? All of the information that is asked of you here today would be the truth so help you God?

MR. NORTON: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'll ask you, do you have any health related problems that would prevent you from serving in a full capacity?

MR. NORTON: No, sir, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you present any, considering your present occupation, would it present any reason you couldn't attend the Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. NORTON: There would be no reason I could not attend.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Do you have any personal or professional interests that would constitute serving on this Board.

MR. NORTON: I have no interests at all.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any public elected positions that would cause dual office holding?

MR. NORTON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right, sir. You may make a brief statement, sir.

MR. NORTON: Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, I appreciate the opportunity to be here. I was born and raised in Clio, South Carolina, and am not a native to the beach, but now reside in Murrels Inlet as my mailing address but I'm actually on the Horry County side. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1974. The University of South Carolina Law school in 1977. And I am a sole practitioner in Conway. I'm married. I have two children. I have a son that is a Junior at the University of South Carolina right over here. I have a daughter that is a graduating senior of Socastee High School, and will also be attending the University of South Carolina next fall. And I've been very active in the local school district in Horry County, specifically Socastee High School, while my children were there. I spent a great amount of time teaching some law classes at night at Socastee High School. And now that they have graduated, I hope to move on up to the college level and be able to participate in that capacity. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions for Mr. Norton? No questions?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Glover?

SENATOR GLOVER: Same question to you. Do you have any specific goals or objectives that you'd like to see come to fruition during your tenure, if elected?

MR. NORTON: If elected, I would like to see Coastal Carolina become one of the premiere Universities in the State. I think the location is a very strong draw. The community is very strong there. There's a lot of availability in the local community that could become active. They are active now, but they could become more active in certain capacities at Coastal. And I would like to see the school grow, but make sure that growth is measured so that I don't want to see any school grow for the sake of growing. I think it has to be measured. But that would be my goal, to see that Coastal would become one of the premier Universities in the State.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions from any other committee members? None. Thank you, sir.

MR. NORTON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Next is the 2nd District, Seat 3, Oran P. Smith incumbent with no opposition. Mr. Smith, would you come forward, sir? I'll forgo the questions because you're already on the Board. Would you make just a brief statement and then maybe some of the committee may want to ask a question at that time.

MR. SMITH: Yes, sir. I'm proud to report that Coastal Carolina University has turned six. We're out of our pre-school years and planning a continued regular growth during the next few years. Our Board of Trustees has found a new cohesion in it's last few meetings over the last couple of years and have begun to work together very well. Our committee structures are working well and we're moving forward. Of course, we're proud to report that the School of Business has received accreditation. And the School of Education is also up for accreditation. We have a humanities building that we're trying to finish that we need about $5,000,000.00 for. This is an advertisement for that. And we're moving forward in a number of ways from development to alumni affairs to academic affairs. And I'm proud to be a part of that.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Wilson?

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank Mr. Smith. He's the first uncontested trustee to appear, and I want to thank you as representative of the other trustees, in that South Carolina is very fortunate to have so many capable people want to serve as trustees at our colleges and universities. And I want to thank you in particular, I'm aware of your work with faculty advisors to assist our young people in their four year graduation rating.

MR. SMITH: Thank you, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any others?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Inabinett?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Yes, sir. Are you involved in the annual budgetary process and, if so, briefly, to what extent?

MR. SMITH: Mr. Inabinett, we consider a budget, which goes through our financial affairs committee, and then the Board considers the budget. But I'll have to tell you we don't, or do not discuss the specific amount of our budgetary requests that we come to the State with. We generally see the budget in terms of the entire amount, part of which comes from tuition and fees and part of which is State appropriations, but we generally don't discuss as a Board that specific amount we plan to come to the State to ask for.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? Dr. Gamble?

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: I'm curious to know how soon you expect your School of Education to be accredited?

MR. SMITH: NCAD, as I understand, is somewhat a long process. Maybe not as long as the Schools of Business accreditation. We've begun the original, the committee has come in and done the study, and we've done our self-study. I would say within the next two academic years probably.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMBLE: Are you seeking both NCAD, and NASTEC accreditation, or just NCAD?

MR. SMITH: I think just NCAD at this point.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? None. Thank you, sir.

MR. SMITH: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Next is the 3rd Congressional District, Seat 5, Mr. Payne H. Barnette, Jr. Mr. Barnette, I forgo the swearing in because you're already a committee member and connected to that Board ...

MR. BARNETTE: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... and if you would, would you make just a brief statement so some of the others may want to ask you a question.

MR. BARNETTE: All right. I'm from Greenwood, South Carolina. I've been on the Board since the beginning. And we've come along way, and seen a lot of changes, and there's a lot to be done. A lot of the Board members, I've always said that I think that they've put in a lot extra duty time to make these things come together. And I'm proud of the Board that I work with. I'm very attached to the University through a part of it, and also I practice personal financial support which I also try to encourage. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Questions from the committee members? None. Thank you, sir.

MR. BARNETTE: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Our next is a 4th Congressional, Seat 7, Ms. Elaine W. Marks. Ms. Marks, I forgo questioning and I ask you to make a brief statement so some committee members may ask a question of you.

MS. MARKS: Excuse me, Mr. Chair, you're going to have to speak a little bit louder for me.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. I'm going to forgo the questions and swearing you in, would you make just a brief statement?
MS. MARKS: Yes. I have chaired the Academic Affairs Committee for the six years I've served on the Board. And I included with my application the accomplishments that I feel the University has made. And under the new initiatives, we have about four initiatives there to give us an increased graduation rate. And I feel that this University is becoming one of the leading Universities of this State and the southeast. The academic atmosphere there is very high. It's wonderful. The provost has certainly set in a new program that's made a big difference. This is one University in the State, I think one of only three that have applied for NCAD accreditation for the School of Teacher Education. And they visited the University this fall, and we are suppose to get the report this spring and I'm sure we will be accredited. I have nothing but positive feelings for this University. The administrative staff and the academic staff, along with the trustees, enjoy a very good working relationship.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any committee members have a question? None. Thank you, Ms. Marks.

MS. MARKS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Next is the 5th District, for Seat 9, Ms. Juli Powers. Ms. Powers, I am going to forgo the questions and swearing in. Would you make a brief statement so that our committee members may want to ask you a question.

MS. POWERS: Yes, sir. I am Juli Powers. I'm from Marlboro County. I have sat on the Board since we became independent back in 1993, and exciting things have happened with Coastal Carolina University. I am exceedingly proud to be an alumnus of Coastal. I was graduated in 1979. Since we were, since we did become independent, I was chair, I sat as chair of the Student Affairs committee for four years. I now sit on Ms. Martin's Committee, the Academic Affairs committee, and I currently hold the position of secretary with our Board. I feel that we have made many accomplishments I think under the leadership of a treasure of a president whom we all support very greatly, Dr. Rolling. He has put together a wonderful staff. We have qualified faculty, and I'm just exceedingly proud to be of Coastal Carolina.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Do we have questions from any of the committee? None. Thank you, Ms. Powers. Next is 6th Congressional, Seat 11, Mr. Fred DuBard, Jr.

MR. DUBARD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir.

MR. DUBARD: Do you want me to make a statement?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No, sir. I'm going to forgo the swearing and all, and the questions, would you just briefly make a short statement so that if any committee members will have any questions.

MR. DUBARD: Well, I've got to echo what the other members of our Board have said. I think Coastal Carolina University is a wonderful University. Admittedly, I didn't know a thing about being on the Board of Trustees when I came here six years ago. I've learned a tremendous amount. I've had the opportunity to chair the Development committee from the very beginning. The Board was gracious enough to elect me Chairman of the Board for two years. I think we have a fine Board of Trustees who are committed to what they're doing, and I think the results are evident at Coastal Carolina University.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions?

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Wilson?

SENATOR WILSON: We greatly appreciate your service. The University is doing very fine.

MR. DUBARD: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other committee members? I thank you, Mr. Dubard. The next is At-large, Seat 13, we have Mr. Franklin H. Burroughs as the incumbent. And Mr. Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs would you please raise your right hand? The information that you give here today will be the truth so help you God?

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any, of course you are on the Board now, but do you have any health related problems since elected to the Board that would cause you to not serve in a full capacity?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation, do you have any reason not to attend on a regular basis?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any ...professionally or personally, that since you've been on the Board has helped you in any way?

MR. BURROUGHS: Pardon?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any present conflict of interest?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public office other than what your Board election there?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, sir. Your statement.

MR. BURROUGHS: Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, I am currently serving as Chairman of Coastal Carolina University. It was a great honor and privilege to be elected by the Legislature in 1993 as a member of Coastal's first Board, and to be re-elected in 1995. From the beginning, I was elected secretary to the Board and have been an officer throughout my entire tenure. The last two years serving as Chairman. I am very pleased with the progress the institution has made since it's independence from the University and would like to continue my service. I believe I can contribute to Coastal's continued success and growth in the community. Finally, I am a Coastal alumnus and have been practicing law in Horry County for 12 years. I believe my business experience, legal background, and commitment as an alumnus combine the evidence that my continued service for the Board would benefit Coastal's advancement as a premier institution for the State.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do any committee members have any questions of Mr. Burroughs?

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Burroughs.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Littlejohn.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: We've heard a lot of positive things about Coastal, what's one of the downsides?

MR. BURROUGHS: Well, our retention rate is a downside. I mean, that's been discussed quite a bit today. And because we live in a fairly transient area because of the beach, it's very difficult for us to graduate, to keep people and graduate in time. And just to let you know, we are working on that, some of the other Board members have mentioned things that we're doing as far as raising the standards. But we have come up with another idea to keep people in. And the idea is, as a new student comes in, to agree to fix their tuition if they can graduate within four years.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any question of any other members? None. Thank you, sir.

