South Carolina General Assembly
116th Session, 2005-2006
Journal of the Senate
Printed Page 896 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
(Local Session)
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 KNOTTS.
REPORT RECEIVED
The following was received:
Findings of Fact
The Committee to Screen Candidates for Boards of Trustees of State Colleges and Universities finds the following candidates for Boards of Trustees qualified. Background reports from the State Law Enforcement Division show no felony charges against any of the candidates.
The Citadel
At-large
two seats Col. Allison Dean Love
Mr. W. Thomas McQueeney
Clemson University
At-large
three seats Mr. Thomas C. Lynch, Jr.
Ms. Patti McAbee
Mr. Joseph D. Swann
College of Charleston
Six congressional districts, two at-large
1st District, Seat 1 Mr. Joseph F. Thompson, Jr.
2nd District, Seat 3 Mr. John H. Busch
3rd District, Seat 5 Ms. Annaliza Oehmig Moorehead
4th District, Seat 7 Mr. John B. Wood, Jr.
5th District, Seat 9 Mr. Frank M. Gadsden
Dr. Joe Willis
6th District, Seat 11 Ms. Demetria Noisette Clemons
At-large, Seat 13 Mr. Robert W. Marlowe
At-large, Seat 15 Mr. Donald H. Belk
Printed Page 897 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Coastal Carolina University
Three congressional districts
1st District, Seat 2 Mr. Robert L. Rabon
4th District, Seat 8 Mr. Tommy Stringer
3rd District, Seat 5 pending
Francis Marion University
Six congressional districts, two at-large
1st District, Seat 1 Dr. H. Randall Dozier
2nd District, Seat 3 Mr. William M. Ellen
3rd District, Seat 5 Ms. Carolyn B. Shortt
4th District, Seat 7 Mr. L. Franklin Elmore
5th District, Seat 9 Mr. W. C. Stanton
6th District, Seat 11 Mr. James A. Brown, Jr.
At-large, Seat 13 Mr. Robert E. Lee
At-large, Seat 15 Mr. Kenneth W. Jackson
Lander University
Six congressional districts, two at-large
1st District, Seat 1 Mr. Chuck Hagood
Mr. Charles R. Thompson, Jr.
2nd District, Seat 3 Mr. Maurice Holloway
3rd District, Seat 5 Ms. Mamie W. Nicholson
4th District, Seat 7 Mr. Fred Thrailkill
5th District, Seat 9 Dr. Glenn J. Lawhon, Jr.
6th District, Seat 11 Ms. Ricci Land Welch
At-large, Seat 13 Mr. Raymond D. Hunt
At-large, Seat 15 Mr. Bobby M. Bowers
Medical University of South Carolina
Six congressional districts (3 from medical, 3 from non-medical)
1st District, medical Dr. Donald R. Johnson II
2nd District, medical Dr. Thomas C. Rowland, Jr.
3rd District, medical Dr. Stanley C. Baker, Jr.
4th District, non-medical Mr. Thomas L. Stephenson
5th District, non-medical Dr. James E. Wiseman, Jr.
6th District, non-medical Mr. Charles L. Appleby, Jr.
Mr. Robin Tallon
Printed Page 898 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
SC State University
One congressional district, two at-large
3rd District, Seat 3 Mr. Lumus Byrd, Jr.
At-large, Seat 7 Mr. Charles H. Williams II
Mr. Jay K. Fields
At-large, Seat 9 Mr. Glenn E. Jones
Mr. Earl A. Bridges, Jr.
Mr. Joseph C. Sanders
University of South Carolina
Nine Judicial Circuits
1st Circuit Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr.
3rd Circuit Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller
5th Circuit Mr. William C. Hubbard
7th Circuit Mr. Toney J. Lister
9th Circuit Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr.
10th Circuit Mr. John W. Fields
11th Circuit Mr. Michael J. Mungo
12th Circuit Dr. C. Edward Floyd
13th Circuit Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr.
Mr. Richard A. Jones, Jr.
Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School
At-large
Three seats Mr. Carlisle Roddey
Dr. Earle L. Bennett
Ms. Marilyn Edwards Taylor
Winthrop University
Two congressional districts
1st District, Seat 1 Ms. Glenda Pittman Owens
1st District, Seat 5 Ms. Kathy H. Bigham
Respectfully submitted,
Rep. Olin Phillips, Chrm. Sen. Thomas Alexander
Rep. Becky Martin Sen. Linda Short
Rep. Lanny F. Littlejohn Sen. Jake Knotts
Rep. Jesse E. Hines Sen. Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.
Printed Page 899 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
COMMITTEE TO SCREEN CANDIDATES
FOR BOARDS O TRUSTEES OF STATE
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
******
The following candidate screening was conducted on February 6th, 2006, Room 403, Blatt Building, Columbia, South Carolina, before Sonya K. Grice, Court Reporter and Notary Public in and for the State of South Carolina.
APPEARANCES:
Representative Olin Phillips, Chairman
Representative Becky Martin
Representative Lanny F. Littlejohn
Representative Jesse Hines
Senator Thomas Alexander
Senator Linda Short
Sophia Floyd, Administrative Assistant
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Good morning. I'd like to call to order the Legislative Screening Committee, Joint Legislative Screening Committee. I'd like to introduce our members present today. Senator Thomas Alexander from Oconee County; Senator Linda Short from Fairfield, Chester, resides in Chester, and Union County.
SENATOR SHORT: And York.
REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS: And York, sorry. Representative Jesse Hines from Lamar, the House District; Representative Lanny Littlejohn from Spartanburg, Cherokee; and Ms. Martin from Anderson County. Do you have any other counties?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Oconee.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oconee, too. I'm sorry. We've got so many cross counties now, I'm sorry, I don't know all of them. But I'm Representative Olin Phillips from Cherokee only. We're waiting on a couple more, but we'll go ahead and get started. Senator Peeler from Cherokee, Spartanburg, York, Union and whatever and all around the upstate, and, certainly, Senator Jake Knotts from Lexington are member of our Committee which will be probably coming in shortly. We want to get out of here as quick as we can. They're predicting some bad weather in the upstate. Some of you are traveling from the upstate. And I'd like to do something we haven't
Printed Page 900 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
been able to do. If you're to be screened here today, would you please stand. I'm going to swear you all in at one time so we'll cut some of this short. If you'd raise your right hand, all members who are being screened here today, raise your right hand. Will the information given here today be the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God?
(Affirmation)
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. We'll start right there, then. And we have that behind us, so we'll just go into the screening.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Before you do, can I do my special introduction?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir. Senator Alexander has a special introduction.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: I just wanted to welcome, I've had the pleasure this morning of having the Mayor of Walhalla ride down with me. He's not running for anything here. He's already got what he wants. Lamar Bell is a long-time friend and family friend for as long as I can remember. Mayor, we're delighted to have you with us this morning.
MAYOR BELL: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mayor. It's not possible to thank all of you who participate and want to be of service to the state in some form by serving on some board of trustees, whichever you are offering for. Good luck to each one of you. And at this time, we'll start our screening process. And I would ask you to be brief, no more than three to four minutes, if you will. And the first we'll be screening will be The Citadel, and some At-large seats. There are two seats, and the first person to be screened will be Colonel Allison Dean Love. Colonel Love?
COLONEL LOVE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. Thanks for having me here today. I am proud to be a graduate of The Citadel's College of Graduate and Professional Studies. I obtained a Master's degree in business administration from The Citadel in 1993, and I was also honored to have been selected as one of two advisory members to The Citadel's Board of Visitors in June of 1997, and then to have been elected by you to the Board of Visitors in April of 2000 as the first and only graduate of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies on the Board. I'm currently
Printed Page 901 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
serving as Chairman of the Education Committee, and I also serve on the External Affairs, Strategic Planning, Athletics, and the Customs Regulations and Cadet Liaison Committees. I've also previously served on the Honorary Degrees Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. I'm a lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association, a member of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and I represent The Citadel on the Low Country Graduate Center Board of Directors. And last year I was privileged to serve on the Presidential Search Committee that selected Lieutenant General John Rosa as our 19th President. We're indeed fortunate to have him with us. I am really proud to be associated with a college whose mission is to educate principled leaders and which has an honor code and a fourth class system that develops the whole person into leaders in our community. There are many other reasons why all South Carolinians should be proud of The Citadel and to have it in our state. The college has been named as the best value in the South and the number two public university in the South by U.S. News and World Report. And, in addition, that annual ranking puts The Citadel at number seven for the best Masters universities in the South, and Newsweek magazine named The Citadel one of America's hottest colleges, the top 25 hottest colleges. Cadets at The Citadel are much more likely than their counterparts in other public colleges and universities to earn a degree in four years which means that we are utilizing the funds that you give us to the very best of our ability. According to the data collected by the U.S. Department of Education, The Citadel ranks number one nationally in our peer group of public colleges in the percentage of students who graduate on time. Female assimilation is working well with about 128 female cadets currently enrolled. An average of 35 percent of graduating cadets are commissioned into military service following graduation. More than 900 alumni are or have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and ten have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. My personal focuses for The Citadel Board are fund-raising, which we really need to work on, and student recruitment and communications with media, public and alumni. As Executive Director of The South Carolina Insurance News Service, I serve as a spokesperson for the property and casualty insurance industry for the state, and I have extensive experience in working with local, regional, and national media and in public relations. And I think that one of my greatest skills lies in aiding The Citadel with communication issues and
Printed Page 902 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
continuing to enhance the outstanding public image of the college. And, as you probably know, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at The Citadel started in the late 1960's, and since the early 1970's, thousands of graduates have come from that college, but until I was elected in the year 2000, that segment of The Citadel had never been represented on the Board of Visitors before. And I am committed to upholding the traditions of The Citadel while also offering a unique and different perspective into the decision-making process. And as a member of the team, I'm going to use my business experience and my nonprofit organization management experience and public affairs experience to help move the school into the future and to move forward with our mission of developing future business leaders and governing officials and others who serve our state and our country. And, hopefully, it's obvious that I'm enthusiastic in my sincere love for The Citadel, its traditions, environment and discipline, and it is my desire to continue to serve and to contribute to the college which has done so much for me. And just as all of you represent the different districts that you're from, I want to continue to represent the College of Graduate and Professional Studies on the Board of Visitors, and I hope that you and the rest of the members of the South Carolina General Assembly will have as much confidence in me now as you did in April of 2000. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any question of any member on the Committee? Thank you very much.
COLONEL LOVE: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Thomas McQueeney? Mr. McQueeney, this is your first time offering. Do you have any health-related problems that we, the Committee, need to be made aware of?
MR. McQUEENEY: No, I don't.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: In your business or professional, is there anything that would cause a conflict of interest by serving on The Citadel Board?
MR. McQUEENEY: I know of none.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Do you hold any other offices, elected offices or appointed offices at this time?
MR. McQUEENEY: I'm a member of The Citadel Foundation which is a donor organization.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Go ahead, sir.
MR. McQUEENEY: You're asking public offices or anything?
Printed Page 903 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yeah, appointed.
MR. McQUEENEY: I'm the Chairman for the Charleston Metro Sports Council. I have served in the past in many capacities, all as a volunteer, never as an elected official or anything like that.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, sir. Go ahead with your statement.
MR. McQUEENEY: Oh, sure. Thank you. Mr. Chairman and members, I'm a member of The Citadel Class of 1974. I feel like I am eminently qualified for this position, but ultimately, that's up to you folks. I hope you'll see fit to help me on that goal. My background is in service, as I just mentioned, to the college in many different ways. The last three and a half years I have served as the Chairman for our new stadium, so this has been an ongoing thing that is coming to fruition, and we will have a new stadium in its entirety by 2008, the new stands being up in 2006. I am a member of The Citadel Foundation Board, as I mentioned previously, and a lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association, Class Chair for The Citadel Foundation since 1991, and I've been affiliated as a member of the Brigadier Memorial Fund since 1979, having actually written the initial brochure for fund-raising for that organization. I'm one of six brothers who have graduated from The Citadel which is a Citadel record and, in fact, as far as we know, a military college record. I have spent considerable time and financial resources since my graduation to help my college. I have also chaired other, been involved in other organizations in the community, having presided and/or chaired more than a dozen of these organizations and been on another dozen boards plus. Like I mentioned, I'm also the current Chairman for the Charleston Metro Sports Council and the immediate past Chairman for the Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament which is, again, back in Charleston. My vision of The Citadel? Some of the things that Colonel Love had mentioned are certainly to the forefront. I would underscore what she said about the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. In this day and time when we're looking for more and more funding, this is certainly a great deal for the money, and I think we need to advertise it more and hopefully get more students in that program. I feel like my strong suit there is creativity in terms of facilities and helping to find other funding since state funding is somewhat limited, and we've got to look down the road and consider that state funding will always be somewhat limited. I humbly ask that you will
Printed Page 904 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
consider me for this position. I feel like this is something that I really can be of great assistance to my college. Thank you. Any questions?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any members, Committee members, got any questions for Mr. McQueeney? Thank you very much, sir.
MR. McQUEENEY: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That concludes The Citadel, and what is the pleasure of the Committee of Allison Deal Love and W. Thomas McQueeney?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE HINES: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Ms. Short moves favorable and second by Jesse Hines. All in favor please signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed? None. Allison Dean Love and W. Thomas McQueeney, you are now a certified candidate, and we will release you probably sometime the week of the 21st. That goes for everybody because we have one more week of screening. We certainly don't want to screen out people early and let you start getting the jump on other people. We have to put this in the Journal on the week of the 21st with House permission. So, definitely, that will be the week we'll attempt to publish in the Journal your qualifications and your record. And at this time, we will be notifying you by mail or telephone about the date and hour you can start screening. It will probably be that week on a Thursday, but don't hold me to that because we have to get permission, and certainly, with the legislation that we've got coming, I don't know whether we might still be here the 21st. So that's tentatively the date we've set as the week of the 21st for releasing you to start asking people for their commitments to this seat. You are not allowed to do that at this time. There is some legislature pending in the Senate that's going to tighten this solicitation of votes and, certainly, there have been some lax times in the past, but we need to tighten that up so everybody can be on the same playing field when you're offering for these public offices such as boards and commissions and trustees of various universities. So thank you very much to the Citadel people. Now we'll advance to Clemson University, and there are At-large, as you know, there are three seats, and I'd like to announce to the Committee that Greg W. Anderson who was formerly announced as a candidate has withdrawn, and so that leaves Thomas C. Lynch, Jr., Patti McAbee, and Joseph D. Swann unopposed for the Board of
Printed Page 905 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Clemson University. And at this time, we will ask Mr. Thomas C. Lynch, Jr., if you'll come forward and give a statement.