MR. BURROUGHS: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The next candidate is Ms. Etrulia Dozier. Ms. Dozier, would you please raise your right hand. The information and questions asked you today will be the truth so help you God?

MS. DOZIER: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Should you be elected, do you have any problems serving on this Board in a full-time capacity?

MS. DOZIER: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and activities, would you be able to attend all the Board meetings on a regular basis?

MS. DOZIER: Yes, I would.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would cause a conflict of interest?

MS. DOZIER: No, I don't.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any other public elected office that would cause a dual office holding should you be elected?

MS. DOZIER: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, you may welcome a short brief statement please, ma'am.

MS. DOZIER: My name is Etrulia Presley Dozier and I reside in Conway, South Carolina. And I've been in Conway, South Carolina since 1954, when I became the librarian of the Whitmore High School. Since then the school name has changed many times, but I have been on that same site for 44 years. So June 28th, 19-- ... June 29th, 1998, I retired as the librarian of the Whitmore Park Middle School after 44 years. I am a graduate of Benedict College and also a graduate of the Atlanta University. I have served as a former trustee of Morris College. And I've been a past member of the Horry Cultural Arts Council. And I've recently been asked to return to the Council. I have been very impressed with Coastal because I've been there during these years and I've seen it at it's origin and grow through the years. It has been really nice having Coastal there because it furnishes access to students who would be unable to go out of the county to get an education. It's very accessible, and the students are able to work even though they have to ... go to college, even though they have to work. The school, Coastal, has also worked very well with the Horry County School District. While librarian, I have had the opportunity to host in the media centers students who came out for various reasons because there were programs at the college that helped these students to get prepared to go into a career or to go to college. The continuing education program at Coastal is outstanding. Since I retired, I have enrolled in an Advanced Creative Writing course out there. And I've also took some undergraduate courses out at Coastal. So it is a connective unit with the rest of the school district and with the total program of Horry County, so it is doing a very outstanding job. And higher education is good to the extent that students come and make it through it. So I feel like that with the background that I have in the public school system and with the opportunities that I have had to work with Coastal and see some of the programs that they have, and the very outstanding multi-cultural programs that they also are involved in, I feel that I would be capable of doing, helping out higher education program to get to an even greater potential than it is at this point.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, ma'am. Are there any questions? None. Thank you very much. Next is At-large, Seat 15, Mr. Egerton Burroughs. Would you please raise your right hand, Mr. Burroughs? Do you have any health related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of today?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities would you be able to attend ...

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

SENATOR BRYAN: You need to swear him in.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'm sorry. I'm trying to, in the essence of time trying to pass ... the information you give here today would be the truth so help you God?

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Let me ask you these questions again. Do you have any health related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of as of today?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and other activities are you able to attend all the Board meetings as of today?

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would constitute ...

MR. BURROUGHS: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... any conflicts in the future?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public office other than what ... at Coastal Carolina?

MR. BURROUGHS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Now you may make a statement.

MR. BURROUGHS: Thank you. I appreciate your time this morning in these hearings that you are conducting in the interest of Coastal Carolina and other institutions. I'm one of the newer trustees. I came on Board for filling in a term for a gentleman that died that added a lot to the school and I've tried to assimilate, or get assimilated into the system as quickly as possible. We have a fine group of trustees. We have a fine President. Coastal Carolina is moving aggressively. We have some problems. We have some strong points. But the University is moving forward in a positive way with some new innovative programs, hopefully to help us get more funds available at the local level, our industry and the business community to supplement our funding efforts. We have some creative and innovative programs. I'm trying to get the faculty to become more involved in community activities. We have a lot of discussions about different ways to assist the local community and bring Coastal together. I've enjoyed and felt it an honor to be a trustee and would like the opportunity to continue to contribute in whatever ways that I can to the University and the Board.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any committee members have any questions of Mr. Burroughs? Mr. Inabinett?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Mr. Chairman, I have one question. Mr. Burroughs, are you aware of any information that might have been furnished this committee after your appointment a year ago or recently?

MR. BURROUGHS: I'm not sure of what you're asking, sir.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Background checks are done on all candidates.

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: And I guess my question is, are you aware of any information that we may have received as a result of the process that we have to conduct on each candidate?

MR. BURROUGHS: I'm not sure, if you're asking me, if there is something that you want to ask me? I'm not sure what the question is.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: May I come up and just show you a statement that I have?

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: And then in whatever way you so desire, if you desire to respond, you may or may not.

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you. And sir, you don't have to respond to that if you don't want to. I just wanted you to be aware of it.

MR. BURROUGHS: Yes, sir. I see this. This is a dispute that we got into which was settled.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you, sir.

MR. BURROUGHS: All right, sir. Any other questions?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions from any of the committee members?

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman, when do you all go into session?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We got at ten, but these ... the House is willing to stay because ...

SENATOR BRYAN: Oh, okay.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... these people have come a long way.

SENATOR BRYAN: Excuse me. I thought you all had to leave.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No. We need to be going, but we need to ... we also want to accommodate these who've come a long way and got up real early to get here, and I think it's fair that we ...well, we keep going and we stay here and finish this. If it's agreeable with all committee.

SENATOR PHILLIPS: I would like to ask for executive session at some point and time. If you want to wait until the end for that?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir. All right, sir. Let's ...

SENATOR WILSON: The next person is Mason.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Burroughs.

MR. BURROUGHS: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Ms. Mason. Ms. Lee Mason. Would you please raise your right hand? The information we ask you here today is the truth so help you God?

MS. MASON: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health problems related that the committee should know about as to keep you from serving in a full capacity?

MS. MASON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any personal interests or professional that would cause a conflict to serve on this Board?

MS. MASON: No, I do not, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering you present occupation and other activities would you be able to attend on a regular basis?

MS. MASON: Yes, I would.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any public positions or office that would constitute dual office holding?

MS. MASON: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, ma'am. Would you make a very brief statement?

MS. MASON: Yes. My name is Lee Mason and I'm a resident of Surfside Beach. If I should be elected to this Board, I believe that I could bring to it a combination of things that I've learned during my professional experience and also what I'm currently learning in my community involvement. My professional background is 30-plus-years of training in corporate America. And during those 30-odd-years I have learned that education is a life-long experience. It is important not only when a person is young and going to college, as many people are, but also it never ends. And I have explained in detail on the sheets that you should have in front of you what that all involves. I would like to tie that in with my current community involvement. I consider myself a professional volunteer right now. I'm a member of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce where I serve on the Membership Services Committee. I'm a member of the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association. On the Kiwanis Club of the South Grand Strand, I currently serve as the Vice President where I'm working my way up to the President position in two years. I'm also the Program Chair and the Publicity Chair in that organization. I'm a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach where I served on their pledge drive, and also I serve on the Crisis committee. I am secretary of the Long Bay Symphony Guild, and I'm on the Board of Directors at the Myrtle Beach Campground Ministries. Why I feel those involvements are very important, I would like to anticipate one of your questions, and that being: What would I like to bring to the Board with me? And that very simply is this. Through my community involvement I have run into a large number of people who want to go back to school. These are not young people. These are people who either did not finish their education when they were younger, or they want to go back to learn something for another career. I'm talking about people who are in their 40's, 50's, and 60's. But they're not going back for various reasons, they're intimidated, you know the old reason you always hear like I feel funny being in school with a 19 year old, you know, I have grandchildren that age. And if there is anything I can do to bridge that gap, and to make it more attractive and more comfortable for these people to go back to school and to seek the educations that they so desperately want, that's what I would like to do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, ma'am. Any questions? None. Thank you very much. Next is Lander University.

SENATOR GLOVER: [inaudible].

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oh, you have ... I'm sorry.

SENATOR GLOVER: May I ask the Chairman, present Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Burroughs? Franklin Burroughs?

SENATOR GLOVER: Uh-huh (affirmative response).

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Franklin Burroughs, would you come back?

Mr. BURROUGHS: Yes, ma'am.

SENATOR GLOVER: Mr. Chairman, this is not really a question, it's an observation

MR. BURROUGHS: Okay.

SENATOR GLOVER: And what is the racial ... first of all, what is the racial make-up at Coastal now?

MR. BURROUGHS: The racial make-up?

SENATOR GLOVER: Uh-huh (affirmative response).

MR. BURROUGHS: We really don't keep statistics on that. We have a breakdown of male/female international students. We have 65 percent South Carolina residents, 34 percent out-of-state residents, one percent international, 42 percent male, 58 percent female. But I, if I had to venture a guess, I'd say it probably would be ten to 15 percent.

SENATOR GLOVER: Okay. Because as I looked at your Board, I remember well at the formation of when you left the University system we were working very hard to make sure that we had women represented on your Board. And now as an observation, we'd like to make the observation now that with this number we've done well with our females. We now need to look at some African-Americans on your Board.

MR. BURROUGHS: I agree with that. Senator Duke Brown is on our Board and he's an African-American and has served us well from the beginning. And I'll keep ... you know, we'll work as hard as we can to get that done.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Anymore questions?

SENATOR GLOVER: Thank you.

MR. BURROUGHS: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir.

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman, I just want to observe there's been some questions about the graduation rate at Coastal Carolina. I went to the ... this is just an observation. Having gone down to Myrtle Beach a few weekends ago and spent some time, and learning there's 58 percent women, I can see why you have trouble getting rid of people in four years.

MR. BURROUGHS: I'll have no comment, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Lander University, 1 ...Congressional District, Seat 1, Seat 2, Ms. Robin Agnew. Ms. Robin R. Agnew.

MR. BURROUGHS: Mr. Chairman, can we leave? The ones that have been ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, I'm going to do something in just a second. Ms. Agnew is not here? Okay. South Carolina State. What would be the pleasure of the Board to go ahead and vote on the Citadel since we have passed over that? And screen these, vote on the screening process and certify the candidates that's screened eligible?

SENATOR WILSON: So moved.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All in favor, say aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All the candidates that were screened for the Citadel Board, you may leave. But I'd like to tell you, before you can ask for votes we will release the screening committee report to the Senate and to the House, which we hope we can get the screening report out in the morning. If we do, and it will be on our desk when we come here in the morning ... [inaudible] and then yours we can put on the agenda and put in your offices.

SENATOR WILSON: Is there a particular hour that they can begin?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I would say tomorrow after twelve, because I want everybody to have an opportunity to review what we've done. Every committee member, every House member too. And we will put it on the ... yes, well, we won't be able to furnish the transcript, but according to the written testimony we've got and everything and we can screen them and ...I would say we ought to be able to let you start tomorrow at twelve. What is the pleasure of the committee on that?

SENATOR WILSON: So moved.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And so Colonel McAllister, Frazier, and Robert M. Sutton, you're welcome to stay or you may well be on your way. Now, these candidates are up for screening and the committee reports are now in favor.

SENATOR WILSON: Yes.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: So moved.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And all in favor, say aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, gentlemen. We'll ...Coastal Carolina University in just a moment, and let's move to the ones that have no opposition for Coastal Carolina, what is the pleasure of the ...

SENATOR WILSON: Move favorable.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Move favorable that they be screened and they can solicit some time tomorrow after 12:00 after we put the report out?

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman, if I may, just for clarification, that will be 2nd District, Seat 3.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes. Seat ...

SENATOR BRYAN: 3rd District, Seat 5.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right.

SENATOR BRYAN: 4th District, Seat 7.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right.

SENATOR BRYAN: 5th District, Seat 9.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right.

SENATOR BRYAN: And 6th District, Seat 11.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right. And the candidates are Oran P. Smith, Payne H. Barnette, Elaine Marks, and Juli Powers, and Fred DuBard. The committee has screened you eligible and you can secure your voting tomorrow at 12:00. And you're welcome to stay or you can be dismissed at this time. Okay, we'll go down to South Carolina State University, the 1st District, Seat 1, Mr. Arnold Collins unopposed. Mr. Collins. Oh, Mr. Collins called in and said he could not be here. The 2nd Seat, District 2, Mr. Sam ... Samuel Glover. Mr. Glover. Is Mr. Glover, oh, yes ... thank you, Mr. Glover. We're going to forgo the swearing in since you're unopposed, and we would ask you just make a short, short statement, and if any of the committee members want to ask you a question.

COLONEL GLOVER: As he said, I am certainly delighted to be here. Thank you for having me, and all of the support that you've done for the University. I live in Northeast Columbia. I am filling an unexpired term of merit. I have three children. One of which are involved in a situation as we speak, so we certainly hope that you all keep him in his prayers this morning, in your prayers this morning. I own two McDonald's in the area. We are a licensed minister. We graduated from South Carolina State University twice, BS/MS. We've done further graduate work at Clemson University and Orangeburg Technical College in management. Retired Lieutenant Colonel United States, South Carolina Air National Guard. Presently serve on the Richland Memorial Board Hospital Board also. Several past Board appointments that you have there that we have served on in the past. I am from a University that's had some turmoil this past year, as you all are aware from the tremendous amount of media that we have received. We worked on that tremendously. Or are working on that tremendously, I should say. Working hard to make changes in several different areas, particularly teacher graduation. As you know, we are a minority school and there is a tremendous need for minority teachers in the State. Not only the State, but throughout the Nation. But we're particularly concerned about South Carolina State University graduates. I'm also concerned about the number of minority graduates in the area of business, since I'm in the area of business, and know what ... have an idea of the number of graduates we have in that area that own their own particular business and working in related businesses. Concerned with strict management, enforcement of all policies that we pass onto the Board, particularly as it pertains to monies that we receive from private sector, and from the students themselves. Our funding is a tremendous challenge for us. We have increased the amount of funding we received this past year almost three-fold at this point and continue to make progress in that area, and looking forward to even making more progress. Our enrollment has increased, particularly givings from the Alumni and the corporate community. That's what we have at this point.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, Senator Wilson.

SENATOR WILSON: As a member of the National Guard, Colonel Glover, I want to thank you for your service. And also, as a citizen here in the Midlands we appreciate you as one of our most respected business people. So thank you so much for your service on the South Carolina State Board.

COLONEL GLOVER: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions from any ... yes.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: I have a quick question for you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Inabinett.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Yes. Colonel, how involved are you in the annual budgetary process?

COLONEL GLOVER: Well, I'm not on the budget committee, but obviously with the funding situation we have at the University I'm somewhat aware and always concerned with the proper spending of every penny, I should say, we get at the University rather than every dime or every dollar because pennies count in our particular ...

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Okay. Thank you, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other committee members? Thank you, Mr. Glover.

COLONEL GLOVER: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: 4th District, Seat 4, Dr. James L. Bullard. Dr. Bullard, would you please raise your right hand? The information you give here this morning will be the truth so help you God?

DR. BULLARD: It will.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Dr. Bullard is serving on the Board now, do you have any health problems since being elected that we need to know about, the committee?

MR. BULLARD: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation, do you have any reason that you can't and do not appear on a regular basis at committee meetings?

DR. BULLARD: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, personally or professionally, since you've been elected ...

DR. BULLARD: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that would constitute ...and so you serve on other Boards or commission elected would cause dual office holding?

DR. BULLARD: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, would you please make a brief statement?

DR. BULLARD: Yes, sir. To you, the Honorable Chairman Olin Phillips and other honorable committee members, it is greetings that we bring. We certainly thank you for all that you've done for the South Carolina State University over the past years. I personally would like to be re-elected to the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees because we believe without a doubt that we have added much help in a time that has been adversarial. We came to the Board at a time when there were many issues, and what we have been a part of is trying to manage those issues so that we might be able to do it for what was in the best interest of the citizenry of South Carolina. I also bring to the Board of rustees my expertise in administration. I've served as a pastor of the church for 10-plus-years. I've also served as CEO of today's business system. Currently I manage Blue Investment Trust. I also have served as a Special Service Coordinator with the Department of Mental Health. I have served on the Board as chairman of the Academic Affairs committee, Student Service committee. I have served also on the Building and Grounds committee. And have served as the secretary of the Board of Trustees. I believe that one of the things that we at South Carolina State University and one of the things that I would like for us to be able to do as we stand on the threshold of the 21st Century, is to develop institutionally, the institutional development. And by that I mean create a strategy and a game plan wherein Alumni, businesses, can work together in a cooperative way so that South Carolina State University can build an endowment that will cause for it to be able to solve many of its financial situations so that it will be able to sit on its own bottom. In this day and time we recognize, and we are very much aware how important it is to be able to have a balanced budget and also to be able to balance your budget on your own. So, in other words, what I'm saying as a Board member, we recognize how important it is that Alumni and all of the friends of the University, that we can befriend and develop relationships with, it's going to be in the betterment of the institutional development of South Carolina State University in the 21st Century.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Does any committee members have any questions of Dr. Bullard?

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I have one, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Littlejohn.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Dr. Bullard, how much time do you give to the University per month?

DR. BULLARD: I would say that ... I would say 20-plus-hours.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: So you have a very busy schedule. Do you find that hard to work in?

DR. BULLARD: No, sir. I'm up at 5:00 in the morning, my day begins, and ...

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: You start early.

DR. BULLARD: ... it ends probably about 11:00 in the evening, at night. But I have high energy and I like being involved.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions?

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Dr. Bullard, serving on the Buildings and Ground committee, I assume you were aware of the building needs of South Carolina State University prior to the beginning of the budgetary process in the House of Representatives?

DR. BULLARD: Yes, sir, I am aware that there are many needs.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Let me ask, were you involved in any way and, if so, to what extent in the annual budgetary process at South Carolina State University?

DR. BULLARD: Yes, sir, but not directly. As you very well know, Representative Inabinett, in any budgetary process each one of us as an individual have our impact. And sometimes it's prudent to have ... to be wise enough to recognize that certain changes cannot be effected immediately. But rather what one does is have a vision of what needs to be as strategically and tactfully work to make what some things ought to be.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you.

DR. BULLARD: I'm not proud of, I personally am not proud of, and I'm not going to stand here and say that I am, but I do want you to know that I am cognizant that there are, I believe, is a better way. And I'm aware of that, but it takes time to build, if you will, that, if you will, element that we might be able to approach it and resolve the issue.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Thank you, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions of Dr. Bullard? No? Thank you, Dr. Bullard. Mr. John A. McCarroll. Mr. McCarroll, will you please raise your right hand? The truth, theinformation that you give here today be the truth so help you God?

MR. MCCARROLL: Yes, I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health related problems that would prevent you from serving in a full capacity?

MR. MCCARROLL: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation, do you have any reason that you couldn't attend a regular Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. MCCARROLL: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would present a conflict of interest being elected to this Board?

MR. MCCARROLL: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any other public offices that you were elected to ...

MR. MCCARROLL: I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that would constitute ...thank you, sir. A brief statement, sir. Very brief.