MR. LYNCH: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Tom Lynch from Clemson, and thank you to the other members of the General Assembly. And I apologize to y'all for having to come on Monday to ... y'all have enough to do without having to come on Monday to meet with us, but thank you for taking that time to meet with us. I, for the last three and a half years, have been serving on the Board of Trustees at Clemson. It's been a good experience for me. I've enjoyed it. We've accomplished a lot of things, and I want to thank you for allowing me to be elected in the last election. Anyhow, I want to keep my statement short, as you requested, so I won't go through all of these sheets. I'm kidding. Like I say, I went to Clemson. I went to the Medical University of South Carolina. I went to Auburn University. And 42 years later, I mean, I returned back to Clemson, and I've been there for 42 years. I've enjoyed working with Clemson. I sent each of you a copy of my resume, just highlights of some of the things that I have done with Clemson. And you may read them there or you may ask me anything you wish about those things. But since being back there, I've served on a lot of state committees and a lot of state boards and trusteeships, and at Clemson also, and I've enjoyed those things. I also would like to thank you all for the time that y'all take away from your families, your homes, your businesses and your hobbies, for the time y'all spend as legislators in the state. The last time when I ran, I learned a lot about how much time you spend. That was one of the first and biggest things I learned, and I really appreciate y'all more than I ever did. And if I learned nothing else, that was enough, but we do appreciate y'all. Some good things are happening at Clemson, and a lot of them are because of y'all. Y'all have been kind to Clemson. Y'all helped us with things when we needed help, and we would like to ask you for that continued support and help and thank you for it. I'm being brief, and that's what you asked, and I'll be glad to answer any questions if there are any.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any questions of Mr. Lynch? None. Thank you very much, Thomas.
MR. LYNCH: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: At this time, we'll ask Ms. Patti McAbee to come forward.
Printed Page 906 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MS. McABEE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, members of the Committee, and thank you for this opportunity to present today my credentials for service to the Clemson Board of Trustees. As you requested, I will be brief, and you have before you a statement that I submitted earlier along with my application. I would like to say, though, it's been a great honor for me to serve as a member of this Board since 1993, and it's an honor I take very seriously, giving a considerable amount of my time on a daily basis. Professionally, I'm an owner/partner in Custom Development Solutions, a South Carolina based fund-raising consulting firm, serving charitable organizations throughout North America. Also, I serve Clemson University Board of Trustees through membership on three committees: The Educational Policy, Executive and Audit, and as Chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee. I also serve as a member of the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors. Past services include other committee chair positions and numerous ad hoc committees, and I also would like to inform you that I hold an impeccable record of attendance and participation at 40 committee meetings and attend as many supportive functions for the University as possible. I hope you're all abreast of the various accomplishments at Clemson University, and we're proud to be partners with the State of South Carolina in bringing excellence to higher education through measurements that are guided, various metrics in measuring institutions across the country. We are seeking to attain the highest level of excellence possible. Together with the determination from the great institution and the State of South Carolina, we have a road map that we are on to provide ample incentive for me to continue service and achieving these goals. It's a privilege that I have to have this opportunity and a privilege to be able to offer you, once again, my candidacy. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any questions of Ms. McAbee from any member? No questions. Thank you very much, Patti.
MS. McABEE: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Joseph D. Swann is not able to attend today and asked to be screened later, and we have granted him that privilege. So that completes the Clemson University.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Alexander?
Printed Page 907 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. SENATOR ALEXANDER: As the Senator and as an alumnus of Clemson University, I would move favorable on the two that we have screened as of today.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Alexander moves favorable commitments to screening report on the two candidates, Thomas C. Lynch, Jr., Patti McAbee; second by Ms. Becky Martin Madison. All in favor please signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed? The ayes have it. So you're screened out, and we'll let you know when it's an appropriate time for seeking commitments, which you're both unopposed, so we'd like to see you around anyway. Thank you very much. College of Charleston, six congressional districts, two are At-large. The First District, Seat One is Mr. Joseph F. Thompson, Jr. Mr. Thompson?
MR. THOMPSON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I'm Joe Thompson. I live in Mt. Pleasant, represent the First District. It has been my high privilege and distinct honor to serve on my college of my alma mater's Board of Trustees for the last eight years. It is with enthusiasm that I look for another term to the future. During that time, I've had a hundred percent Board attendance at all Board meetings. I've served on the, I currently serve on the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, Governmental Affairs Committee, and Chair of the Finance Committee. Previously, I also served on the Student Affairs Committee. So, as I said, it's with enthusiasm that I seek another term and ask for your acceptance.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Are there any questions from any Committee members of Mr. Thompson? Well, thank you for your services on the Boards, sir. Second District, Seat Number Three, Mr. John H. Busch.
MR. BUSCH: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Board members.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Busch, let me ask you a couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems that the Committee needs to be made aware of?
MR. BUSCH: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Your activities and present business would not conflict with any activities of the College of Charleston?
Printed Page 908 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. BUSCH: No, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Go ahead, sir.
MR. BUSCH: Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. I am currently a Lieutenant Colonel serving in the South Carolina Air National Guard at McEntire Air Guard Base and currently on military leave from Delta Air Lines serving up in Washington for a six-month tour, engaging in public planning, budgeting and programming for the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. I am a 1985 graduate of the College of Charleston. While at the College I served in the student government; and my junior year in the student Senate; and then as President of the student body my senior year. And I sailed on the College of Charleston sailing team. Since that time, I've participated in College activities such as fund-raising for major campaigns in 1997 and then on the College of Charleston Alumni Board from 2000 to 2003, serving as the Chairman of the Awards Committee. In the Air National Guard I am a Commander of the 169th OSF. Last year I attended the U.S. Air Force Air War College, obtained a Master's there in strategic studies. My strengths I consider that I bring to the Board of Trustees would be in leadership and in effecting change. The Air National Guard at McEntire has undergone change in the past, and you may have been aware of the media that we're about to grow by about 25 percent. We're going to merge active duty members into the Air National Guard which will create a great challenge later this year. Which I've been in school training for and had the opportunity to have that experience as running a squadron at McEntire. I do appreciate the opportunity to be here today, and I'd like to entertain any questions you might have for me.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I failed to ask you, do you have any appointed or elected positions back home of honor or trust?
MR. BUSCH: No, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None whatsoever. Any Committee members have any other questions? None.
MS. MARTIN: I would like to ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, Ms. Martin, Becky Martin Madison.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: I'd just like to thank you for your service, and I know that you've received a lot of awards for your outstanding performance, and I just want to thank you for your service in our state. Thank you.
Printed Page 909 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. BUSCH: Thank you, ma'am. It's a privilege to serve, and the support that we've received in this state has been tremendous, but your gratitude is reciprocated. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Okay. We'll go to the Third District, Seat Number Five, Ms. Annaliza Oehmig Moorehead. Ms. Moorehead?
MS. MOOREHEAD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Committee. Thank you for pronouncing my first name correctly. It is with pleasure that I seek to be reelected to the College of Charleston's Board of Trustees, Seat Number Five, the Third District. I am happy to give my time to fulfill the stewardship responsibilities of a Trustee, specifically overseeing the College's continuation of physical controls which will be challenging but necessary. I would like to thank the South Carolina Legislature for entrusting me with the responsibilities of being a Trustee of a state institution and hope that I will be allowed to continue in that capacity for the next four years.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any Committee members have any questions of Ms. Moorehead? None. Thank you very much.
MS. MOOREHEAD: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Fourth District, Seat Number Seven, Mr. John B. Wood, Jr. Mr. Wood, since you're a new candidate, I need to ask you a couple questions. Do you have any health-related problems that we need to be made aware of?
MR. WOOD: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any business activities which would be a conflict of interest with serving on?
MR. WOOD: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected or public office?
MR. WOOD: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Appointed positions?
MR. WOOD: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Go ahead, sir.
MR. WOOD: I'd like to thank you, Chairman Phillips, and the Committee members, for your time and consideration today. I'm a lifelong resident of Greenville with the exception of my four years at Charleston. I'm a 1983 graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in business administration. I've spent my last 22 years in the banking industry all in Greenville, South Carolina. I'm currently a Senior Vice President with First Citizens, manager of a $45 million
Printed Page 910 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
loan portfolio and work on special assets for the upstate and dispute resolution. I'm married, and I have three small children, and anything that I can do to insure that they have the same wonderful benefits and chance for a great public education that I was afforded, I'm going to do. Over the last two or three years I've had the opportunity to become reacquainted with the College, with President Higdon, Trustees in my district and members of the administration and help them bring the College to the forefront. In our area, we have done a good job, had a number of events up there and have called on individuals for fund-raising and other activities. I'm also very impressed with the quality of students both in-state and out-of-state that the College is attracting, as well as the improvements to the physical plant down there. It's truly a different school than when I was there. And my hat's off to the administration and the previous Boards. I'd consider it a great honor to serve, and I appreciate your time and consideration today.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any Committee members have a question of Mr. Wood? You didn't know Tiger Woods, did you, up in Greenville?
MR. WOOD: No, sir. He's got an "S".
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No, I've been around here a long time. I served with Mr. Wood. Thank you very much.
MR. WOOD: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Fifth District, Seat Number Nine, Mr. Frank Gadsden. Mr. Gadsden, you're a new candidate. I need to ask you, do you have any health-related problems that the Committee needs to be made aware of?
MR. GADSDEN: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected position or appointments back in your county?
MR. GADSDEN: I serve on the York County Library Board of Trustees.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: If you're elected to this, and you are going to be elected. I mean, excuse me, you have opposition.
MR. GADSDEN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: But if you're elected to this, would you be willing to resign that position?
MR. GADSDEN: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, sir. You don't have any business interests that would cause a conflict; do you?
Printed Page 911 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. GADSDEN: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Go ahead with your statement.
MR. GADSDEN: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you this morning. In presenting myself to you, I'd like to do it in terms of talking about myself in terms of honor and integrity. I've made a lifelong commitment upon my graduation to the College of Charleston. I am a lifetime alumnus of the College of Charleston, a member. My family ... I'm a 1980 graduate. My wife is a 1978 graduate. My son, oldest son is a graduate. My youngest son is currently attending. I've got two sisters and one brother who are graduates, a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law who are graduates. My family has made a commitment to the College. My family has also in the early 90's established, endowed a scholarship in the family's name for the College. We have ... I worked with, I celebrated my 25th reunion this past year, and in that celebration, I volunteered to serve on that committee, and I also volunteered to serve on the Gift Committee. That Gift Committee decided that the gift it wanted to give to the College in recognition of its graduation was to endow a scholarship which had never been done by a class. I am proud to say that was done. I have made a lifelong commitment to the College. In talking about honor, my father had a motto on a chalkboard in his office all of his career, and that motto was, "Honor is in the man, not in the job." I have endeavored to make that my lifelong motto. I feel like I will bring honor and integrity to the Board of Trustees of the College. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today. In talking about commitment also, I feel like my career as a banker and in technology has prepared me. My service to my community and to my extended community through the years, through civic organizations, through church and through things such as the York County Public Library have prepared me to serve the College well. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any Committee members have any questions of Mr. Gadsden? None. Thank you, sir.
MR. GADSDEN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Fifth District, Seat Number Nine, Dr. Joe Willis. Mr. Willis, since you're a new candidate, do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving?
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DR. WILLIS: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any hobbies or interests that would be a conflict to serving on the Board? Business Interests?
DR. WILLIS: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected positions or any appointments ...
DR. WILLIS: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None? Go ahead, sir.
DR. WILLIS: Thank you very much for allowing me to come before your Board here. For the last 15 years I have been working with, in higher education, first with my chiropractic college. I was President of the State Alumni Association and also the recent Director of the four southern states. I served on the Board of Visitors and the Board of Trustees at Coker College, and it was really interesting to watch what happens there. Also, I think that, I make a hobby of traveling a good bit, and the educational system, we need to compete more because they're learning to speak English in these foreign countries in the second grade. I've started endowed scholarships at Palmer Chiropractic College for USC and also at Coker. So I appreciate your attention. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Just a minute, sir. Did you say you served on the Board of Trustees at Coker College?
DR. WILLIS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: If elected to this position, are you willing to resign the Coker College ...
DR. WILLIS: I'm not on the Board now. I was ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you said you were on there now.
DR. WILLIS: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Any other questions from any Committee members? None. Thank you, sir.
DR. WILLIS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Okay. That concludes the Fifth Congressional. We'll go to the Sixth, and we have Seat Number Eleven, Ms. Demetria Clemons.
MS. CLEMONS: Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Ms. Clemons.
MS. CLEMONS: And Committee members. I'm proud to be a 1975 graduate of the College of Charleston. I'm a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. I'm very appreciative of having the opportunity
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to serve the College of Charleston Board during the past two years. I have one hundred percent attendance at Board meetings. I worked diligently on the Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Committee. It gives me great pleasure to serve my state and my college. It is my desire to continue to serve the College of Charleston representing the Sixth Congressional District. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions for Ms. Clemons? Senator Alexander?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: I don't have a question, but I didn't understand your attendance. What did you say on your attendance?
MS. CLEMONS: One hundred.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: One hundred percent? In that area, Chairman, I know we've paid close attention to in the past, and I commend you in that regard.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I'd like to inform the Committee that we check with the universities with every school about attendance on each one of these. It should be in your report. Okay. Thank you very much, Ms. Clemons. We'll go to Seat Number Thirteen, Mr. Robert W. Marlowe, incumbent.
MR. MARLOWE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members. I'm proud to say I, too, have a hundred percent attendance rate. I was originally elected to the Board of Trustees at the College of Charleston four years ago. During this period, the average SAT score for entering freshmen has improved by 50 points to 1213. The average class size has been reduced. We have added five undergraduate majors and two Master's degree programs. For the past two years I've had the honor to have served as Chairman. During this period, the Board continued to dedicate itself to providing the highest quality education possible for our students. When considering new majors and other academic programs, we ask ourselves, "Will this benefit the students, will it benefit the state, and does the benefit justify the cost?" If we cannot answer these questions in the affirmative, we simply do not proceed. In preparing the budget for the past two years, we have been very cognizant of the cost of tuition for our in-state students. As a result, we have raised out-of-state tuition at a higher percentage for the past two years than in-state tuition. Lastly, we have placed a greater emphasis on product fund-raising. Last year we raised in excess of $13 million from private fund contributions which is a record. We have an additional $6 million that we raised last year which we could not book in '05
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but will be booked in '06, and I anticipate that we'll set another record in '06. We will continue the effort of private fund-raising at our institution. In short, I'm proud to have served on the Board of Trustees and the College of Charleston and look forward to continuing my service. If there are any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Chairman, I have one.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any committee members have a question? Representative Lanny Littlejohn?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Marlowe, you said you reduced enrollment; was that intentionally?