MR. MCCARROLL: Thank you very much for this opportunity. I'm a 1963 graduate of South Carolina State University. Over the years I've been very interested in what was taking place at South Carolina State. I've supported the institution financially, and I plan to continue to do that whether I'm elected or not. I certainly have the interest of our University's growth and longevity. I taught school and coached high school athletics for seven years. For the last 28 years I have been Executive Director of Phillis Wheatley Community Center in Greenville. Also for 23 years of those 28 years I was a businessman. I own a convenience store with a deli, and I also own a grave services, which I sold both in 1995. I have been a member of the local school board of Spartanburg County School District Number Five. But what I feel that I can bring to the Board of South Carolina State Colleges is the relationships that I've built in the upstate South Carolina during the last 28 years of serving as Executive Director of Phillis Wheatley Association. I also serve on the Board of Directors of American Federal Bank. My experience in the area, I have learned some of the Executive Offices and Chairman of the Boards on a personal basis. So I certainly feel that I can get the President of the University, his designee, into the doors of a lot of these organizations. If elected, one of the first things that I would do is to ask the American Federal Board of Directors, American Federal Bank Board of Directors to plan a luncheon and to invite several of the business people in the upstate area to that luncheon, and we would invite the President of South Carolina State University up to talk about the University. One of the things that I feel is not happening enough, or in the upstate of South Carolina, is enough positive media coverage or enough information from the College themselves, individuals coming up talking to the business people in the Community about what is available and what is being done at South Carolina State. So I certainly feel that my experience in the business community, and also I have a keen knowledge of how a Board/staff relationship should work, and I feel that I have the time. I do have the time, whatever it takes, to spend, to make sure our University grows. I have a vested interest there. And one of the things I'd like to see happen is that more involvement financially by the Alumni. I am familiar with and have carried on a friendship with a lot of the Alumni at South Carolina State University who have been very successful financially. So one of my interests would be to talk with them and get them more involved. I feel that I'm an excellent fund raiser, and one of the things you have to do in raising funds is ask for it. And I feel that I can have the knowledge to evaluate what a company or business or an individual may give, and I am not hesitant to ask for large sums of money. One of the biggest needs of our University is money and I think that I can bring a lot of this to the Board if elected.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any ...

MR. MCCARROLL: I thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any committee members have any questions?

SENATOR BRYAN: You're not afraid to ask for large sums of money, I might want to use you for some campaign fundraising.

SENATOR WILSON: And we appreciate your enthusiasm about that, too.

MR. MCCARROLL: Thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you sir. What is the pleasure of the Board to the South Carolina State candidates that we report now favorably?

SENATOR WILSON: So moved.

REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All in favor signify in saying Aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Arnold Collins is not here, Mr. Glover, Mr. Bullard, and Mr. John McCarroll is now certified and you may seek support beginning at 12:00 tomorrow. You're welcome to stay. You're welcome to leave. Whatever you want to do. Thank you very much for coming. Next is Wil Lou Gray. We have three seats At-large. The incumbent Mr. Vince Rhoads. Mr. Rhoads.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Rhoads, would you please raise your right hand? The information asked of you here today will be the truth so help you God?

MR. RHOADS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Sir, having served on the Board is there any health related problems that we need to know about at this time?

MR. RHOADS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you attend Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. RHOADS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any professional or personal interests in Wil Lou Gray?

MR. RHOADS: Do I have a personal interest in it?

No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Professional or personal ...

MR. RHOADS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that would constitute ...

MR. RHOADS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... a conflict of interest?

MR. RHOADS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No? Do you hold any other public office of honor or trust that if elected...

MR. RHOADS: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... to the Board ... thank you, sir. You may make a brief statement if you would please.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee. Certainly it is an honor for me to come before you. And first, let me express my sincere appreciation for your support of the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. I am a graduate of Erskine College with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration in Mathematics and a masters degree in Rehabilitation and Counseling. I have been associated with the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School since 1963. I ran a vocational rehabilitation project called Campa, and have been on the Board of Trustees since the early '80's. I presently serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. I am certainly excited and elated about the new Youth Challenge Academy that we have entered into a partnership with the South Carolina National Guard. It's still in its infant stages, but I believe through negotiations, it's just like a marriage, you have to have communication. We really are excited in working closely with the staff of General Spears and his subordinates and, as well, as the Board is real active. I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with Dr. Wil Lou Gray during the early '60's, and also I've worked closely with seven other directors that followed her over the years. So again, I appreciate the support that you have provided to the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School for those of you who have been in the General Assembly and also I appreciate the support that you have provided to me.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Wilson.

SENATOR WILSON: I'd like to thank you for your service, Mr. Rhoads, and in particular the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is located in the Senate district that I represent. And I want to particularly congratulate you and the other Board members for your vision in creating the Youth Challenge Academy, and I look forward to my colleagues getting to see how this works and how effective it's been. And thank you so much for what you do.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you so much, Senator Wilson.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions by any other committee members?

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Bryan.

SENATOR BRYAN: You're not on the Town Planning Commission of Springdale now, are you?

MR. RHOADS: I still serve on that capacity. It's an appointed position.

SENATOR BRYAN: Is there ... I'm not sure if it's a problem. Sometimes you can't serve on ...

MR. RHOADS: Yeah, I'm fully cognizant of that. I have not had any experience or problems with that over the years since I've been serving in this capacity, Senator Bryan.

SENATOR BRYAN: Okay. You might want to check that out ...

MR. RHOADS: Okay.

SENATOR BRYAN: ... because as silly as it sounds I...

MR. RHOADS: Okay.

SENATOR BRYAN: ... there are...

MR. RHOADS: I surely will.

SENATOR BRYAN: ... under the dual office holding...

MR. RHOADS: I got you.

SENATOR BRYAN: ... I'm not sure you can do both.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? I have a couple of questions for you. Since your all's [inaudible] with corporate agreement with the South Carolina National Guard, can you elaborate on how that's going now?

MR. RHOADS: It's working extremely well. We are now in our second cycle. The cycle's 22 weeks. And during the time that the students are there they're involved in a military type environment which has certainly been very beneficial. They also are exposed to life skills, work skills, and academic enrichment towards a GED. We have been extremely pleased. We are learning. As you well know, these young people, ages 16 to 18, although they manifest a lot of enthusiasm, once they get in that military environment sometime it's a very difficult adjustment for them to make. So our attrition rate has been well, I don't know necessarily if it's all that high. It's something that we're certainly aware of and looking at very closely. And the way we think the solution to that would be that we over invite students in at our next session, i.e. if the grant calls for 150 people, or for 150 students, we very well might invite as many as 200. And that's only an example, to take care of the attrition rate that will occur once they get into that military type environment.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Maybe a year or so ago you were on the Board and we had some problems out there at Wil Lou Gray with some people living on the campus. And also some State property that was leased out or given away to a North Carolina company.

MR. RHOADS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You were on the Executive Board at that time, how did you all, you handled it, but was your process fairly quick or ...

MR. RHOADS: Well, first thing, as you well know, the accusations were made and certainly we had to get involved in it. To be honest with you and the committee, if my memory serves me correctly, it was uncovered basically by the Charleston Post and Courier. We started investigating; SLED got involved in it; we were able to get the report, and what happened, there was some rafts that were purchased under a grant for the students recreational activity, they were carried into North Carolina. And very unfortunately, as a Board, we were not cognizant of that since we are not there on a five day a week basis. But we quickly found out and resolved it, sent the staff up, got the rafts back. And those people who were involved are no longer associated with the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, Representative Phillips.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. I know you've had a change in the Director, and we've got a new Director out there, does the Board try to micro manage or are you letting ...

MR. RHOADS: Well, in my ... no, sir, to answer your question. There's no way that we micro manage. I would not think that, or at least my association, like I said, since the early '80's, it's certainly not our intent in any way to micro manage an institution when we're not there on a seven day a week basis. What we have done, as you well know, our previous superintendent resigned to accept the job in Kershaw County as Assistant Superintendent. We are presently operating under the guidance of Mr. Pat Smith who is Interim Director. And this Board will take up the issue of permanency come our next Board meeting, Representative Phillips. And let me quickly state, Mr. Smith has done an excellent job in providing us with leadership during this interim period of time.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, I know you're a very capable person. And can you tell me some of the things that you've done and some of the things that you look for with Lou Wil Gray, very briefly?

MR. RHOADS: Well, the first thing, of course, as you well know, we look in terms of these are... that institution serves students for drop out, truancy, or whatever.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes.

MR. RHOADS: And so it's a golden opportunity to provide a second chance. And so certainly we're looking in terms of the quality education that's provided because we would like as many of those students as possible returned to the community with academic enrichment. Hopefully a GED, as well as being exposed to some vocational activities that we have on campus. And so I look very closely to look at our success rate of those students who have passed our way, so to speak. And another thing that is so exciting about the new challenge academy that Senator Wilson had alluded to, and as well as I, you have to remember, not only do we provide the 22 weeks on campus, once those students who graduate they return home and they're under a mentor program either in academics or vocational in their community for one year. So you see, not only do we provide the in-house life skills, vocational skills, academic enrichment and the military, but once that person or those students leave to return to the community, we have somebody that will follow them there, which I personally feel is very, very critical for the success of those students. Otherwise, they go back into that environment which would have been detrimental to them.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, thank you, sir. I know you deal with troubled youth out there. And I know you have put in some policies that would prevent drugs, smoking ... on campus. And I want to commend you on that, because you did have a serious problem at one time ...

MR. RHOADS: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... with drugs and students who would threaten other students because of situations unbeknown to the Board or to the Director. I just want to commend you for that.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you so much. And I think, Representative Phillips, one good ... one thing that I truthfully, or I say again, and I reiterate, the point of it is, with the military environment that we have, those of you who have been a part of the military somewhere in your lifetime, I was going to be facetious little bit and tell you I'm not a Colonel or a General, I'm a proud retiree of the South's South Carolina and have spent 37-1/2-years as a high school math teacher as well as working for vocational rehabilitation. But the point of it is, we didn't ... we feel like the school has made an impact or intended to make an impact, and that military environment is long overdue. We say What's wrong with the school systems in South Carolina? and I'm not up there, I still contend when we put discipline back in the schools you're going to see what's going to happen to the educational process.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, thank you, sir.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? Thank you very much.

MR. RHOADS: Thank you. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Dr. Louis Scott. Dr. Scott is now, is Chairman of the Board and the incumbent. Dr. Scott, would you please raise your right hand? The information asked of you here today will be the truth so help you God?

DR. SCOTT: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now have any health problems that would ...

DR. SCOTT: No, I don't.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... prevent you from continuing to serve in a full capacity ...

DR. SCOTT: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... at any time? Considering your present occupation or activities would it be, are you able to attend the Board, and I know you have, continue on a regular basis?

DR. SCOTT: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have no personal conflicts at this time ...

DR. SCOTT: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that we need to know? And you do not hold any other elective office that would constitute dual office holding, do you?

DR. SCOTT: No, I don't.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Would you make a brief statement, ma'am?

DR. SCOTT: Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I would like to continue as a member of the Board of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School because I'm so interested in its present mission of working with at-risk youth. I think Mr. Rhoads has very adequately described our new program to you. But I can tell you that the Board is very excited about this new adventure with the South Carolina National Guard and the Youth ChalleNGe program. This program basically reflects the philosophy and the mission of Dr. Wil Lou Gray. When she started this school in 1921, she started it with a boarding school for farm women, to give them a second chance to learn, and through the years that has been the mission of this school. It's just that the population has changed as we have tried to meet the needs of the State, so now our audience or our school population is focused on at-risk youth. I am the Chairman of the Board, and this is the second time I have been honored by my colleagues. I served once before for four years as Chairman of the Board. I have been active in the public schools in South Carolina as a teacher and as an administrator. I think these, some of things that I have done through the years in many ways, not only in public schools but as a teacher at the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Francis Marion University, recently supervising student teachers for Francis Marion which put me back in the classrooms again. Things that I have donethrough the years you have listed are a few of them, but I think some of these things are very helpful as we set policies and try to direct the school. One of the things that I did was, which I probably haven't listed, was I served on Governor Campbell's task force. They've had town meetings around the State to where we talked with parents, students, educators in looking at the problems that we have in South Carolina now with these youth and the types of alternative programs that they need. And I think certainly the program we have at Wil Lou Gray now in collaboration with the National Guard is one of the best things that we have had since I have been on the Board at that school. I think there's a sign out front if you go by the school that says "Why stop learning?" and I guess being, coming from an educational background, that's what I see and what I work for and what I am interested in in that school.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any committee members have any questions of Dr. Scott? Ms. Glover.

SENATOR GLOVER: Mr. Chairman, I'd simply like to say that Dr. Scott is out of Florence and, that's not her home but that's where she resides now, and I'd like to thank her for her years of service on this Board. And I know of her genuine concern for Wil Lou Gray. And as she said, coming from a family, her late husband, Dr. Bob Scott, who was also the Executive Director for our PeeDee education group in Florence, all through the years they've always done all that they could to make sure that the quality of education for South Carolina's children has been very good. And I just want to thank you for your years of service.

DR. SCOTT: Thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Dr. Scott, I too would like to echo the remarks of Senator Glover. We too enjoyed having Bob, and we certainly miss him and you have our sympathy in losing Bob this year, but we know his interest in education by serving on the State Department of Education and being very active in there, and your activities with Wil Lou Gray. We just appreciate that. Thank you very much.

DR. SCOTT: Thank you. Thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Our next candidate is Mr. Lowell C. "Butch" Spires. Butch.

MR. SPIRES: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Butch, would you raise your right hand? The information and questions asked you today will be the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?

MR. SPIRES: I do, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health related problems that we need to know about that would cause you not to be able to serve in a full capacity?

MR. SPIRES: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation, do you have any reason that you couldn't attend Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. SPIRES: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would add to a conflict of interest?

MR. SPIRES: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. And do you hold any other public office that would constitute a dual office holding?

MR. SPIRES: No, sir, not that I'm aware of.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Would you make a brief statement?

MR. SPIRES: I'm Lowell C. Spires, Jr. Been Butch since my Grandmama looked at me when I was about 20 minutes old. Which means close to 58 years. I've been married to Ms. Gayle for 39 years this August and am the father of three children and the grandfather of four fine youngsters. My involvement in my community of Lexington County where I have resided all my life. I have helped with several different things. I have in previous process been a member of Lexington County Council for 18 years. I was President of the South Carolina Association of Counties in 1989. I served on the National Association of Regional Council Board. I served as President of the South Carolina Association of Regional Councils. So I've had a strong involvement in that area. In addition to that, since 1959 when I finished high school, I helped an old coach of mine organize Cayce West Columbia Little League Football. And I've coached little league football and baseball, and church basketball, and sponsored ball teams, and been involved in the community for a very long time. I served as Chairman of the Recreation commission for eight years prior to my election as a member of County Council. I have had a heavy involvement with youth and youth related activities all of my adult life. I'm very proud that I'm an honorary life member of the State and National PTA organization, as is my wife. I still go to PTA meetings although my youngest child is 31 years old. I have worked in the community through the Chamber of Commerce activities. I've worked with the Save St. John's Church Committee that built that church not once but twice. I have tried to be involved through all the activities with the youth in the school processes. I served as Chairman of the building committee to build the airport Eagle's Nest and the Bearcat dressing rooms where we simply didn't have funds from the school board so we went out in the community and raised the funds and built those facilities over the last few years. I've sponsored ball teams. I have constantly worked in that regard. In offering to this thing I tried to look into it and do what I could to find out about it. I know that the program with the National Guard is a 22 week cycle. I know currently there are [inaudible] involved in it. I know that there are 28 buildings on the campus. The campus consists of about 87 acres. I know that it's basically funded at the current time by three and half million dollars from the State of South Carolina. Having the five dormitories there, three of them are currently being used, two of them are vacate. I've looked into to try to find out about this ChalleNGe program or similar type program that's operated in Louisiana and in Georgia, and it's been in place down there several years and it has worked very well, and it has basically about doubled their number of students that are currently involved in this program at the Wil Lou Gray school. I understand that the emphasis has been budgeted to drive toward GED is a different program, and they do such things out there on an instructional basis as building construction and auto mechanics. There's a child care program. There's a computer literary program there. From what I can understand and gather from talking to current Board members and current staff, the ability to handle somewhere in the neighborhood of 200, 250 students is this, I personally see it as an opportunity for an awful lot of young people who have challenges in their life, basically caused by the lack of proper raising or by proper, not having proper discipline, which I think this program instills and brings to bear to give some folks a second chance. And I believe very greatly and very strongly in that. In fact, I think any of those young people that we can recruit through high school counselors or through the drop out process for those who need the respect and discipline that's taught that deals in [inaudible] to have a second chance to become progressive citizens and contributing citizens of our State is most probably one of the most important programs we have and can do. If we lose these people, we won't ... we don't lose them, we just simply deal with them in many other aspects in many other places. My interest is to join and to be a contributing positive factor. I have theinterest and I'm willing to commit the time that is necessary to be involved and make that positive contribution. I'm very proud of what I have been able to accomplish and do in my life. I have worked hard in my community. I will intend to do so if given the opportunity in this instance also.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you.

MR. SPIRES: I'll be glad to answer your questions.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Wilson.

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman, as one of the Senators from Lexington County we're very proud of Mr. Spires. He certainly is one of our outstanding community leaders, and I certainly want to certify that he works very hard for the young people of our community. And he has a vision of how to help people. And very important he will follow through and accomplish his goals. So I want thank you for offering for this position.

MR. SPIRES: Thank you, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And I too want to thank you for your public service. And I've known you through the years, and through the County Association of Governments, and tell you that, and kind of giggle a little and joke there, I bet you know what's on Boston Avenue?

MR. SPIRES: Yes, sir. I do. I don't live very far from there though.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You may have said Boston Avenue. You had so much knowledge of it ...

MR. SPIRES: I only live about a mile and two tenths from the school itself.

CHAIRMAN WILSON: Well, thank you very much, Butch. Any other questions from any of the committee members? Thank you, sir.

MR. SPIRES: Thank you. I appreciate your time.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Now we have Dr. Barbara Dilligard. Ms. Dilligard, will you raise your right hand? The information we ask of you here today will be the truth and nothing but the truth ...

DR. DILLIGARD: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... so help you God

DR. DILLIGARD: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health related problems that this committee needs to know about?

DR. DILLIGARD: No, I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your present occupation and activities could you serve on a regular basis if elected?

DR. DILLIGARD: Yes, I can.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professional or personally, that would offer a conflict of interest to serve on this Board?

DR. DILLIGARD: No, I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any other public office that would constitute dual office holding?

DR. DILLIGARD: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Go ahead, ma'am, with your statement.