MR. MARLOWE: We have reduced average class size. I'm sorry. And that was intentional. We have set a cap on enrollment; and that is, frankly, responding to the community and the fact that we are in an urban environment, and we're really landlocked. And the community simply did not want to see us eating up all of the available apartments or anything else around campus.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other Committee members have any questions? Thank you very much. Okay. At this time we'll go to At-large Seat Number Fifteen, Mr. Donald H. Belk, incumbent.
MR. BELK: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Screening Committee. As you know, I'm an incumbent of the College of Charleston Board of Trustees. Continued service would enable me to complete actions and proposals I have implemented during my tenure as Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. I also serve on the Student Affairs Committee and wish to continue working with the students. This past year I was recognized by the students for proactive representation of student concerns to the Board of Trustees. I'm especially proud of this because, as you know, to be recognized by those whom you serve is the greatest honor that one can receive. I wish to continue my service to be in with the Student Government Association next year to present this award and reiterate my belief that a preeminent institution has to be centered on a respected and represented student body. As a graduate of the College, I take my position seriously and consider it an honor to serve my alma mater.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Belk from any Committee members? Thank you, sir, for serving. Okay. We'll go to First District, Seat Two. I'm sorry. I think at this time would the Committee members allow me to step out of order? We have two
Printed Page 915 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
University of South Carolina candidates, Mr. William C. Hubbard and Mr. Toney Lister, who were supposed to be scheduled on February the 13th, are both here today and would like to be scheduled today because they can't be here on that date. If it would be all right with the Committee members, I'd like to take them out of order. No objections? No objections. Then we'll call the University of South Carolina, Fifth Circuit, Mr. William C. Hubbard. Ms. Short?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report for the candidates for the College of Charleston.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Just a second. On the College of Charleston ... I'm trying to get ahead of myself. All those candidates that we just had a screening report from and Committee were meeting on just a moment ago, all in favor of screening them out favorably signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. And Ms. Short made the motion and second was Ms. Martin. Thank you very much. Now we'll go to the University of South Carolina, Fifth Circuit, Mr. William C. Hubbard.
MR. HUBBARD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good to see you again and other members of the Committee. It's a great privilege for me to have the opportunity to continue to serve on the Board of Trustees at the University of South Carolina. I've been on the Board since 1986 and proudly served for part of that time with the Chairman of this Committee when he was a member of the Board as well. From 1996 to 2000, I had the great privilege of serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and currently am chairing the Buildings and Grounds Committee at the Board which is a very exciting position, particularly in light of the efforts we've made with our research campus and some of the exciting things we will be doing through that research campus to promote economic development in South Carolina. We've made great progress at the University. I think you can see it visually through our physical plant, but we also have enjoyed a real renewal of the quality of our educational experience. I think we are a very attractive university for the people of South Carolina. Our applications are up substantially. We are doing everything we can to accommodate as many qualified students from the State of South Carolina as possible. I think we are, the trajectory is good, and I've served in just about every capacity on the Board that one can serve. I
Printed Page 916 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
had the privilege of being a member of the Presidential Search Committee and made the nomination that resulted in the hiring of Dr. Palms in the early 90's and chaired the Search Committee that resulted in the hiring of Dr. Sorenson three years ago. So I've enjoyed my service. I'm extremely grateful to the members of the General Assembly and especially this Committee for that privilege and opportunity, and I pledge my utmost efforts to continue to serve in the highest possible fashion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do any Committee members have any questions of Mr. Hubbard? None. Thank you, sir.
MR. HUBBARD: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. We'll ask for the Seventh Circuit, Mr. Toney J. Lister.
MR. LISTER: Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I also thank you for allowing me to be here. It's certainly been an honor and a privilege to have served you and the State of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina for the last 12 years. Presently, I'm the Chairman of the Health Affairs Committee. I have been Chairman of the Intercollegiate Activities. It's certainly been a learning experience. I'm here because years ago I developed a love, just like all these people behind me, for my university, and I know one of the questions or inquiries to be answered or responded to is why we're here, and I think now it's payback time. I think that every person who graduates from one of these institutions certainly owes the time and the effort to come back to that school and to pay debts, not only to that school but the State of South Carolina. Again, I thank you, and I also ask for your consideration to allow me to continue serving in this capacity. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Lister? None. No questions. Thank you, Toney.
MR. LISTER: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What is the favorable report on the two candidates for the University of South Carolina?
REPRESENTATIVE HINES: Move for the approval.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Move for approval ...
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... by Representatives Hines, second by Ms. Short. All in favor please signify by saying aye.
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COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. The ayes have it. Thank you.
MR. LISTER: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Now we'll go back to Coastal.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Alexander?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Before we do that, and with the Board members of USC still here, maybe those two, next week I'd like to include in the record, we will be also screening for the Tenth Judicial Circuit without opposition, the gentlemen ... it's my intent to be here for that. But also, more importantly, I would like to include something as a statement regarding my longtime friend who passed away, and it is resulting in the vacancy in the Tenth Circuit, and that's our former colleague, Representative Bob McLellan. So at the appropriate time next week, I'd also like to include something for the record in that regard.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir, Mr. Alexander. That's appropriate, and I thank you for bringing that to our attention. All right. At this time, we'll ask for Coastal Carolina University. There's two congressional district seats, and the First District, Seat Number Two, is the incumbent, Mr. Robert L. Rabon.
MR. RABON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's Rabon. Just real simple.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay.
MR. RABON: Members of the Committee, thank you for giving me the opportunity to come before you. I appreciate y'all, this forum. I have served on the Board for the past eight years, and a lot of great things are happening at Coastal, but I, too, like some of the things that Mr. Lister just said, I have a great love affair with Coastal. I've been involved for 35 years, and before I was elected to the Board of Trustees, we had an Horry County Higher Education Commission, and I served on that nine years, and I was Chairman. So I've been involved in a lot of the things going on at Coastal. We just had a major fund-raiser. We raised $13 million in about a year. But one of the biggest things I want to ask y'all is we're going to be asking for some more money this year because we're the lowest one on the totem pole. If you look at the list, we get $1,800 per student. The next closest one to us is Charleston Southern, College of Charleston; they get $2,500. So we need some money real bad. But the college
Printed Page 918 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
is growing. It's doing well. We won a National Science Foundation two years ago, the only public university in the whole United States to get one. As you know, through cooperation with the local businesses and stuff, we're going to build an arena because we didn't have money to do it, and that's worked. And we have a golf course management program, it's an international program. We asked students from all 50 states and 50 foreign countries that attend that golf course management program, and through partner with local things, we were able to get a golf course and a lease back, and us and Horry Georgetown Tech partnered together. Their group is taking care of the maintenance and development of the golf course, and we, of course, teach golf to professionals. There's a lot of great things happening at Coastal. Our growth is phenomenal. We turned down 5,400 students last year because we had nowhere to put them. The year before we turned down 5,100 students because we had nowhere to put them. Our freshman class this year was over 1,500, and we have about 700 transfers, typically, that comes in during the run of the year. So the college is doing well. We just need more space to house them. I'll answer any questions you have for me.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: There's a question from Mr. Littlejohn.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Rabon, the House has been very concerned about the amount of money that the schools are getting on the MRR ...
MR. RABON: Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: ... that goes out to the schools. Coastal is on the bottom of that.
MR. RABON: Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Several Senators have written the Chairman of Higher Ed concerning that also, and we are very aware of that. And hopefully, we can do something about that shortly, maybe this year, you know, and bring that money up.
MR. RABON: Well, one thing that would help greatly is this surplus of money we've got this year, if you'd give us $40 million to build our science building. That would be awesome.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Yes, sir. I agree with you a hundred percent.
MR. RABON: But, truthfully, and we thank you for what you do. And I will say this. I don't think any college in the state gets a better
Printed Page 919 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
bang for their buck than we do because we try hard with what we have to work with.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Alexander.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just kind of curious, compared to the other institutions, I heard you say that you're on the bottom as far as the ...
MR. RABON: Funding.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: ...funding received. Increases in tuition there, how does that fall with the other institutions across the ...
MR. RABON: Well, our tuition is $6,100 a year for local students. It's like $15,000 a year for out-of-state students. And, quite honestly, if we didn't have the number of out-of-state students we do, we couldn't survive. We would have to cut down a lot of services and a lot of things we do because of the influx. But we take about 50/50, about 50 percent of our students this past year was in-state, 50 percent out-of-state, and by them paying a higher tuition, that was the only way we could survive. Because if you brought us up to the level of the College of Charleston, just for the $700 difference, it would be over $4 million which is a huge amount of money.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: So the amount of percentage of increase over the last five years ...
MR. RABON: We've been holding it ... you mean our tuition?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Tuition, yes, sir.
MR. RABON: It's about 96 percent over the last five years. I was the only one that voted against it this year because, you know, I just, I know the average income of people in Horry County is $28,000. The average income for the State of South Carolina is $31,000, and I know those people can't afford to send their kids to school if it costs so much money. And not all the kids qualify for Life scholarships. It would be great if they did, but they don't. And we get about $16 million a year from Life scholarships for our students, but ...
SENATOR ALEXANDER: I was just curious. Thank you. That kind of gives me a feel for ... you're not out of line with the rest of them as far as the increase. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? Thank you, sir.
MR. RABON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Fourth District, Seat Number Eight, Mr. Tommy Stringer. Mr. Stringer, let me ask you some
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questions. Do you have any health-related problems that we need to be made aware of?
MR. STRINGER: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any business activities, any personal business ...
MR. STRINGER: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... that would have any conflict with serving on the Board at Coastal? None?
MR. STRINGER: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Do you hold any elected or appointed positions back in your district?
MR. STRINGER: I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Go ahead.
MR. STRINGER: Thank you. I'd like to thank Mr. Chairman and the Committee members for the privilege of appearing before you. I'm a lifelong resident of Greenwood County, a native; I was born there. I currently own Stringer and Company Pension Services. We provide administrative and compliance work for about 140 qualified retirement plans across North and South Carolina. We do both the IRS and DOL work on those plans to make sure they stay within the parameters of the Trust Agreements as drafted. Being a native of Greenville and having worked with companies across the state, I have seen the obvious benefit of the educational system of this state, the public university system, both through people that my clients hire, the entrepreneurial spirit that some of my companies and business owners have, and the obvious economic growth there in Greenville. In fact, I remember one state legislator told me one time that when he flew out of Columbia, he always liked to look to the northwest because he could see the golden glow coming from the upstate. The reason that is is the obvious quality of education you can find up there. And that shouldn't be limited just to the upstate, and it shouldn't be limited just to Columbia or Charleston. It should be spread across all parts of the state. And when presented with the opportunity to stand for the Trustee position here, I jumped at it because the state has been good to me over the years, and I finally got in the position that I could actually give something back. And I appreciate the honor of being able to be considered for the position.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Do you have any questions, any Committee members?
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
Printed Page 921 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: I was just curious, I mean, what your connection to Coastal Carolina is, how you became interested in the seat?
MR. STRINGER: I basically heard about it through ... the Trustee that stepped down is from, in fact, he lives or lived not too far away from me up in the upper part of the county. And his son is friends with my nephew, and he was in one day and said, "Hey, Keith's retiring, and the position is open." And I thought, you know, that would be a good position to be able to actually give something back. So I have no direct connection to Coastal other than I think that given the reputation of all the educational institutions in the state, that we all have an interest in making sure that they provide a quality education for the region they represent.
SENATOR SHORT: Thank you.
MR. STRINGER: Thanks.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other Committee members have any questions? None. Thank you, sir. What is the pleasure of the Committee on Mr. Robert L. Rabon and Mr. Thomas Stringer?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Move favorable.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Alexander moves favorable; second by Representative Martin. All in favor signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed? None. Certainly, both the candidates are qualified, and certainly, you will have the time sent to you when you are able to solicit for these votes. Thank you very much. We'll go to Francis Marion University, First District, Seat One, Dr. H. Randall Dozier; Second District, Seat Three, Mr. William M. Ellen; Third District, Seat Five, Ms. Carolyn B. Shortt; Fourth District, Seat Seven, Mr. Franklin Elmore; Fifth District, Seat Nine, W.C. Stanton; Sixth District, Seat Eleven; James A. Brown, Jr.; At-large, Seat Thirteen, Mr. Robert E. Lee. He has to be moved to February the 13th which will be next week. At-large, Seat Fifteen, Mr. Kenneth W. Jackson. I'll ask you to come forward, Mr. Dozier first.
MR. DOZIER: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. My name is Randy Dozier, and I presently reside in Murrell's Inlet, Georgetown County. I'm Superintendent of the schools in Georgetown County. It is a great pleasure to offer myself again as a candidate for Francis Marion University Board of Trustees.
Printed Page 922 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
I'm a 1977 graduate of Francis Marion. I've been on the Board since, I think it was 1991 when I was first appointed by then Governor Carroll Campbell to fill an unexpired term for the Fourth Congressional District when I lived in Greenville. I later moved in 1999, and ran in 2002 for the seat for the First Congressional District. Over the years I've seen many positive changes, especially in the last few years under our President Fred Carter who is with us today. Francis Marion provides a quality education to students of the Pee Dee, like myself, who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to attend college but now has expanded through others. We have an excellent supportive faculty, many accredited programs, a new nursing program, the Pee Dee Educational Center. And it's my hope to continue to serve in whatever capacity needed at Francis Marion University. I thank you for the opportunity to be here today to screen and answer any questions that you might have.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any questions of Mr. Dozier? None. Thank you, sir. Mr. William Ellen.
MR. ELLEN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I'm proud to be a graduate of Francis Marion University, and I'm equally proud and honored to have the opportunity to have served as a Board member for the last six years. I'm personally an example of how important Francis Marion University is to the Pee Dee region and the entire State of South Carolina, as evidenced by the fact that 95 percent of our students come from within the State of South Carolina. We have a lot of exciting things going on at Francis Marion, a lot of enthusiasm under the leadership of Dr. Carter, and I would appreciate your consideration to allow me to continue serving. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Ellen? None, sir. Thank you, sir. Ms. Shortt. Ms. Carolyn B. Shortt.
MS. SHORTT: Good morning. I'm delighted to be here, and I want to thank you for this opportunity. When asked to come down this morning to Columbia to share in our wishes, one of the things that came to my mind was the fact that at our Board meetings, Dr. Fred Carter, who accompanies us this morning, our President, would ask and always say, "Let's think about the mission of Francis Marion University." And it stays with me from day to day in terms of the mission; that is to provide the services for the boys and girls or the young people in the Pee Dee area. I'm delighted to be a part of that. I'm especially pleased to be a part of this institution. I serve as
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Secretary for Francis Marion University. I was elected by my colleagues, and I am very privileged and proud to be a part of that as well. So when I think of Francis Marion University, not only do I think of Dr. Carter, but I also reflect upon its students, the staff and the friendly attitude that is exemplified there at the University. I close by saying that I'm very privileged and very proud to be a part of this university, and I hope to continue to serve on the Board. And I ask that you continue to consider me for that position. Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions for Ms. Shortt from any Committee members? None. Thank you very much. Okay. Mr. Franklin Elmore.
MR. ELMORE: Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, thank you for allowing me to be here this morning. I'm a 1973 graduate of Francis Marion University, and, like many of the students who attend there, had it not been for Francis Marion, I probably would not have had the opportunity to go to college. I grew up in Florence, although now I live in Greenville, and I'm a founding member of Elmore and Wall which is a regional law firm with offices in Greenville, Charleston and Raleigh. While at Francis Marion, I had the privilege of serving as President of the freshman and sophomore class and Vice President and President of the student body. On its 25th Anniversary in 1995, I was named as one of the 25 distinguished alumni. Francis Marion is a wonderful institution, and due to large part by the commitment of our President, Fred Carter, and also the Board of Trustees. I don't believe I saw any other university or college President here today supporting the reelection before this Committee of its incumbent Board members. We have no Board member who is not seeking reelection, and that is a great tribute to President Carter and our institution. I'd like to point out to the Committee just a few things about Francis Marion that may not have already been mentioned. In addition to 95 percent of our students coming from the State of South Carolina, 67 percent of those are female. 82 percent of those receive some sort of financial aid. And of all four-year colleges and universities in South Carolina, publicly supported, Francis Marion has the lowest tuition of all of them. We've been named as a top 100 U.S. News and World Report Master's level university for 2000, and seven out of the last eight years we have been noted by U.S. News and World Report for our diverse student population. Our graduates, those who qualify, have a
Printed Page 924 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
tremendous success rate. 82 percent of those are accepted into medical school; 91 percent of those who apply are accepted into dental school. We've just begun a nursing program, and already we don't have enough faculty to fill up those students who are requesting to enroll. Francis Marion plays a tremendous role in the educational mission of this state for the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. I've been privileged to have served on the Board since my election of April in 2001, and hope to continue my service. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any questions? None. Thank you very much. Okay. I'd like to call Fifth District, Seat Number Nine. I'm going to name him the Dean, Mr. W.C. Stanton of Francis Marion University. Mr. Stanton. He's been around about as long as I have.
MR. STANTON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you just a whole lot there, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the kind words. Members of the Committee. Education has always been a source of great concern for me, and the lack of education is a source of greater concern for me. Health care is a source of great concern for me; the lack of health care is a greater source of concern for me. At Francis Marion, we're able to address both of these issues. We turn out highly educated students each year, and we're just beginning a nursing program that we're all so proud of, and I'm proud that I could be here at this time. We're building a new building, and it's looking good for us. We have some 15,000 alumni in South Carolina. Or, excuse me, Mr. Chairman. We have some 15,000 alumni altogether, 78 percent of whom reside in South Carolina; 58 percent of those in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. So we are accomplishing what the legislature told us to do 36 years ago and that is to educate the people of South Carolina and especially the people in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. I'd invite all members of the Committee to come to Francis Marion if the opportunity presents itself for a personally conducted tour. We'll be glad to give you a guided tour at any time. Just contact any of the Trustees or Dr. Carter. We'll be glad to set it up. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer any questions you've got.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Stanton? None. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Stanton. Thank you very much.
MR. STANTON: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Mr. James A. Brown, Jr., Sixth District, Seat Eleven.
Printed Page 925 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. BROWN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I do have one request. If we have the occasion to be here in the future, I'd like not to follow Mr. Stanton. It's a very difficult challenge. It sets the bar fairly high. I will honor, certainly, your request to be brief. I submitted a statement and my background to you. Briefly, I am a 1977 graduate of Francis Marion. I realize I probably look like a '97 graduate, but I am a '77 graduate. I have five children. I live in Florence, and I've been on the Board for about seven years and enjoy my service. One of the things I think you'll notice, if I had to describe in a word Francis Marion, it's just teamwork. The President, administration, faculty, students and this Board, it's amazing chemistry and teamwork that's been built over the years, and I couldn't be more excited about the future of Francis Marion. And if you'll allow me one little editorial comment, in all deference to my friends from Coastal Carolina, the best bang for the buck this state gets when it receives on its tax dollar is when 95 percent of the kids' parents pay taxes in the state and that 78 percent of these kids after, or young adults like us, we continue to live here and pay taxes which is, to me, is a great return on the investment of this state's tax dollars. I thank you for your consideration. I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions? Any questions for Mr. Brown? None. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. At-large, Seat Fifteen, Mr. Kenneth W. Jackson. As I stated earlier, Mr. Robert E. Lee has been moved to next week. So, Mr. Jackson.
MR. JACKSON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Committee members. First of all, I'd like to thank you for allowing me to serve the past eight years as a member of the Francis Marion Board. You've heard some of the good things we have going on there, and I am excited to be a part of that. As you can see from the comments made by my fellow Trustees, we have some very passionate and committed members of our Board, and that plays a large part in the success we've had over the past eight years. And I'd appreciate the opportunity to continue that. One thing I'm particularly proud about is our private fund-raising. In the past year we have raised over 17-and-a-half million in private funds, and that is part of over $32 million we've raised in a capital campaign that we're in the middle of. And I think that is important for the General Assembly to know that we are doing our part in trying to provide the funds to run
Printed Page 926 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Francis Marion and to provide the programs that are necessary. I am also honored to be serving as the Chairman of the Board, and I'd like to ask your consideration in being reelected to be able to continue my service. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Jackson? None. Thank you, sir.
MR. JACKSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I, too, would like to commend and thank Mr. Fred Carter for his service to the state. He has served as Budget and Control Director and then going on to Francis Marion and taking up the slack down there and bringing that school up to the standards where they should be, and they are there. Thank you, Mr. Carter, for your service, and thank you for being here today to show support of your Trustees. Thank you, sir. Any other? Senator Alexander.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman, I just would like to echo your comments. I'll tell you, I think we are very fortunate to have someone of the caliber of Dr. Carter as President of the University, and he joins with a lot of other, I think, outstanding Presidents that we have, and I don't know all the Presidents at all the different institutions, but the ones that I know, I think we're very blessed and fortunate in South Carolina to have the caliber of Presidents, and they seem to have a more working relationship together. And certainly, I can sense the cohesiveness of this Board there that is at Francis Marion. So we've got somebody down in that area that would like to move for that approval, but I'd be glad to second the motion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you for your comments. Representative Littlejohn?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Are we moving for approval of all of them except Mr. Lee; is that what we're going to do?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yeah.
REPRESENTATIVE HINES: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And second by Jesse Hines. All in favor signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed? None. Thank you very much for coming today. All right. We'll move on to Lander University. And at this time Mr. Chuck Hagood has asked to be moved to next week, so we'll be taking that First District, Seat One, Mr. Charles R. Thompson who is offering for Seat One, First District. Mr. Thompson. Charles Thompson, Jr. Mr. Thompson, I need to ask
Printed Page 927 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
you a certain couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems?
MR. THOMPSON: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Sir, your business activities wouldn't be a conflict of any interest here by serving on this Board; would it?
MR. THOMPSON: No, sir, it would not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected or appointed positions back home that would constitute dual office-holding?
MR. THOMPSON: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Go ahead.
MR. THOMPSON: Thank you. Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members. My name is Charles Thompson. I was born, raised and live in Charleston. I attended the College of Charleston and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1975. My work experience entails 23 years of banking, all in Charleston, and for the last five years, I've run my own successful business from my office on Broad Street. I have served on many boards, both service and professional, over the years, and in each case I have been elected either President or Chairman of the board that I served on. I'm married. I have three children. My oldest son, Charles, attended Lander University, and I think that gives me a unique perspective as a parent as far as what's going on up there. Should I be given the opportunity to serve the Board at Lander University, I will serve with dignity, enthusiasm, honor and respectfully represent all the students at Lander. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Thompson from any Committee members? None. Thank you, sir. Second District, Seat Number Three, Maurice Holloway, incumbent; Third District, Seat Number Five, Mamie W. Nicholson; Fourth District, Seat Number Seven, Mr. Fred Thrailkill; Fifth District, Seat Number Nine, Dr. Glenn J. Lawhon, Jr.; Sixth District, Seat Eleven, Ms. Ricci Land Welch; At-large, Seat Thirteen, Mr. Raymond D. Hunt; At-large, Seat Fifteen, Mr. Bobby Bowers. And at this time, y'all come forward. We'll go with Mr. Maurice Holloway.
MR. HOLLOWAY: Good morning, sir. Mr. Chairman Phillips and the Screening Committee, I would ask for your consideration for another term on Lander University's Board of Trustees. I would like to continue this tenure because I have a love for the Lander family
Printed Page 928 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
and also the extended family. I graduated from Lander in '78. I've served on the Board since '88. I'm one of five children that completed their education at Lander University. So with that, I would ask, again, the privilege to serve at Lander University. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions for Mr. Holloway? None. Thank you, sir. Thank you for serving. Okay. And now we're going to go to Third District, Seat Five, Mamie W. Nicholson.
MS. NICHOLSON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members. This is an exciting time for me to be on the Lander University Board of Trustees. I'd like to thank all of you and the rest of the Legislature for what is happening on our campus right now: the construction, the new entrance at Lander. We just moved into our new Centennial Hall. It's very exciting on campus right now. If you can manage to get through all the construction and see what's going on, I think you could not miss the excitement. I've served on the Board since 1996. I ask that you allow me to continue to do that. I love Lander. I almost live on the campus. I'm within walking distance. I am there a lot. I was there Saturday night for a very exciting basketball game. I've served on most of the committees of the Board, chaired several of them, and have enjoyed every moment of my service to Lander and to the State of South Carolina. I, again, ask that you allow me to continue that service. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Ms. Nicholson? None. Okay. Mr. Fred Thrailkill.
MR. THRAILKILL: Mr. Chairman, Committee members, it's indeed an honor for me to be here to be screened by your Committee. I would challenge Coastal and Francis Marion that they have the best bang for the buck. I think our Board would certainly agree with me that Lander does have the best bang for the buck. I would probably guess, outside of Mr. Littlejohn, that most of you have never been on Lander University's campus. And as Mamie just told you about the excitement we have at Lander under the direction of President Ball who has done an outstanding job, we just completed a new entranceway to Lander University that better connects us with the community of Greenwood, and we have plans to continue our involvement and let the State of South Carolina know what a wonderful opportunity Lander University is for young people. I'm completing my first year, I mean, my first term on the Board at Lander, and I'm very excited to be able to give back to Lander
Printed Page 929 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
University. At the risk of divulging my age, as a young man in the late 90's, I found myself at home working. Lander provided me an opportunity to go to college and work my way through school. I have a son, Ben, who graduated from Lander in 2004. Yeah, 2004. He is currently serving in the United States Army, having received his college education and commission as a Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program, and he recently completed 14 months of service in Iraq. I'm very proud of Ben. I retired after 32 years with the South Carolina Army National Guard. The last 18 of those years I served on active duty with the Guard. I currently serve as the Director of Outreach Ministries for a rural Presbyterian church in Spartanburg County. Thank you very much, and I would be glad to answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Thrailkill? Thank you, sir. Senator?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: I'd just like to echo the comments about service, not only you but also your son, to our country. We appreciate that so much.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Dr. Glenn Lawhon, Jr.
MR. LAWHON: I'm a veterinarian from Hartsville. And unfortunately, I have not learned not to stop by the office on my way over here, and I left my little chart that I had out, but I think I can give you enough information to where you can make some judgment. I appreciate the honor of serving. I was elected to the Board in 1988, which was the first year the College Board split up into the three separate boards. I've served ever since. I've served two terms as Chairman of the Board, and I have learned a lot. I'm not a Lander graduate, and I think that that behooves every school to have somebody who is not a graduate on the Board, not that the graduates don't serve very, very well, but I think it's important to have somebody with a totally different perspective come on the Board. It's been a very nicely rewarding experience for me, and I hope to serve another four years. I'd be willing to answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any questions of Mr. Lawhon? None. Thank you, sir. Okay. We'll go to Sixth District, Seat Eleven, Ms. Ricci Land Welch.
MS. WELCH: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's Ricci, and the easiest way to remember it is it's "Missy" with an R. But I am Ricci Welch, and your Committee placed their trust in me four years ago, when I was expecting my son, to be on the Lander Board. And Lander, like
Printed Page 930 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
my son, has grown in the last four years. When I stood before you four years ago, I did not know much about Lander, I must admit, but I can tell you that in the last four years I have learned a great deal about Lander, and never once have I been disappointed in the Board, the President that so well runs the college, and its staff. I know that everybody's wanting to get out of here today, but there are a couple of things I'll mention. Mamie stole some of my thunder with the Centennial Hall, but it is a beautiful, beautiful facility. Matter of fact, at our last meeting, we were hoping to go through there, but unfortunately, as we arrived, so did the furnishings. So the furnishings got in, and we did not. But it is a beautiful facility. We do have a laptop requirement. We have wireless facilities. That's very exciting in today's times of technology. We're in the downhill of a $15 million capital campaign. We just received a grant for a two-year study of minority retention, and that is important. We want to make sure that our minorities both get into Lander, but also that they have the resources and the support to stay at Lander. I just recently was appointed as the Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, and we are going through the SACS review which is a very interesting and busy time for the people that are involved in that program. It has been my honor to serve, but it's always very interesting to attend the Board meetings. We have a really neat Board. We all have different perspectives, but we enjoy each other's company. We have good discussions during our meetings, and we're always good friends afterwards. And it has been my privilege, and I would hope to be able to serve four more years.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any questions for Ms. Welch? None. Thank you very much.
MS. WELCH: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We'll ask Mr. Raymond D. Hunt, At-large, Seat Thirteen.