DR. DILLIGARD: Thank you for this opportunity to address the committee. I'm Barbara Dilligard, and I'm a native Charlestonian. Recently retired as Deputy Superintendent of Personnel and Administration after 30 years of service with the Charleston County School District. I have a degree in mathematics from Johnson C. Smith University, an MBA from the Citadel, and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Very briefly, my interest in the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity school is the long standing commitment that I have made over the years in education, and a number of other capacities that I've served Charleston County School District. I was the author of a nationally recognized grant. One of 17 funded that won $3,000,000.00 in the Department of Justice for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. I have authored and managed a number of programs designed to help students have that second chance. Rather than to call them "At-risk," I call them children who are unable to function in a traditional setting. But they certainly need to be successful and be contributing members of our society. I've been successful in a number of projects. Over $8,000,000.00 worth of competitive grants just to do that. Most recently, I worked very hard with a group of National pre-recognized Generals to develop a military magnet middle school in Charleston County School District, and it's success I think will speak for itself in a few years when we graduate our first class. I have also served on former Governor Robbie's juvenile justice and delinquency advisory committee. And my history with working with young people is longstanding and I think distinguished in a number of ways, if you are familiar with any of the programs that I've either written or supervised. I am committed to the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. I'm very familiar with the Youth ChalleNGe program and I serve on the advisory committee for the Youth ChalleNGe program. I'll be happy to answer any questions that you might have at this time.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any committee members questions of Dr. Dilligard? None.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: I don't have a question just a statement.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Curtis.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Dr. Dilligard, I'm certainly happy that you're here and interested in serving on this Board. Charleston County lost a lot when you retired from the system. I'm sure you will do well if appointed to serve. Thank you.

DR. DILLIGARD: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? None. Thank you, Dr. Dilligard. What is the committee to certify the four candidates that...

SENATOR WILSON: Move favorable.

SENATOR GLOVER: Second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Motion to certify. All in favor please signify by saying aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Vince Rhoads, Dr. Louis Scott, Lowell "Butch" Spires, and Dr. Barbara Dilligard, at 12:00 tomorrow you will be able to secure commitments and votes. Thank you very much. You are certified now as a candidate. Thank you. You may leave, if you wish, or you can stay. Winthrop University is the last one, and we have one seat. And we have the incumbent, Robert L. Thompson. Mr. Thompson, would you please raise your right hand? The information and questions here today will you give the truth so help you God?

MR. THOMPSON: Yes, I will.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Since you're already on, I'm going to ask you, do you have any problems that we don't know about at this time that would cause you not to continue in a full capacity?

MR. THOMPSON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your occupation now, would it be able to attend all the Board meetings on a regular basis?

MR. THOMPSON: Yes, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that would cause a conflict because of your service on this Board?

MR. THOMPSON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any other public office or elected office that would constitute...

MR. THOMPSON: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... dual office? Thank you very much. You can go ahead with your statement. If you'll give us a brief statement, we appreciate it.

MR. THOMPSON: You have the copy of my testimony. I'm not going to go through all of it. I just want to point out a couple of things. One is, I guess a fundamental thing, since the paperwork was submitted I have retired from Springs Industries, as of last month, and formed a consulting company. So I am now RLT Consulting rather than Vice-President of Springs Industries. That consultancy, I have two main clients, one is Springs Industries and one is the State Department of Education, which you may have read about. I've been on the Winthrop Board since 1992, Governor Campbell appointed me to an unexpired term. I then ran for election to a full-term in 1993. I had previously served three years as Chairman of the Winthrop Foundation where we tripled the endowment during that period. I currently ...I've been a Board Chair for three years. I currently serve as a member of the Executive Committee Chair and act in various committees. And I won't go through some of things, the high points I think are in that first sentence. We've achieved 100 percent of accreditation of all our courses. One of the few institutions in the State to do that. We've launched our first-ever capital campaign, Senator Glover was interested in the fundraising initiatives of the school in which this is the first time Winthrop has ever launched a serious campaign for the modest, it seems modest in light of the headlines, $26,000,000.00 goal, and we're a little over halfway to that point now. We've produced one of the highest ratings in the State on the performance funding system. And we're nearing completion thanks to the General Assembly of our new class building on campus and hope to get into that late this summer. I'm currently serving on the Commission of Higher Education and Strategic Planning Task Force. We have launched a strategic planning effort to redirect some money. I understand times are tight and our funding sources don't go up regularly. And so what we've asked the administration to do is to launch an effort to redeploy about $3,000,000.00 to do two things. One is to fund some, focus on some centers of excellence. Understanding we can't be everything to everybody. And to also beef up our faculty and staff salaries, which is a problem that's common with all institutions across the State not just Winthrop. I think in the process this might be of interest to you to know, you also asked the question Senator, we have the highest black enrollment of any institution outside of South Carolina State, in the neighborhood of 21, 22 percent. Our Board has five women on it, two minorities out of 11 people that participate, for your interest. Finally, I was the only South Carolinian on the Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on Education Quality. I succeeded Secretary Riley in that seat, which that particular commission focused on higher education. So I've managed to stay involved with that. I want to stay involved. We've made great progress at Winthrop. I want to see us do more. And that's why I'm seeking re-election. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Do we have any questions of Mr. Thompson? None.

SENATOR GLOVER: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Thank you, Robert. Our next is Mr. Rick Lee. Mr. Lee, will you raise your right hand? The information and questions that are asked here today will be the truth so help you God?

MR. LEE: I do.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health problems that would prevent you, that we don't know about that ...

MR.LEE: No.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Do you have any occupations or things that would prevent you from serving on a regular basis?

MR. LEE: No, sir.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Should you be elected? None. Do you have personal interests or conflicts of interest?

MR. LEE: No, conflicts.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Do you hold any other public elected office?

MR. LEE: I do not.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir.

MR. LEE: You have the testimony in the package before you, so I also, for brevity, will not go through everything that's in there. I will say that I have had a long relationship with Winthrop. It stretches over 27 years. As a son, my mother, Dr. Lee, was Vice President of Winthrop; as a husband, my wife is a graduate of Winthrop, as am I; and as a father, my children have been attending MacFeat, the early education program that Winthrop has. In fact, I even have another relationship with Winthrop. One of my sons jumped off the swings a few weeks ago and broke his arm while playing at the playground there, so now I know the school even better than I did before. I have a demonstrated commitment to the University. I served on the Winthrop Board of Visitors for two years. While the Board itself was not tasked with raising funds, I none-the-less was able to raise money on my own fruition for the school. I became a financial supporter of Winthrop in the early '70's. I founded the Winthrop MVP Awards for the then beginning soccer programs when men finally came to the school. The last year I was honored by the Winthrop Soccer Coach, and the program for having been instrumental in soliciting donations and contributions that saved the program almost $60,000.00 in trying to get the fields lighted. I was instrumental in getting other developments to the athletic program to try to support fledgling soccer programs. I have been a member of the Winthrop Eagles Club for many years, and remain committed to the school. I live only a few blocks away from the school and so good, the things that are good for the school are good for the neighborhoods, and good for the people who live around it. In my professional career I serve as the Vice President of J.A. Jones Construction company in Charlotte. We had profit and loss responsibilities for large projects and a large division within the company. I presently provide consulting services to companies such as Northrop Grumman, ICF Kaiser and others in the privatization market. This is an area where government organizations are seeking to out source services that are provided. Last year we won a contract to operate Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral and is part of this privatization. I think that's an asset that I bring because of my knowledge in this area. It's likely that Winthrop and other educational institutions are going to have to look in the future to finding ways to operate more cost effectively, and one of the primary methods of doing so is this out sourcing of services. I served as a member of the Board of Directors for two large environmental companies. I was appointed to the York County Council, by the York County Council to the York County Planning commission, and was elected Chairman of that commission. I currently am appointed, was appointed by the county council to serve as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I served as a Chairman of the York County Task Force on Mobile Homes as a member of the York County AGC Property Task Force and presently serve as Vice President of the Sullivan Middle School PTO. I have a somewhat unique perspective on the role of the Board of Trustees. I believe that the Board should represent the administration as well as the faculty and the student body. They should act as ambassadors for the State to ensure that the school is a good member of the community and contributes positively with all those groups. I believe the Board should challenge the administrations development and growth plans more fully. There is nothing that will improve the administrations thinking and planning for growth like a Board that demands detail and proof to support the plans. I believe the Board should actively serve as an ambassador to the community and help raise money for student scholarships and school improvements. I believe the Board of Trustees should work to improve relationships between Winthrop and the legislative delegation that's in York County. Finally, I believe the Board should help Winthrop expand its campus while protecting its heritage and history. I believe I offer as a Member of the Board of Trustees a lot of innovative approaches to problems that I've learned while in the private sector, and my experience in long term planning would be of benefit to the school in projecting where we will be in 20 years time. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mr. Lee. Any questions of Mr. Lee? Any of the other ...none. Thank you very much.

MR. LEE: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That concludes the screening on Winthrop University.

SENATOR BRYAN: Move favorable.

SENATOR WILSON: Second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: On Robert L. Thompson, and Mr. Rick Lee to certify them as candidates.   All in favor signify by saying aye.
(All in Favor)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed. None.

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir.

SENATOR BRYAN: Can I ask a question? We've had three that were not here. What ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'm just going to take them up. Mr. Thompson, Mr. Lee, you can seek votes as of 12:00 tomorrow. You are a certified candidate now. You may leave if you wish, or you may stay on, or whatever. At this time I'd like to entertain a motion to go into Executive Session.

SENATOR GLOVER: So moved.

SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman, I don't believe we've gone to Seat 13, At-large, Franklin Burroughs and Etrulia Dozier. That was ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Would you ...

SENATOR BRYAN: I'll move to go ahead and ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. The motion is made. Do we have ...

SENATOR WILSON: Second.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Second to ask Franklin Burroughs and Ms. Dozier to be certified. And they may leave if they wish. Ms. Dozier and Mr. Burroughs you are now certified. You may seek votes tomorrow as of 12:00. And you can stay or you're welcome to go. Whatever you want to do. It's your pleasure.