MR. HUNT: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I see that I'm between you, lunch and the guy that draws up your district, so I'm cutting it very, very short. I'm Ray Hunt. I'm seeking the appointment for the third term to Seat Thirteen at Lander University. I've enjoyed my past eight years there. In the past eight years I've served on the University Advancement Committee, or chaired the University Advancement Committee, and the Facilities and Finance Committee. I'm currently Vice Chair of the University's Board of Trustees and would like to continue my service.
Printed Page 931 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any questions for Mr. Hunt? None. Thank you very much. Okay. And now we'll ask my friend, Mr. Bobby M. Bowers.
UNIDENTIFIED AUDIENCE MEMBER: Mr. Chairman, could I speak on his behalf?
MR. BOWERS: He'll get me in trouble. Let me tell you, it's a pleasure to be here to speak with you. I know all of you personally. I've enjoyed working with you, and when you say the state nut, I was crazy for coming back after retirement, I promise you. But my wife and I agreed both of us can't stay home all the time. Neither one of us can afford another divorce. Let me just say that it has been a privilege for me to serve on the Lander Board for the last eight years. I have served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. I'm Chairman of the Finance Committee again, Foundation Committee, Student Affairs Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee. We have got, as my colleagues have said, we've got one of the best working boards I've ever been on in my life. We've got a great President who guides us. We've got a President that's got enough, let me say, intestinal fortitude to do the right thing at the right time, and the Board supports him a hundred percent. We've got more good things going on at Lander right now than we've had in a long time. I'd invite any of you to come up there, and I'll personally drive you up there when we're talking about your district. I'll personally drive you up there and show you what we've got going on because we've got more going on now than we've had in a long time. And it is the sleeping giant up in that area of the state, I promise you. And I look forward to having your recommendation to serve you another four years.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Bobby. I'd like to tell the other Board members that from time to time I run into Bobby, and he tells me the good things that's happening at Lander. I want you to know he's not only telling you here today what, and us what he thinks, but he tells it all along. Thank you very much, Bobby, for offering to serve on the Board of Trustees at Lander University.
MR. BOWERS: Thank you for the opportunity.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Bobby? Now's your chance to get him if you want to. Any questions?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Just thank him for what he does.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Bobby switched me one time. I hadn't ever forgot that. But I got unopposed. Thank you very much. Thank you all for coming. Well, I'd like to also thank today Sonya Grice.
Printed Page 932 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Okay. What is the Committee's recommendation on all members of the Board of Trustees at Lander?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Favorable, Ms. Short moves favorable. Second by ...
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... Representative Martin, Becky Martin. Thank you very much for all of you for coming. This concludes the screening. I do want to say thank you and tell the Committee thank you for Sonya Grice from the Creel Reporting Agency who has done this for us for several years. They do a good job in bringing out our report and having it on time for us to file with the House and the Senate and the journals. And thank you very much, Sonya, for your efforts here today. Thanks, Sophie, for the Committee, the direction she gives us and the help that she offers our Committee. And at this time I'll ask for a motion for adjournment.
SENATOR SHORT: So move.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you very much.
(Adjourned at 12:00 p.m.)
Monday, February 13, 2006
10:39 a.m. - 1:06 p.m.
The following candidate screening was conducted on February 13th, 2006, Room 403, Blatt Building, Columbia, South Carolina, before Sonya K. Grice, Court Reporter and Notary Public in and for the State of South Carolina.
APPEARANCES:
Representative Olin Phillips, Chairman
Representative Becky Martin
Representative Lanny F. Littlejohn
Senator Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.
Senator Jake Knotts
Senator Thomas Alexander
Senator Linda Short
Printed Page 933 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Sophia Floyd, Administrative Assistant
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I call this meeting to order, the Joint Screening Committee. We're running a little bit behind because some of the Senators called in and House members are on the way. They should be arriving pretty shortly, but we've got a few little things we needed to do from the last meeting, and we'll take care of that at first. But first, I'd like to introduce you to the Committee members who are present. Senator Harvey Peeler who represents York, Union, Cherokee and Spartanburg; and to my left is Representative Lanny Littlejohn, Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties; and I'm Olin Phillips from Gaffney, and I represent Cherokee County, District Number 30. When other Committee members come, we'll introduce them as they come in. Working for us today and taking dictation will be Sonya Grice of the Creel Agency, and Sophie Floyd with the Committee will be assisting us throughout the hearings and process of the election. A question I've been asked, when will we be able to solicit votes and all of that, we hope that we can complete everything by the week of the 21st, have it in the Journal, and that Thursday at 11:00 or 12:00, we'll set that, and let you know later, the time that you will be notified. We hope everything can get into the Journal by then. The House Journal and the Senate Journal has to be published, the record, and we'll let you know when you can solicit votes, hopefully, next Thursday a week, at 11:00 or 12:00, we'll set that. The question has been asked about the election. The election will be held sometime in mid-April. We have to get the budget behind us before we can have the election and, certainly, we have to get permission from the Senate for a Joint Assembly meeting, and we'll be working on that process and let you know the week of, sometime in April is when the election ...
MS. FLOYD: [inaudible].
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: It could be, yeah. Sophie said we may have to go even late April or the first week in May. We'll let you know all about that later on, but I wanted to let you know that it will be coming sometime mid-April or sometime later. As quick as we can get a Joint Committee meeting. All right. We had a couple of candidates that couldn't come last week and certainly the numbers are very low and I would like permission from the Committee to take out of order and go to the reverse of the Agenda and do Lander University, one candidate from 1st District, Seat One. But first of all,
Printed Page 934 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
I'd like to swear everybody in at one time so we don't have to stop and do this, the swearing in process. If all candidates would please stand that are going to be testifying here today and raise your right hand. Will the information given here today be the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God?
CANDIDATES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Have a seat. I would ask, as we screen you, that you be brief but be precise in what you want to say, but we need to move on as quick as possible. And at this time, I'd like to call Lander University, 1st District, Seat Number One. I'm sorry. Lander University, 1st District, Seat One, Mr. Chuck Hagood.
MR. HAGOOD: Morning.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Morning, sir. Go ahead, sir.
MR. HAGOOD: Oh, okay. I graduated from Lander University in 1993 and I was really greatly impacted by my time there. I think I appreciate it more and more every year since I've graduated. Friendships that I developed there and what I learned with my education there really prepared me well for professional success. When I was notified there was an opportunity to potentially serve on the Board of Trustees, I felt like that would be a great way to get involved, re-involved with the University, to have an opportunity to serve the school that has served me so well through my education.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are you through, sir?
MR. HAGOOD: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any member have any questions for Mr. Hagood? Senator Peeler? Representative Littlejohn?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: I don't have any.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What is the pleasure of the Committee on Mr. Hagood's ...
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Move for approval, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Move for approval, second by Senator Peeler. All in favor signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Sir, you're certified and you can solicit votes when the time comes. Thank you very much.
MR. HAGOOD: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And we're going to take Winthrop University. There are just two seats there, and neither one of them
Printed Page 935 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
are contested, and at this time we have two congressional districts. First District, Seat One, Ms. Glenda Pittman Owens. Ms. Owens?
MS. OWENS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members. I'm Glenda Owens. I'm a graduate of Winthrop University, Class of '59, and I've maintained contact and involvement with the University since then. Prior to serving this six-year term on the Board of Trustees, I served an eight-year term on the Alumni Association Board, two of those as President. I've served on the Winthrop University Foundation Board as well as on the Steering Committee of the Capital Campaign. I currently serve as Secretary of the Board as well as Chairman of the University Relations Committee which includes athletics, student life, university advancement and admissions. I consider it a big responsibility to help Winthrop University maintain its reputation and its quality, and I hope that we can engage the support and commitment of everyone who has a stake in higher education in the State of South Carolina to help us maintain this quality program as well as broad accessibility to an education in this state. Because I think with the state, we all hope the state economy will improve, and I think the only way we can improve the economy of the state is to educate more of our citizens. I understand that South Carolina ranks fifth in the percentage of adults who have a high school diploma. We rank 44th in the number of adults who have a bachelor's degree, fifth in the percentage of those who do not have a high school diploma, I'm sorry, and in the 44th percentage in the number of adults with a bachelor's degree. We need to increase the number of people with bachelor's degrees because that is what will improve the economy of our state. And I think Winthrop University is committed to not only preparing students for a career, but also in preparing them to be better citizens. Our motto right now is, "Live, learn and lead." We prepare our students not only to learn but to live a good life and to become good leaders in their professions and their communities. And I consider it an honor to have served and will take the responsibility very seriously for my next term.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Do we have any questions from any Committee members?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Mr. Chairman, I have one.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Representative Littlejohn.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Ms. Owens, you might have read in the paper about North Carolina raising the tuition rates ten or
Printed Page 936 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
12 percent which places us, we're still higher than they are. Would you comment on which way we're going with tuition cost?
MS. OWENS: Tuition cost, it seems, are going to still have to go up because I think we're getting more cutbacks again this year.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Why do you think we're higher than North Carolina already?
MS. OWENS: North Carolina gives greater support per student than South Carolina.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Yet we have the lottery, and they don't. When they bring on the lottery, do you think it will be even less?
MS. OWENS: If they bring on the lottery, I think it will mean our lottery will be giving less to our education system. But I think there's a misconception about the lottery and tuition. The lottery doesn't replace tuition. If we didn't have the lottery, the tuition would be paid by the parents or loans or something otherwise. So the lottery, we've had to use it, but it was not supposed to really replace tuition. So we've had to ... the lottery goes to the families. The lottery helps the families. It doesn't go to the University. But the lottery makes it easier for more students to come to the universities, but then we've been cut back from funds, but we still have to have the infrastructure and the faculty to educate these students. More of them are coming, and that's being paid by the lottery, but when they get there, we still have to have the funds to educate them, hire faculty, those things. And those cutbacks have hurt us in that way, and so we have had to raise tuition to keep up our quality of education that we wanted to give. And we were determined that we were not going to sacrifice anything because of the budget cutbacks. So we've had to raise tuition to keep up our quality, and some of it has gone to faculty raises because we were losing good faculty to places like UNC, places like that, so we had to get faculty raises. We've had to maintain our buildings. We're trying to keep up with technology. Those are our three things we've ... we wanted to keep up with technology because if you don't keep up with technology, you aren't going to get your students there. You've got to keep your faculty salaries up or you're going to lose your faculty. You've got to maintain your buildings or you pay more later on. So those are three.
Printed Page 937 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any others? We are now joined by Senator Short, Linda Short from Fairfield, Union, York and Chester Counties, and we've just had a short statement from Ms. Owens. Do you have any questions for Winthrop?
SENATOR SHORT: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. The next in order would be 1st District, Seat Five, Ms. Kathy H. Bigham.
SENATOR PEELER: Mr. Chairman, I move favorable report on Ms. Owens.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We were going to ... okay. We'll do that now since you've made that, but we'll take them at the end.
SENATOR PEELER: Oh, okay. I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That's fine. I meant to say we'll take ... we're making a favorable by Senator Peeler on Ms. Owens. I mean, yeah, Ms. Owens.
SENATOR SHORT: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Second by Ms. Short. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any nos? No. Ms. Owens, you are now a certified candidate. From now on, we'll take them at the end, and we'll go from there, Senator. Thank you very much.
SENATOR PEELER: I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: 1st District, Seat Five, Ms. Kathy H. Bigham. Pardon me, Ms. Bigham, for holding you up.
MS. BIGHAM: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You are a first-time candidate, and I do need to ask you a couple of questions.
MS. BIGHAM: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving on this Board as a full-time ...
MS. BIGHAM: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Do you have any hobbies or business activities which would cause a conflict of interest by serving on the Board?
MS. BIGHAM: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold any elected or appointed positions in your community at this time?
Printed Page 938 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MS. BIGHAM: I am currently the Governor's appointed designee to the Winthrop University Board and have served in that capacity for two and a half years now.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are you serving on the Board as the Governor's ...
MS. BIGHAM: Yes, sir. I am the Governor's designee to the Board and am now seeking the 5th District seat.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay.
MS. BIGHAM: So it's correct that this is my first screening process.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay, then. You're unopposed, so you're going to be elected, so you will be resigning the Governor's position to accept this four-year term?
MS. BIGHAM: Yes, sir. It's a six-year term.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Go ahead with your short ...
MS. BIGHAM: But I did contact the Governor's office before I moved forward.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, you don't need to do anything until you're elected then. You're going to be elected. When you're elected you can make that determination.
MS. BIGHAM: Yes, sir. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Because that's an appointment from him, it wouldn't interfere with this Committee at all.
MS. BIGHAM: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much, and if you would go ahead with your short statement.
MS. BIGHAM: Thank you. I'm Kathy Bigham from Rock Hill, South Carolina, and, as I said earlier, I am currently serving as the Governor's designee to the Winthrop University Board and have served in that capacity for two and a half years. I live in Rock Hill, home of our university, and that has afforded me, through the years that we've been there since 1972, to be involved in the University in a lot of different ways. I'm a 1973 graduate of Winthrop University and was very proud just a few years ago when our youngest daughter, Kelly, graduated from my alma mater. So I have ties to the University both as a student and as a parent of a student. And through the years I've been very involved. I have served several terms on the Winthrop University Eagle Club Board of Directors, been very supportive of the athletic programs there by attending events and being involved with the student athletes. We also own a business in Rock Hill that for the past 23 years we have employed
Printed Page 939 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
hundreds of university students. So I've learned through that experience the challenges that our students face that are required to work outside of their academic world and the different demands that puts on their time. And so I feel like through those experiences, I am very familiar with the University through the students. And then I have certainly enjoyed my two and a half years as a Board of Trustee member, and that's given me a different insight. So I would like to continue to serve if that be the wish of the Committee.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do any Committee members have any questions of Ms. Bigham?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Move for approval.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We are now joined by Senator Jake Knotts from Lexington. And, Senator Knotts, we have just heard from Ms. Glenda Owens and Ms. Kathy Bigham which is up now. And she is asking for election to Winthrop, and she's unopposed, now serves on the Board as the Governor's appointee. What is the favor of the Committee?
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Move for approval.
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Move favorable? Second by ... move favorable by Ms. Short. Wait a minute. Move favorable by Representative Littlejohn and second by Ms. Short. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Aye. And no nos, and so congratulations, and we'll look forward to you serving on the Winthrop Board.
MS. BIGHAM: Thank you so much. Thank you for your time.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Now we will continue in reverse order. Hopefully, we'll get another Senator or two here who called in. Ms. Martin is on the way. So before we get to the universities, and at this time I'd like to go ahead and take Wil Lou Gray. There are only three seats, and none of them are opposed, so three seats at-large and, certainly, the incumbent, Mr. Carlisle Roddey. Mr. Roddey.
MR. RODDEY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today, and I've enjoyed my service on the Wil Lou Gray School Board. I've been there, I've served about one year, I think, from an unexpired term, and I'm completing my last, my four years of elected time. And it's
Printed Page 940 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
a great opportunity to be at the Wil Lou Gray School because you see these kids coming in. They're all at-risk kids, and we work with the South Carolina National Guard with the Youth Challenge Academy. You see them come in, and you know they ... when you look at them, they shave their head, and they've got hair down to yonder, and in a little bit, they've got hair less than a lot of things, you know. And they take them and work them and get them out of there. And last ... I had some numbers here from the last cycle. We have two cycles that come in each year, and we graduated in December 123. Out of that number, we had 50 that passed the GED, so we have a lot going on there, and it's a great thing. I always said I like to work with kids because I do high school football on the radio and have done it for 35 years, and I'm pretty close to the kids out there, and I see a lot of them going in the wrong direction. Me being the County Supervisor for 24 years, I saw a lot them. I used to call on Friday night, and then on Monday morning, I'd see them call out there and line up for the chain gang out there. So there's a lot of them out there walking around, but when they come through that Wil Lou Gray School, we have many, many that really turn their lives around. And I've always said that if I could, when I die, if I just helped turn around one child and put him in the right direction, I feel like my life's been worthwhile.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any questions for Mr. Carlisle Roddey?
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: I have no questions for Carlisle. I just want to thank you and tell you good morning and thank you ...
MR. RODDEY: Good morning.
SENATOR SHORT: ... for being willing to serve again on the Wil Lou Board, and at the appropriate time, I would move for a favorable report.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Now, we'll ask for Dr. Earle L. Bennett. Ms. Bennett, since you are new to the Board, I'll ask you a couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving full-time on this Wil Lou Gray Board?
DR. BENNETT: No, sir.
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CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Nothing? Your business or hobbies would not be any conflict to being a member of the Wil Lou Gray Board?
DR. BENNETT: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any other elected or appointed position in your community?
DR. BENNETT: Presently, I'm serving on the Commission for the Redesign of South Carolina High Schools under the direction of Ms. Tenenbaum at the Department of Education.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I don't think that would be any conflict. Go ahead with your short statement, ma'am.
DR. BENNETT: I do thank you for this opportunity. This is a little different setting than I'm used to because I'm used to standing before a classroom of kids or students, I should say. Or teachers. So I'm a little bit nervous, but I'm going to try this anyway.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Pardon me. Will you get a little closer to the mic?
DR. BENNETT: How about this? Is that better? No? How about this?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I think I can hear now.
DR. BENNETT: Is that better? I'm not an alumni of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, but I do have something in common because I am a graduate of Columbia College, and Dr. Gray was also a graduate of Columbia College. I could talk education all day if anybody would listen, but I know your time is limited. My whole adult life has revolved around education. I was a classroom teacher for over 20 years. I was with the Department of Education and worked with teachers and administrators across the state for eight years. And I'm presently teaching young ladies that are teacher candidates at Columbia College. And I would really like to just make two brief statements. One is, I've had the opportunity to teach students very much like the students that you would find at Wil Lou Gray. Regardless of the situation, whether its poor decisions on their part or the environment that they come from or because they maybe have different learning styles, they have had a second chance. I've seen these types of kids with hopelessness in their eyes, and we all know that without an education, there's very little chance that they will be contributing members of communities. So I do believe that the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School has a real mission, and I'm very much interested in it moving forward and continuing its good
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work. In closing, I would just like to say that Dr. Gray's vision for this school that started many years ago, and I'd like to use a quote from her biography. "Dr. Gray envisioned that whatever the students experienced in the Opportunity School, however brief, could transform their lives." Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any questions? Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: This would be your first term on the Wil Lou Gray?
DR. BENNETT: Yes, sir.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay. Wil Lou Gray is in my district, in fact, I could throw a rock at it, just about.
DR. BENNETT: Yes, sir. It's in my district, too.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Are you aware of any of the problems that the school had about five or six years ago?
DR. BENNETT: I am not. I live in West Columbia, in Quail Hollow, and I've worked with schools, high schools, within the districts in that area of the state. But I cannot address that issue, no, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other Committee members have any questions? Thank you very much.
DR. BENNETT: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: At this time, we'll call Ms. Marilyn Edwards Taylor.
MS. TAYLOR: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Ms. Taylor, since you're new on the Board, I need to ask you some questions. Do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving full-time on the Wil Lou Gray Board?
MS. TAYLOR: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you own any business or pleasure that would cause a conflict of interest by serving on that Board?
MS. TAYLOR: No, sir, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected or appointed positions in the community?
MS. TAYLOR: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None?
MS. TAYLOR: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Go ahead with your short statement, ma'am.
Printed Page 943 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MS. TAYLOR: First of all, thank you for giving me this opportunity to be here. I am actually a native of Gaffney, South Carolina, and I've been in Columbia for a number of years. I attended the University of South Carolina where I graduated in 1984. I had the opportunity to work as a Marketing Director at the University. And the whole point of the position was helping kids establish a vision, a goal, and that was in the form of internships. And it was very exciting being able to help them go in the right direction before they matriculated from the University. And that was in 1995. In 1996, I had a life-changing experience when my father died unexpectedly of congestive heart failure. So my goals actually changed. I decided to go into a totally different area which was focusing on preventive health care, teaching, helping doctors understand how to educate their patients on preventative health care which I have been currently in pharmaceutical sales for a number of years. However, I never lost the passion to help kids. And given this opportunity, it was very exciting because it brought back or basically reactivated the passion of helping kids that a lot of us, society, period, has given up on. Wil Lou Gray offers a great opportunity for these kids. In fact, I had an opportunity to visit the campus, and I can't tell you the emotions that I felt when I was able to see some of the kids and the fact that these are once kids that were given up on. I think, for me, having a positive role model is such a major plus. I have two kids of my own, and I know the importance of having a positive figure in their lives. I know the importance of being able to say, "You can do it. You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it." And having the opportunity to be a part of the Wil Lou Gray Board of Trustees will enable me to do that and maybe offer some expertise in order to help them with some of the great things they already are doing.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Are there any questions? None. What is the recommendation of the Committee on Carlisle Roddey and Dr. Earle Bennett and Ms. Marilyn Edwards?
SENATOR SHORT: Favorable report.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Favorable, Ms. Short.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Second, Senator Knotts. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Aye. No? None. So thank you very much for offering your services to Wil Lou Gray.
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MS. TAYLOR: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We're still waiting on Senator Alexander. We'll go ahead with the University of South Carolina. And we'll go with nine judicial circuits up for election, and the 1st Circuit, Mr. Othneil H. Wienges, Jr., the incumbent, with no opposition. Mr. Wienges.
MR. WIENGES: Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, first let me say I'm delighted to be here. I'm not in good voice. It's kind of weak, but I am here. I've been around a long time. I was a member of the House for ten years, a member of the Committee on Higher Education for four and have been at the University of South Carolina as a Trustee for some 25 years. I think it's a wonderful school. Its purpose, like all these universities, is to teach those people who have the ability and desire to learn and to do research, both basic and applied, and then to be of public service. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Wienges? None. Thank you, sir. I like to call Mr. Wienges, as I said the other day to Mr. Stanton of Francis Marion, the Dean of Carolina. He's been around a long time. Thank you very much for serving on the Board.
MR. WIENGES: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You may be seated, sir.
MR. WIENGES: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We'll go to the 3rd congressional district, Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller. Go ahead, sir.
MR. BAHNMULLER: I've been a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, in my 16th year, and have enjoyed serving them. And, as I've stated in my letter, I feel this is some way for me to pay back all the things that the University of South Carolina has done for me. I graduated there originally in 1953 in civil engineering, and then after serving some time in the Air Force and also working at Goodyear Aircraft for two and a half years as an aircraft structural engineer, I got mixed up in the Air Force in Legal, of course they never put you where you're supposed to be, and then got interested in law and came back in 1957 to attend law school. I first started off at Tennessee because Carolina wouldn't take me until the fall. And I had a child at that time and a wife, so I went to the University of Tennessee for law school which they were on a quarter system, and they would take me, and that way I could start my second year of law school at Carolina in that fall. So that's what
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happened, and I just have so much to be thankful to the University of South Carolina, and this is one way, hopefully, that I can contribute back to the University for all the things it has done for me.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any questions for Mr. Arthur Bahnmuller? None. Thank you very much, Arthur.
MR. BAHNMULLER: Thank you, sir. Thank you all.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The 5th Circuit, William C. Hubbard, and the 7th Circuit, Toney Lister, were screened last week, and they were reported out favorable, and they're not here today because they were screened last week. So we'll go to the 9th Circuit, Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr.
MR. VON LEHE: If it please this Committee, this will be my third term serving on the Board, which I am certainly looking forward to. I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina and the law school. I practice law in Charleston. I hope to be able to make some additional accomplishments, assuming I've done something in the past, which I hope I have, and in particular in the areas of our new research initiative that we're putting forth at the University. I think this is a great opportunity for the University and for the state in general. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my remarks.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Are there any questions of Mr. von Lehe? Thank you, sir. The 10th Circuit, Mr. John W. Fields. Mr. Alexander really wanted to be here. He sent us a message said not to hold you up.
MR. FIELDS: All right. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: He gave a statement, and I'd like to read it just before you start. And this is a statement submitted last Tuesday, I mean, excuse me, last Monday by Senator Alexander. It says, "Due to a meeting in the district - I will be in route to the meeting but, however, I do not want to hold up the screening process of the USC Board, and especially that of Mr. Fields, John W. Fields, for the 10th Circuit to complete the term of the late Bob McLellan." Bob McLellan who served in the House with us, served on Chairman of Ways and Means and very able House member and served well with the Board of Trustees at the University, and we appreciate his services in the past and want to honor him today. When we adjourn, we adjourn in memory of Bob McLellan. "Mr. Fields is a former Mayor of Seneca and a graduate of USC Law School and is a great addition to the USC Board. At the appropriate time I would move
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favorable report on Mr. Fields. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator Alexander." Go ahead now, sir.
MR. FIELDS: All right. Thank you, sir. First of all, you know, I don't have any conflicts or anything. I don't belong to any Boards or any commissions that would have any sort of issues with the Board of Trustees. I don't have any health issues that would prohibit my service. But I thank you very much for letting me speak to you just briefly, and thank you for those kind remarks, Mr. Chairman, about my good friend, Bob McLellan. Bob and I were close friends for a long time. We talked about the University of South Carolina many, many, many times. We sort of together were excited about our students and our faculty and our various campuses, and I wouldn't be here without the support of Bob and his family, and encouragement of his family to seek the balance of Bob's term. When I was on the Board of Visitors, I had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of students over that several terms that I served and many of our faculty members. It was so important to see our students and how wonderful and bright they were and interaction between our students and faculty. I think that's a key to the learning process of all of us. You know, our goal and our mission at the University of South Carolina is to give our students a quality education and to give them a quality life experience as well. We have a lot of exciting things going on at the University, and I hope to continue to serve in that capacity as a member of the Board of Trustees. Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Are there any questions from any Committee members? Thank you, Mr. Fields.
MR. FIELDS: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We'll go the 11th Circuit, Mr. Michael J. Mungo.
MR. MUNGO: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I serve the University of South Carolina because it gave me an opportunity to go out in life and be very successful in the things I set out and proposed to do. I had a wonderful education at the University, graduate, undergraduate. I taught as a graduate assistant when I was in graduate school. I've been involved with the University my entire adult life, and I felt a very strong obligation to give back to the University for that which it gave me. And so I have devoted my public service, as you devote yours to the public to the legislative process. I have chosen the University to devote my public service to. And so 25 years ago, I gave my business to my two
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children, and I devote my full time to serving on the Board at the University, the church that I'm involved with, and a private foundation that I fund with my own money that has given hundreds of scholarships to students, and does a lot of work among the underprivileged in the state of South Carolina. I would like to continue my work at the University because there are so few of us that are on the Board that are in the business field, and out of our membership, and I'm not being critical because we need you to live, 11 of our Board members are lawyers. And, unfortunately, you don't have to have one course in economics or business to be a lawyer. I've been fighting that for years without success. But we need business people who understand the University being an $800 million a year huge state business. And you need to put capable men who are willing to serve over there and have a deep interest in it. I've never accepted a penny per diem, reimbursement of expenses, and I have donated a reasonable amount of my money to the University, and I plan to continue to do so. So I have served longer on the Board of Trustees than any man in the history of the University. And you need continuity, because if you don't have continuity, you will revert to the days of Jim Holderman when the administration is out of control. You need those of us who've held any position, and I have, from Chairman to Vice Chairman. I've been on the Executive Committee for over 20 years. Then we understand from the top what's going on, so that when something gets out of line, we may address it. And if you don't keep people on there who have that experience, and it isn't easy to gain in an entity that large, then you will have great difficulty and you'll be back in the days of abusive practices such as Jim Holderman gave us back in the 90's. And I hope you will keep that in mind in the future years when you place members on the Board because that is extremely important. I'd be delighted to answer any questions you want to ask me.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir. Senator Knotts?
SENATOR KNOTTS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to congratulate Mr. Mungo for wanting to serve again. He is ... I've been knowing him all my life. He is a devoted man to the community, and everything he said from that podium is exactly true, plus he also has helped many people in the home industry obtain a home whenever they couldn't afford one, and both his boys are doing an excellent job with that company that he gave them 25 years ago. At the proper time, I'd move for his approval.
Printed Page 948 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Any other questions for...
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: I was going to take issue with one thing that you said, Mr. Mungo, and that is that the University needs capable men on the Board. Surely, you did not intend to leave us out.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: I assure you, having known Mr. Mungo as long as I've known him, he respects the women, too.
SENATOR PEELER: I'd like to also respond. I think all women are capable, so that goes without saying.
MR. MUNGO: We do have one board member, the Governor's appointee, Ms. Donna Moore. But we don't place them on there; the General Assembly does.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I've had the pleasure of being able to vote for Mr. Mungo every time he's ever run, so since he and I have been in the House, so are there any other questions or comments about Mr. Mungo?
SENATOR KNOTTS: I move for favorable at the proper time.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: At the proper time. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much, Mike.