SENATOR BRYAN: What I was going to ask is on the ones that weren't here, are we going to approve the others or not in that race, throw them out, or?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We'll talk about it in Executive Session. Are there anymore that ... okay, the motion has been made to go into Executive Session. I would ask everybody to leave the room. You may stand out in the hall and if we need you we'll contact you.
(Executive Session from 11:10 a.m. until 11:29 a.m.)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We are now in regular session. Senator Bryan, you have a motion?

SENATOR BRYAN: Move to favor confirmation with Lee Mason.

REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: Second.

SENATOR WILSON: I believe that Mr. Burroughs is the incumbent.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes.

SENATOR WILSON: And so that that would leave only one candidate left.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes.

SENATOR WILSON: And so upon the withdrawal of Mr. Burroughs that Ms. Mason would be reported favorably.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Now, it looks okay. Thank you. The At-large, Seat 15, Mr. Egerton Burroughs has withdrawn his application to be a member of the candidate for Coastal Carolina University. And being the only other candidate, Ms. Lee Mason, we declare Ms. Lee Mason the candidate for that seat and you may secure votes tomorrow after 12:00.

SENATOR WILSON: And Mr. Chairman, we had three others in regard to ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes.

SENATOR WILSON: ... the persons who were unable to attend.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: On the ones who are unable to attend, Mr. George D. Anderson, we are rejecting his application by favor to get here in time. And we will notify him in writing. The ...

SENATOR WILSON: Mr. Chairman, I would like to urge that the letter which would be sent to him would indicate that his failure to be recommended for a favorable report was solely due to his non-attendance which was beyond his ability in that we understand he's out of the Country for two weeks, and so it has nothing to o with Mr. Anderson personally. In fact, he has an excellent resume and would hope he applies again.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. And so ordered. And on Ms. Agnew and Mr. Arnold Collins, we'll extend to them next Wednesday morning at 9:00 to continue our screening of those two candidates.

SENATOR WILSON: And Mr. Chairman, as to District 1, Seat 1, that we would report favorably the three remaining candidates.

SENATOR BRYAN: We need to do that.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I thought we did that.

SENATOR BRYAN: No, we didn't.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Seat, Coastal Carolina?

SENATOR BRYAN: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Seat, Mr. Clark Parker and Ms. Bonali, and Dr. Ronald Norton. I think it is, yes, that's the three. And we declare that you are certified now. You may seek votes tomorrow at 12:00. Thank you for coming and have a good afternoon. Thank you.
(Meeting was Adjourned at 11:32 a.m.)

The meeting was conducted on March 31, 1999 at 501 Blatt Building, Columbia, South Carolina, before Jennifer L. Lester, Certified Court Reporter and Notary Public in and for the State of South Carolina.

APPEARANCES: Representative Olin Phillips, Chairman Representative Lanny F. Littlejohn Representative Curtis B. Inabinett

ALSO PRESENT:
Ms. Sophia Floyd
Mr. Steve Elliott

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'd like to call the meeting to order and introduce the members that's here. Representative Lanny Littlejohn from Cowpens, Spartanburg, Cherokee. Representative Curtis Inabinett from Charleston, and I'm Olin Phillips from Cherokee and Gaffney. We have a couple candidates here that we didn't get a chance to screen the other day and we will start off with Lander and we'll ask Ms. Robin Agnew to ...

MS. AGNEW: Yes.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... please stand. Raise your right hand.

ROBIN R. AGNEW, sworn.

MS. AGNEW - EXAMINATION BY CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS:

Q: Do you have any health-related problems that the Screening Committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity in the future?

A: No.

Q: Considering your present occupation, do you have anything that would constitute ... where you couldn't make Board meetings regularly in the future?

A: No.   Q: Do you have any interests, professions or personally, that constitutes a conflict of interest to being on this Board?

A: No.

Q: Okay. Do you now hold any other public office6 or elected position other than the position at Lander?

A: No.

Q: Thank you. You may give your opening statement, a short brief statement.

A: I'm Robin Agnew. I am employed with NationsBank, vice president, in Myrtle Beach. I head up the business banking unit there. I'm a 1988 Lander College graduate and I would like to give something back to Lander and I would like to be on that vacant seat or that expiring term.

Q: Now, you are filling an unexpired term; is that correct?

A: That's right.

Q: So you really haven't had an opportunity to really work with them like you'd like to?

A: No. Now, I've served on a Board of Directors for ... I served on the Chamber of Commerce of Myrtle Beach for three years, so that's my board experience, plus I've served as president of the South Strand Optimist Club in Surfside Beach, and I've also served three terms as secretary/treasurer for the South Strand Optimist Club.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any questions from any members?

REP. INABINETT: I have none.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No? What's the committee's ... motion to report out favorably? All in favor, signify by saying aye.

ALL: Aye.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You are now certified. Thank you very much.

MS. AGNEW: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And we'll ask Mr. Collins, Arnold Collins, please raise your right hand. ARNOLD COLLINS, sworn.

MR. COLLINS - EXAMINATION BY CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS:

Q: Do you have any health-related problems that we should be made aware of since your last election that we don't know about?

A: No, sir.

Q: All right. Considering your present occupation and a member of the Board, have you made the Board meetings regularly on a regular basis?

A: Yes, sir.

Q: Okay. Do you have any other personal interests or professional interests that would constitute that we don't ... conflict?

A: No.

Q: Do you now hold any public office other than this particular office that you been elected to?

A: No public office, no.

Q: Thank you, sir. You may make a short statement, sir.

A: First I want to apologize to the committee for not being here the last time and thank you for allowing me to come up at this time. My name is Arnold Collins, I live in Charleston, and I'm presently Chairman of the Board of South Carolina State University. I had the happy privilege of being appointed by former Governor West back in 19 ... the early 1980's, so I served from '83 until '89, and then I came back on the Board again in '95. My term expires this month. And the Board elected me two years ago as Chairman. My background is finance and business and I work very closely with the school. I'm very proud to report to you all that we have a very good Board. I want the record to indicate that I'm proud of South Carolina. We have the most integrated Board of any college in the state. We work very, very closely together as a team. We have some very good people on our Board. We had to make some very, very tough decisions that you all may have heard about over the last few years, and because we work closely together, we did that. We, you know, crunched numbers for the finance and I want to report to you that we are going to have a balanced budget this year. The school is financially sound. We got a 94 on our performance-based funding. We didn't fight against it, we worked hard, and we're the third highest in our peer performance-based funding and all the economic indicators and all the educational indicators of the school is up. I'm proud to report that to you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Do the committee members have any questions?

REP. INABINETT: I do have one question.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Inabinett.

REP. INABINETT: I would like to also state that Mr. Collins is also a former banker for a number of years in the Charleston area. Mr. Collins, during the budgetary process in the House, State University was the subject of funding on the floor of the House, there was quite a bit of debates, amendments, presented in favor of the university receiving more funds than it ultimately ended up receiving. My question to you is the same as it was to other individuals interested in either being elected or re-elected to the Board. Did you have ... as a member of the Board, were there any dialogue between Board members and university employees with reference to the annual budget request to the state?

MR. COLLINS: Dialogue between ... I don't know if I understand you.

REP. INABINETT: Well, prior to the president submitting his request to Ways and Means, were there any dialogue between Board members and the president or Board members and other staff members with reference to needs?

MR. COLLINS: Oh, yes, you mean whether we were brought up to date about needs?

REP. INABINETT: Yes.   MR. COLLINS: And whether the president went in without the knowledge of the Board or anything?

REP. INABINETT: Yes.

MR. COLLINS: Oh, no. We discussed all of our needs. As a matter of fact, you may know that we had ... after we had the tragedy with the debt of the school, we asked the Governor to give us some help. So DHEC came in, some other regulatory people came in, and did an exhaustive analysis of what our needs were. So we all are of one accord. The primary problem is that, and I'm not complaining but I'm just telling you facts, South Carolina State has not gotten its fair share from the legislature over the years and as a result of it, we have postponed a lot of infrastructure kinds of situations and that's what our problem is, and that's why the request. We asked for a bond bill and that's why the request of those ...the money that we're asking from the legislature is kind of high now because it's an accumulation over the years because we don't think that we have gotten our pro rata share and as a result, there are a lot of buildings that's in disrepair and a lot of infrastructure needs that need to be improved. And so we were all of one accord. We're getting a very intentive ear. Former Treasurer Eckstrom came down and made an assessment, and at the last Budget and Control Board that we had to make our last financial report, he got up and spoke very highly about us, and it was very surprising, and he talked about the need of the school getting more resources and Senator Drummond did the same thing. So we have some really good friends and allies. But to answer your question, the president ... it was not a long range ... it was by design, we all know what the problems are. And I hope I'm answering your question.

REP. INABINETT: No, that's ... thank you so much.

MR. COLLINS: We're all on one accord now, I think.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? Now I'd like to make a statement. I really appreciate you taking the ... kind of the bull by the horn and getting Dr. Davis, LeRoy Davis, to be president. I think that's positive. I worked with him when I was Chairman of the Education Committee and I could see the need back then when we toured that institution, there was a great need there, but I think that you all have re-committed on his selection. I think you made a wonderful choice, it looks like he is familiar and has a working relation. By the budget we've just passed, you've been able to accumulate some money that you desperately need, and I just want to commend you on that.

MR. COLLINS: Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What is the determination of the committee?

REP. LITTLEJOHN: I move we accept him.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All in favor signify by saying aye.