SENATOR PEELER: Mr. Chairman, since we're being a little light here, I'd for you to report, when it comes time to report to Senator Alexander that we didn't approve Mayor Fields, just to see if he loses anymore hair.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I hope he's sitting way over there because I don't want him hitting me with this gavel. Okay. Thank you very much. Before we ask Dr. Floyd, let me introduce Representative Becky Martin from Anderson who now joins the Committee. We are working on the University of South Carolina, Ms. Martin.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We have gone through the 11th Circuit. We are now at the 12th Circuit on the University of South Carolina. That would be on the second page of your agenda. And at this time, we would ask Dr. C. Edward Floyd. I know him as Eddie, but Edward, so, Dr. Floyd.
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DR. FLOYD: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, committee members. Thank you. Thank you very much. I'm here as a candidate for the Board of Trustees at the University. I appreciate what all of you do for the University of South Carolina. I'm an economics graduate from the University of South Carolina and a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina. I certainly feel very strongly about both of these institutions. But I've served quite a number of years, as all of you know, on the Board at the University and would like to continue my service. And I would just like to say that I think the mission of the University of South Carolina principally is to educate the people of the State of South Carolina. And since I do have some controversial stands, if any of you would like to ask any questions, I would welcome them.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any questions of Dr. Floyd from any Committee members? None. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Okay. We'll go to the 13th Circuit, and we'll ask Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., the incumbent.
MR. WHITTLE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Mack Whittle, seeking a fifth term as a member of the Board of USC. I have both a business degree and a Master's in business from the University. As I mentioned, this would be my fifth term that I am seeking. I have a history of working with and for the University throughout my career. I started with the Alumni Council, served on the Alumni Council for ten years, served as President of the Alumni Council, I served on the Board for a short period of time as Chairman of the Alumni Council. I was elected to the Board and have served those four terms, have served as Vice Chairman, as Chairman of the Board, elected by my constituents, and currently serve on the Executive Committee of the Board. There are a number of issues currently that we think are critical to the future of education in South Carolina and to the University in particular. And I would be honored to have an opportunity to serve another four years to begin to see some of those initiatives to fruition. And with that, I'll open it up for any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much, Mr. Whittle. Are there any questions from any members of the Committee for Mr Whittle? None. Thank you, sir. Okay. Seeking a seat in the 13th Circuit is Mr. Richard A. Jones, Jr. Mr. Jones, do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving as a full-time Board member?
MR. JONES: No, sir.
Printed Page 950 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you, your businesses or your hobbies not constitute any kind of conflict of interest?
MR. JONES: No, sir, not that I ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any other elected positions or appointed position back in your district?
MR. JONES: Not at this time.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Go ahead with your short statement.
MR. JONES: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Committee members for this opportunity to address you concerning my candidacy for the Board seat from the 13th Judicial Circuit. I understand my previously submitted statement will be included in the record as it was submitted. Recently, a good friend of mine remarked that we should start focusing on TR. And I was a bit puzzled, and I said, "Well, what are you talking about?" He explained "time remaining", and this is a wake-up call, I think, for all of us to consider what's important in life. And in my case, to offer one's self, talents and perspective to the school that gave me essential education and valuable, diverse cultural and social experiences in my life. I know the people of the 13th Judicial Circuit. I was raised in Pickens County, and I've practiced law in Greenville for the past 30 years. My ancestors settled the southern part of Greenville County area over 200 years ago. I know and love the University of South Carolina. I have an undergraduate degree in business, a law degree from USC, and in the fall of 2006, all three of my children will be enrolled at USC, either in law school or undergraduate school. I have a diverse and relevant background that should be helpful to the USC Board. I have a Master's of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown Law Center. I've served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Treasury Department and Chief Legislative Assistant for Senator Strom Thurmond, as well as Minority Counsel for the Anti-Trust and Monopoly Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. My tax law practice has included the legal and regulatory aspects of tax-exempt entities such as hospitals and schools. In addition, my training and experience in plan giving, financial operations, marketing, and public relations should be helpful to the University. I am a committed and disciplined individual. I've served almost 30 years with the South Carolina National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, retired in 1999. I have held enlisted ranks up to Sergeant and every officer rank from Lieutenant to Full Colonel at which rank I retired. I have the time,
Printed Page 951 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
motivation, energy, passion to serve. Being semi-retired from my law practice, plus my genuine interest in people, would insure that I will be available, responsive, and accessible as well as accountable to our citizens, state representatives and to the University of South Carolina. Our joint goal ought to be to provide high quality and accessible higher education for our citizens at a reasonable and affordable cost. I offer to bring that perspective and would work toward that end. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Legislative Screening Commission.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any Committee members have any questions?
SENATOR PEELER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Peeler.
SENATOR PEELER: I was just going to move a favorable report on all candidates for USC Board of Trustees.
SENATOR SHORT: If you could hold that motion for just a moment, Mr. Chairman.
MR. JONES: Evidently, the Senator from Oconee heard my comments.
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Go ahead, Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: Thank you. Mr. Jones, since this is the only contested seat, I just would like to say first that I have a great concern about the significant increases in tuition that we've seen over the last several years, and I recognize that there has been a reduction in state funding, but there has also been almost twice as much increase in tuition as there has been reductions, not including lottery funds. So have you looked at that issue, the significant increases in tuition and thought of any ways that that might be addressed, or do you see that as a problem at all?
MR. JONES: Yes, ma'am, I do see that as a problem, and I'm very concerned about it. I'm very concerned that the Legislature has apparently gotten involved in a responsibility that I would have hoped the Board would have addressed. And I'm sure that, hopefully, there will be more attention focused on that. In my own personal experience in dealing with 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt organizations, many times I think there is a duplication of expenses. You're not always sure where there's full efficiency, and I would certainly look to those economies first to see if we could reduce the cost associated with the University so that we could reduce the
Printed Page 952 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
tuitions. I think the citizens ... the University should exist for South Carolinians, and I think that means that it should be affordable. With energy costs increasing, with health costs and health care costs increasing, I think it's imperative that we get these double-digit increases down to the minimum. I don't think anybody expects tuition to stay the same. I do anticipate that people expect that it will increase, but to have continued double-digit increases for the past three, four years, I think is unacceptable.
SENATOR SHORT: Thank you, Mr. Jones.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? At this time, I'd like to ... Senator Alexander from Oconee has joined the Committee and, certainly, I want to report to him that we have entered his message, written message, in the record. And at this time, what is the pleasure of the Committee on members of the Board of Trustees, University of South Carolina?
SENATOR KNOTTS: Does that include the motion that the Senator from Gaffney made while ago concerning the gentleman ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: He's closest to y'all. If y'all want to make that motion. They wanted to kid you, Senator ...
(Inaudible)
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thomas is a great friend of mine in the House and to the Senators; I know that.
SENATOR PEELER: Mr. Chairman, I would renew my motion favorable report on all candidates for the University of South Carolina.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Second.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Peeler makes a motion all favorable on all the candidates, second by Knotts, Alexander, Short, Littlejohn, Martin and me. So thank you very much, and all in favor signify by saying aye.
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No no's. Certainly, all of you are certified to seek at the proper time. Any of the candidates that we've screened already, if you want to leave, you're welcome to leave. We're not going to ask you to come back or anything like that. I've just seen some of you still sitting here. I didn't know if you knew that or not, you're welcome to go anytime you'd like. If you'll flip to the front of your agenda, we're going to take the Medical University
Printed Page 953 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
of South Carolina, and we've got to go to the 1st District, Dr. Donald R. Johnson, II.
DR. JOHNSON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Committee members. My name is Donald Johnson. I'm a Summerville native, a graduate of the College of Charleston. I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1982. I have a younger brother who graduated MUSC three years thereafter. I've served on the MUSC Board for the last three terms and am offering my service for a fourth term. I've had the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the last four years. I live and currently practice medicine as a spinal surgeon in Charleston, South Carolina. Particularly, my last four years as a Board Chairman have been a great opportunity for me and have been quite educational to me. I think the University has made some great strides, particularly in the last ten years. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve another term. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Are there any questions from any of the Committee members of Dr. Johnson? None. Thank you, sir. Okay. We'll go to the 2nd District, medical, Dr. Thomas C. Rowland, Jr. Dr. Rowland.
DR. ROWLAND: Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to be before you today. I'm Tommy Rowland. I've been practicing medicine since I graduated from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1959. I've been on this Board for the same number of years as Senator Peeler's been in the Senate. We were running at the same time; weren't we?
SENATOR PEELER: You've held up better than I have.
DR. ROWLAND: I've lost a lot of hair. And it's turned white. But I've served six terms, I'm serving my sixth term on the Board of Trustees at the Medical University. I've seen it grow from about 90th place in the nation to 49th place in the nation. Our budget has grown; our state appropriation in relationship to our budget has decreased considerably. I think we've moved from a local state medical school to an internationally recognized medical university. I've served as Chairman of the Board on three occasions and would like very much to continue my service. I feel like it's certainly a method of giving back for what I've received in South Carolina.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, Dr. Rowland. Any questions from any Committee members of Dr. Rowland? None. Thank you, sir. Thank you for serving.
DR. ROWLAND: Thank you very much.
Printed Page 954 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We'll go to the 3rd District, medical, Dr. Stanley C. Baker, Jr.
DR. BAKER: Thank you. I'm Stanley Baker from Greenwood, and I've served on the MUSC Board for 28 years. This will be my eighth time to come before you. During that time, we've seen the University come to a world-class institution. We have over $200 million in research. Our budget is right at a million dollars, and it is recognized as one of the leading universities, medical universities, in the southeast. I thank you for the opportunity to have served, and I ask that I be allowed to continue. I'll answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Dr. Baker?
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Alexander.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Thank you. Good morning. I guess it still is, and I appreciate your service on the Board. You do serve the 3rd Congressional District?
DR. BAKER: 3rd Congressional District.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Yes, sir, in Greenwood. And, of course, Oconee is part of the 3rd Congressional District, and we do appreciate what the Medical University does. Do you see the mission of the Medical University to serve all of South Carolina or parts of South Carolina?
DR. BAKER: We want to serve all of South Carolina through collaboration. We're involved in Greenville and want to be more involved in Greenville. And we have the DHEC program which comes under our supervision, although we don't have any financial, and that's statewide. It's unfortunate that we are totally located in Charleston, but we send our faculty to every region in South Carolina.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: How about residents from other parts of the state coming to Charleston? Do y'all ...
DR. BAKER: Very much so. In fact, a lot of residents, a lot of graduates from Charleston come to Greenwood and Anderson and Greenville in the family practice and other residency programs.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: How about people who are needing care from the Medical University? Do y'all receive those from other areas of the state?
DR. BAKER: Absolutely.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Okay. Thank you.
Printed Page 955 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions of any Committee members? None. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Okay. We'll go to 4th District, non-medical, Thomas L. Stephenson.
MR. STEPHENSON: Good morning. My name is Tom Stephenson. It's been my privilege to serve as a Trustee on the Board of the Medical University for eight years. I'm seeking my third term. I want to correct Stanley in one regard. He said our budget was a million dollars, it's actually a billion dollars, which boggles the mind to think how big MUSC is. Since I've been on the Board, some of the things that we've done and I want to help the Board follow through, we're undergoing construction of a new 500-plus bed hospital that you'll see when you arrive in Charleston. We're number one or at the top of a lot of areas in medicine, including heart transplants. Our success rate is the highest in the nation. And I would find it a privilege to be allowed to serve on the Board for another term. I'll be glad to answer any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions from any Committee members? Okay. None. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. 5th District, non-medical, Dr. James E. Wiseman, Jr.
DR. WISEMAN: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Committee. My name is Jim Wiseman. I'm from Newberry, South Carolina. Really Prosperity. It's been a privilege to serve on the MUSC Board of Trustees for the last four years. It's a very exciting place. There's so much going on down there, the new hospital, as Tom just mentioned, the Drug Discovery building that's going to be built, the new dental school that's going to be built, the biomedical school that's going to be built. It's a great collaboration, as Stan said, with the whole State of South Carolina, and I must, as the Senator brought up about our appearance in the upper part of the state, I understand that, and hopefully our information of what a great school and what a great university we have will be, our PR will be better in the upstate because it is a jewel in the state. Thank you for allowing me to serve this last term, and I hope you give me the privilege to serve one more term. Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you. Any questions of Dr. Wiseman? None. Thank you very much, Dr. Wiseman.
DR. WISEMAN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: 6th District, non-medical, Mr. Charles L. Appleby, Jr., the incumbent. Mr. Appleby.
Printed Page 956 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. APPLEBY: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee. I thank you for the opportunity to express my interest in continuing to serve in the 6th Congressional District, non-medical Trustee on the Board of the Medical University of South Carolina. I was honored to be elected to this position in April, 2002. It has been my pleasure to represent the 6th Congressional District on the Board. I believe a crucial role for a Trustee of any state institution of higher education is to take an active interest in the life of the institution and accept responsibilities for the trust given to the Board members by the General Assembly. I have demonstrated my active interest by my attendance at official events such as Board meetings, commencement exercises and dedications. As well as I've worked closely with MUSC administration and faculty to further the objectives of the Medical University. Let me give a few examples of the projects of which I've been involved. I am currently Chairman of the Research and Institutional Advancement Committee and as such have served on the MUSC Foundation, HealthSouth's Foundation. We have made strong headway in funding medical research projects and retaining and attracting new faculty and staff. Retention and hiring are critical to continue the reputation that MUSC enjoys nationwide and to continue to provide the best education environment for our young people. I also serve on several other Boards, Education, Faculty and Student Affairs, Authority, Operation and Finance, Physical Facilities. I've been an active participant in all these committees, and I hope my background for many years of business and civic activities has helped with these committees. Part of my responsibilities as a Trustee has been to serve on National Search Committees. I've served on the Committee to hire a new Dean for the School of Pharmacy. I currently am on the National Search Committee for a new Assistant Provost for Research. It has been a humbling experience to interview many exceptional candidates. I know our research has resulted in bringing up top people to our university. In closing, I'd like to add a personal note regarding my strong sense of commitment to MUSC. As many of you know, I'm indebted to MUSC for the opportunity of education of my father, Dr. Charlie Appleby, a dentist in St. George for many years. In fact, my father's dental chair is part of the MUSC Dental Museum, and, thank goodness, the drilling of teeth has improved since the pedal days of my father. His pedal days machine is in the museum also. My late brother, Dr. Gavin Appleby of St. George,
Printed Page 957 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
also graduated from MUSC and served as part of the family practice faculty, a critical area in the State of South Carolina. And finally, I am personally indebted to MUSC for its forward-thinking research and care in the area of Alzheimer's. My wife, Betty, passed away approximately one year ago from Alzheimer's disease. We were married for 54 years and were fortunate to have MUSC as a resource during the last five years of her life. I know of many South Carolina families who have benefited from access to the outstanding institution regarding of disease or economic or social position. Not many states can boast of such a state institution with resources within a day's driving distance. As a South Carolinian, we should be proud of MUSC. Thank you very much for your consideration. MUSC has done an outstanding job of service, research and education, and I would be honored to continue to serve on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Chairman, just a point of personal interest for you. my daughter who ... experience in the City of Washington, D.C. If any of you would sometime like to visit the White House on business or personal, she's the kind of gal that could get you there.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any questions of Mr. Appleby? Thank you, Charlie. Thank you. Okay. The 6th Congressional District, non-medical, Mr. Robin Tallon, former Congressman. Mr. Tallon, I need to ask you a couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving full-time on the Board if you were elected?