ALL: Aye.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: So certified. Thank you, sir.

MR. COLLINS: Thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You all may go if you like. We've got a little more business to talk about. We appreciate you coming.

REP. INABINETT: Mr. Chairman ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Sir?

REP. INABINETT: I was just about to say, although you have no opposition, you are aware that you can go ahead, if you need to or would like to, and request support.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That's right. If you think you need to solicit some support, you may do it.

MS. AGNEW: What's the next step? I guess I'm ignorant on the due process.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The next step ... the next step you'll be notified of the day of the elections and if you want to be present for your election, you need to ... I would say maybe make some letters ... since you are new, let me tell you little points here, maybe if you send some letters out to the committee and tell them even though you're unopposed, you'd like to ... I mean, to the General Assembly, the House and Senate, that you would like their support and hope that you can meet them if you can. If you've got time, you may stay around this morning, go over and shake a few hands and, you know, let them know who you are.

MS. AGNEW: Okay. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: At this time we're going to take up the withdrawal of the candidate from Coastal Carolina University. At first it was my thoughts, in talking with some of the people on the floor of the House that we screened and had the same process as the judicial when a candidate withdrew, a seating judge withdrew, which we've had a couple of them this year, we had to reopen it. And I wasn't really sure, so we've ask Steve to do the research on it and he's graciously looked the law up and he's given us a letter on it. And Steve, if you will, just stand up and tell us ... kind of brief us over the whole situation that we've asked you.

MR. ELLIOTT: All right, sir. I've basically been asked if you're required to reopen it, as you are in a judicial screening situation when an incumbent withdraws after the filing. I believe it was 1996, '98 perhaps, when you amended the law and had the constitutional change, you actually have two separate chapters that deal with ... one dealing with judicial screening, another one dealing with screening for all other positions elected by the General Assembly. Judicial screening requires the reopening if you have an incumbent judge withdraw after the filing and before the election. The statutes governing all other officers that are elected by the General Assembly, including college trustees, does not contain that provision. So it's not required that you reopen. Now, the other question, may you reopen, the answer to that is a little less clear as to what the answer to that is, whether you have that discretion to do so or not. It has been done in the past in some other instances and I tried to find out from people who had worked with the committee before when they had allowed that to proceed and it's just hard to find those records and I don't have that at this point in time. But certainly that is a question, may you do so, and I don't have a clear answer to that and I don't know that there is a clear answer, but it has been done in the past.

REP. INABINETT: If we ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Go ahead.

REP. INABINETT: Based on your research, if we do
not reopen and since there is only one other person, there would be, in your opinion, no repercussions on us as members of the committee or chairman?

MR. ELLIOTT: Well, one of the differences between your screening and the judicial screening, in the judicial screening, they ... the General Assembly may only elect from the field of candidates the Judicial Merit Selection Commission presents to them. It appears to me that with all other offices there can still be nominations from the floor so that if the remaining candidate that you have in your field is unacceptable to the General Assembly or some facia of the General Assembly, then they can make a nomination from the floor and that person can still be elected rather than the candidate you've screened. And I think Ms. Floyd said that might affect last year, is that...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: In other words, what will happen here, if somebody would make a nomination from the floor and either it'd be Mr. Reject or it'd be a candidate ... a full bona fide candidate, a name submitted, you know, and could be elected at that time.

REP. LITTLEJOHN: Nobody brings up the possibility of no background checks on people, you know ...

MR. ELLIOTT: Yes, sir, that's true.

REP. LITTLEJOHN: ... that's not the way to do it.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: So, in essence, what will happen, I think, and the Horry delegation may do this, they may very well do it, they would put their candidate as Mr. Reject, then we would have to come back and open it up again if Mr. Reject had no more votes than Ms. Powers ... is it Powers?

MS. FLOYD: Mason.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No, Mason, Lee Mason. I'm sorry. ... Ms. Mason, that would constitute us having to open it back up to screen again.

MR. ELLIOTT: Yes, if there failed to be an election at that time.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: If Mr. Reject got one more vote than Ms. Mason, then we'd have to screen again, and it may be that ...

MR. ELLIOTT: Well, actually, they can elect without screening. In your circumstances, as opposed to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, you can elect without the screening. I mean, a nominee from the floor can be elected.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: But if they did Mr. Reject, there'd be no nominee.

MR. ELLIOTT: You mean if they nominated Mr. X from the floor and he's someone who has withdrawn and found disqualified?

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Now, one time in the Public Service Commission they tried to mess around with Guy Butler and they nominated somebody and we came up with a third candidate, Mr. Reject, and he got more votes than the other two candidates because all of Guy's people wanted ... Mr. Butler's people wanted him to win so we'd have to reopen it again. They failed to qualify Guy Butler. They said he wasn't qualified and he'd been on there 20 years, you know. Whether the qualification ... that's the only thing I'm thinking about, they may do that and they may not, I don't know. It's why I wished everybody had been here, you know, to make a determination on what to do. The reason for this, if they should do that, and it looks like the earliest we can have this election is during a joint assembly and I believe that would be June the 2nd when Ms. Toal is going to be elected to the Supreme Court, we may do it that day, and I don't know of anything earlier than that, I don't. So in the case that we didn't get a candidate, we adjourn here the first Thursday in June, then it'd be left up to the Governor to make that appointment, right?

MR. ELLIOTT: As I recall from looking at the Coastal Carolina's, I believe that's correct.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: So what is the pleasure of the ... any more questions?

MR. ELLIOTT: Mr. Chairman, I was going to mention that Judiciary did report out Mr. Waldrop's ... Senator Waldrop's bill yesterday, which will be on the floor, and it specifically addresses this kind of situation where a candidate has ... an incumbent is not going to continue to seek the office and specifically authorizes the committee to reopen filing, so you do have that in the process that's moving through.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: After reviewing it, and I now you have, is there anything that we could add to help our situation? Are there amendments that we need to look at?

MR. ELLIOTT: Well, the bill that the House Judiciary reported out would take effect, I believe, July 1st, 1999 and, you know, unless there's some reason unknown to me not to move that date up, you may just want to make it effective sooner and it could cover your situation here.

REP. INABINETT: Mr. Chairman ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir.   REP. INABINETT: ... since, you know, the process was open to anyone that wanted to file and we only had for that seat two candidates file, I'm of the opinion that in order not to delay the process that we move forward with notifying the one person left in the race that ... and we did screen her, I believe ...

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, we did.

REP. INABINETT: ... that, you know, having found her qualified, that she's the only person in the race and extend to her the same, you know, information or courtesies that we did to the two that we just screened.

REP. LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, I agree with that.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. All in favor signify by saying aye.

ALL: Aye.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right, then we've determined that Ms. Lee Mason will be the candidate from Coastal Carolina University at-large, seat 15, and that the screening process is now closed after screening all candidates.

MS. FLOYD: We still have the one pending, Francis Marion seat.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'm talking about presently.

MS. FLOYD: Right.

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What we've got presently and the committee determine that all candidates be qualified for those positions. Do I hear any other motions to that motion?   (Negative response)

CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Thank you very much. Steve, thank you for coming.

MR. ELLIOTT: Yes, sir.

(There being nothing further, the proceedings adjourned at 9:45 A.M.)

The following Bill was read the third time and having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3891 (Word version) -- Reps. McKay and McGee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO JURY AREAS FOR MAGISTRATE COURTS, SO AS TO REVISE A JURY AREA IN FLORENCE COUNTY.

(By prior motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent)

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 770 (Word version) -- Senators Bauer and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROTECTION OF GAME, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-1925 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS LAWFUL FOR ANYONE TO IMPORT FROM OUT-OF-STATE, AND TO OWN, POSSESS, CONTROL, SELL, CONSUME OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF VENISON AND ALLIGATOR JERKY PRODUCTS WITHIN THIS STATE ONLY IF THE VENISON AND ALLIGATOR JERKY PRODUCT IS PREPARED FROM NONNATIVE, FARM-RAISED DEER AND ALLIGATOR AND IS PROCESSED THROUGH GOVERNMENT-APPROVED FACILITIES AS A FOOD ITEM FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, TO PROVIDE FOR PERMITS FOR THE IMPORTATION AND SALE OF VENISON AND ALLIGATOR JERKY IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE THAT OUT-OF-STATE PRODUCERS AND VENDORS, AND IMPORTERS AND SELLERS OF VENISON AND ALLIGATOR JERKY IN THIS STATE MUST MAINTAIN RECORDS ADEQUATE TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES INFORMATION AS TO THE SOURCE OF THE DEER AND ALLIGATOR USED TO PRODUCE VENISON AND ALLIGATOR JERKY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.

(By prior motion of Senator BAUER, with unanimous consent)

S. 581 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 434 OF 1998, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE PROHIBITIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE SALE OF MALT LIQUOR IN CONTAINERS GREATER THAN ONE LITER.

(By prior motion of Senator GIESE, with unanimous consent)

S. 153 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Elliott, Passailaigue, Leventis and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3385 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE TUITION TAX CREDIT TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO ANY ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES IS ONLY INELIGIBLE FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR IN WHICH THE ADJUDICATION OCCURRED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-149-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO LIFE SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO ANY ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES IS ONLY INELIGIBLE FOR ONE CALENDAR YEAR AFTER THE ADJUDICATION OCCURRED.

(By prior motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent)

On motion of Senators PASSAILAIGUE and McCONNELL, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Charles Edward Davis of Charleston, S.C.

At 11:30 A.M., on motion of Senator SETZLER, the Senate adjourned to meet next Tuesday, May 4, 1999, at 12:00 Noon.

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