MR. TALLON: I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Sir, do you have any, your business activities or hobbies would not constitute any kind of conflict of interest by serving?
MR. TALLON: No, sir, they would not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. Do you hold any, now, do you hold any appointed or elected positions in the community?
MR. TALLON: Not at the present time.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Okay. All right, sir. Go ahead with your statement.
MR. TALLON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the Subcommittee. It is indeed a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to appear before you today. It's with a sense of nostalgia that I'm back, Mr. Chairman, in the Committee room. It was a Committee I served on 25 years ago in the state legislature. And the last several years I've been making a transition from a business that I had started
Printed Page 958 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
when I left the United States Congress to be more permanently located in South Carolina. I have always been a resident of South Carolina my entire life, and it's very exciting to be getting home. I guess I'm semi-retired now. And, of course, one of the things that I wanted to do was find a way to serve, and a very deep concern of mine has been health disparities, not only in South Carolina but specifically in the 6th Congressional District. We have one of the poorest per capita incomes of any Congressional district in the United States and have the dubious distinction of having one of the highest rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, among others. I noted that in the strategic plan of MUSC, one of the points that they're working on is impacting health disparities, and that's a real concern of mine. I think sometimes it's been a lack of health care delivery. It's been a lack of education to the people that needed opportunities for treatment, and maybe more than anything else, scientific study that could be done to find out why these incidents of disease are so high, especially in the poor rural areas. I've been encouraged to seek election to the Medical University of South Carolina's Board of Trustees, 6th District seat, by several MUSC supporters who feel I'd make a meaningful contribution to the Board of Trustees' responsibilities. Having been privileged to represent the 6th District in the United States Congress for five terms, I am keenly aware of the health care challenges facing the State of South Carolina. Additionally, I have extensive experience with how the federal government has helped the programs and expenditures impact our health care system as well as the health education infrastructure in South Carolina. I believe my experience and heartfelt desire to improve health care in South Carolina would be qualifications worthy of serving on the MUSC Board. And, finally, on a more personal note, I've got a 13-year-old grandson who's very special to me, and when he was born he was very, very sick. And for months we didn't know what was wrong with him. He was sent to some of the major medical facilities in the whole country. He weighed less at six months old than he did when he was born. Nobody could find the answers to what his problem was. He lives in Dillon, South Carolina. He was rushed to Florence at the point of death, which we understood he may not make it through the next day, and Medivac'd by physicians in Florence to the Medical University. And there was a young internist there who said he understood that we all understood that he wouldn't make it another day. And he said, "Listen,
Printed Page 959 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
everything has been tried." He said, "I've got one idea, and let me proceed with this." And he did and came back and found that he'd been running a temperature of 103, projectile vomiting, couldn't gain any weight. We thought we'd lost him several times, but he found out that he was allergic to gluten in his diet. So he's the only 13-year-old today who's never had a hamburger or cheeseburger, who can't eat ice cream. I asked the doctors down at the Medical University how that would impact him in later life, and they said, "Well, you know, he's not eating all these refined carbohydrates and junk food, and so he'll probably live a lot healthier life than a lot of us." But on a personal note, I'm deeply indebted to the Medical University, and I feel like that fellow wouldn't be here today. Again, I thank you all for your service to our state and for the opportunity to appear before you today.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Any questions? Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: I've got a couple questions, one for the staff and a couple for the candidate. Let me ask the candidate first, I see on your application, Mr. Tallon, that you put your home address as 432 Millstone Circle, Florence, South Carolina, but your home telephone number is in Washington.
MR. TALLON: Yes, sir. That's ...
SENATOR KNOTTS: Can you tell me what ...
MR. TALLON: Yes, sir. Thank you for the question, Senator. My - the number I put on my address is my mobile number. The residence in Florence is my sister and brother-in-law's residence. I have lived with them at different periods of times since when I ran for Congress. I had, prior to moving to Florence, lived in Dillon, South Carolina, in the 5th District. I'm in the process, and have been, of selling that residence to my son. He's remodeling that house now. I had planned on already having purchased the house at the Country Club of South Carolina, but that fell through. Then I almost bought another house, long story short, bought a lot and talking to a contractor about building my permanent residence there.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay. Well, with that, you put down here a voter registration number. Where is that number at, and what precinct do you vote in and you call your actual residence?
MR. TALLON: At 432 Millwood Circle.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Where do you vote at?
Printed Page 960 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. TALLON: Vote at the - I haven't voted since I changed my registration from Dillon.
SENATOR KNOTTS: And so you were last registered in Dillon?
MR. TALLON: That's correct.
SENATOR KNOTTS: How long ago was that?
MR. TALLON: Senator, I believe it was the beginning of last summer. It was after the last elections.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay. The other question I'm going to ask staff and see if they've checked into it first, but on the second page of his application it says, "Have you ever been charged with a violation of law other than minor traffic violations or offenses?" And then it's answered, "Yes." Have y'all checked into that with SLED or ...
MS. FLOYD: He passed a SLED clearance. He's clear through SLED.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Well, did you find out what that charge was?
MS. FLOYD: That was not on the SLED report.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay. Your answer to that was, "acquitted; filed countersuit; reached out-of-court sealed settlement with plaintiff. Any additional details might have to be addressed by my attorney. Bottom line, acquitted." Were you - when was this charge, where was it, and what was the charge?
MR. TALLON: Senator, the charge was for shoplifting, approximately, oh, three or four years ago, at Eckerd's Drug Store in Dillon, South Carolina.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Eckerd's? Okay. And were you - you said acquitted. Were you acquitted by the jury or a judge, or was it nol prossed, or ...
MR. TALLON: That was a judge.
SENATOR KNOTTS: The judge?
MR. TALLON: The magistrate.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay. Was it just an agreement between, after this, part of the suit that the charge would be dropped?
MR. TALLON: No, sir. No, sir. That was prior to any countersuit.
SENATOR KNOTTS: So the case actually went to court?
MR. TALLON: Yes, it did.
SENATOR KNOTTS: And both sides presented a case, and the judge dismissed it?
MR. TALLON: That's correct, yes, sir.
SENATOR KNOTTS: But you actually do live in Florence, South Carolina with your brother-in-law and sister?
Printed Page 961 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. TALLON: That's correct, yes, sir.
SENATOR KNOTTS: And how long have you lived there?
MR. TALLON: I think I stated earlier since the beginning of this past summer. That's when I sold my house in Dillon to my son.
SENATOR KNOTTS: You sold it or are in the process of selling it?
MR. TALLON: I mean, excuse me, the process of selling it. He's remodeling it now.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions?
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: I noticed, Mr. Tallon, on your papers that you put that you are a consultant lobbyist?
MR. TALLON: Yes, ma'am.
SENATOR SHORT: Is there anything that you're lobbying for that would cause any conflict for you with MUSC?
MR. TALLON: No, ma'am.
SENATOR SHORT: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you now hold a registration certificate from Florence County?
MR. TALLON: Yes, I do.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You have transferred your certificate from Dillon to Florence?
MR. TALLON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: On your certificate, is it the 6th Congressional District? Is your precinct listed in the 6th Congressional?
MR. TALLON: Yes, it is, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. And that's at, showing the address that's on this, 432 ...
MR. TALLON: Yes, it is, Mr. Chairman, as well as my driver's license. And the house I'm building is at the Country Club of South Carolina which is, I believe, all of Florence County is in the 6th Congressional District.
MR. APPLEBY: Mr. Chairman, the Country Club ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Appleby. You're out of order, Mr. Appleby. We'll question that so the Senator ...
MR. TALLON: I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. I heard from the background here that the Country Club of South Carolina is in the 5th District. I've got a problem if I'm running for a 6th District seat and
Printed Page 962 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
I'm going to be living in the 5th District, but it's my understanding, clearly, that all of Florence County is in the 6th Congressional District.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I don't think it is, but I think there's a split somewhere in there. But in the event - that doesn't matter at this point. In the event that you are elected and you do move into the 5th, you would have to resign this seat.
MR. TALLON: Absolutely, and I understand that.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions?
MR. TALLON: In summing this up, I live in the 6th Congressional District now, and if I find out that - I've been advised that the Country Club of South Carolina is not in the 5th Congressional District, I will not, I will have a residence as my permanent residence that is in the 6th Congressional District.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: So what you're telling us is that you will - you were going to build your house, and if it's not in the correct district, that you will maintain, for the purpose of maintaining a residence, in the proper district?
MR. TALLON: No, sir. I won't maintain a residence. It will be my residence, but my desire is to serve as the 6th District, non-medical member on the MUSC Board. I understand that that requires me to live in the 6th District. If I have misunderstood - and maybe it's a little bit of a non-issue here because I do live now in the 6th Congressional District - I will find another permanent residence, and I will discontinue my plans for building at the Country Club of South Carolina if, in fact, it is in the 5th Congressional District.
SENATOR KNOTTS: That's a big sacrifice just to be elected to a Board.
MR. TALLON: Well, not at all. I just want to get back to, permanently, to the Florence area, and I chose this particular area because I liked it, but - and I really don't know that that, with all due respect, is something we need to worry ourselves about until I find out where the 6th Congressional District lines are. But I certainly was advised that the Country Club of South Carolina was in the 6th Congressional District.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: All right. Representative Martin.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Mr. Tallon, what kind of business, your lobbying business, what kind of things do they lobby for?
Printed Page 963 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. TALLON: It's just a plethora of issues, a lot of foreign governments, defense clients and some products companies, nothing to do with health care, pharmaceuticals. We have no clients that in any way could be construed as a conflict of interest.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Okay. Did your company have anything to do with the farmers lobbying to get the tobacco money settlement?
MR. TALLON: No, ma'am. My company, no, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Alexander.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Let me just - is your lobbying activity basically done in Washington versus Columbia?
MR. TALLON: It's entirely in Washington, sir.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: So you don't have any tobacco clients whatsoever?
MR. TALLON: Yes, I do. I have Altria, and Altria is the parent company of Kraft, Nabisco, Miller Beer, Capital Corporation as well as Phillip Morris.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Okay.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? No. Well, let me ask you - Senator Peeler.
SENATOR PEELER: Congressman Tallon, I just feel like we're going to have to clear up this residency requirement on down the road, so we might as well clear it up today.
MR. TALLON: Sure.
SENATOR PEELER: Today, as of today, your permanent residence is 432 Millstone Circle, Florence, South Carolina?
MR. TALLON: That's correct, Senator.
SENATOR PEELER: And that's where you're registered to vote; that's where your address is on your driver's license?
MR. TALLON: That's correct, Senator.
SENATOR PEELER: And does that fulfill his residency requirement for his candidacy?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: As long as he possesses a voting certificate from the 6th Congressional District, it does, but I would ask him, how far along are you in the construction in the proposed house that you're moving to which could be in the 5th. I don't know.
MR. TALLON: Mr. Chairman, I'm just in talking to contractors at the present time. I appreciate Senator Peeler's question. I live in the
Printed Page 964 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
6th Congressional District now, and I am not moving out of the 6th Congressional District regardless of ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: So you're telling this Committee you're not going to move in that house, period, if you're elected?
MR. TALLON: That's correct. I will not build that house if it's outside of ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Fine. Okay. Now, all you have to do is be in the district by July 1.
MR. TALLON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That's when the office is - should you be out of the district, we would have to pull your commission.
MR. TALLON: Sure.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other ...
MR. TALLON: I have my driver's license, my voter registration. I mean, I have it on my person.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I would have hoped that you would have checked your Congressional district fairly closer than you did.
MR. TALLON: I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. Where I live now it's no question.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No question now, but ...
MR. TALLON: That's right.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... the other side is still in ...
MR. TALLON: Well, I was advised that was in the 6th Congressional District.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: If you checked and you thought they were, that's all right.
MR. TALLON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That's left up to you. That's your decision.
MR. TALLON: Sure.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions? None. Okay. It's time now to make a motion for the MUSC Board.
SENATOR SHORT: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, Senator Short.
SENATOR SHORT: I move favorable report on all the contestants for the Medical University of South Carolina.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Ms. Short moves favorable on all the Congressional district candidates. Second by Becky Martin of Anderson. All in favor signify by saying "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
Printed Page 965 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any opposed? None. Thank you very much. Okay. South Carolina State University, one Congressional district, two at-large. 3rd Congressional District, Seat Three, Mr. Lumus Byrd, Jr. Mr. Byrd. Is Mr. Byrd here? Okay, Mr. Byrd.
MR. BYRD: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes, sir. Mr. Byrd, since you are a new candidate, I would ask you a couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving full-time on this Board?
MR. BYRD: No, I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Would your occupations or employment ...
MR. BYRD: Retired.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Would not? Okay. Wouldn't interfere then. Sir, do you have any other elected positions in your community?
MR. BYRD: I have an appointed position, yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: What is that, sir?
MR. BYRD: Presidential appointee, United States Selective Service System Local Board for Laurens and Newberry Counties.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: We would have to research that. Go ahead, sir. Go ahead with your statement.
MR. BYRD: I'm here today because I'm seeking a seat on the Board of Trustees at South Carolina State University. I want to serve because I believe I can assist the current Board of Trustees and the administration in addressing the challenges that will move our University to the next level of excellence. In my statement of testimony, I looked at five priorities that the University is currently working, and I'd like to assist the Board of Trustees and this administration in the addressing those five areas. Number one, addressing capital improvement and deferred maintenance needs, strengthening financial management, enhancing academic programs, enhancing student life and performance, as well as strategic planning for the future. My background is in education. I'm a 1965 graduate of South Carolina State University, taught school in Charleston, South Carolina at Burke High School, left there and joined Schlitz Brewing Company, left Schlitz Brewing Company in a management position, and joined the Greyhound Lines, Inc. which is the bus company, got promoted to the corporate headquarters in Phoenix,
Printed Page 966 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
Arizona to the parent company, the Greyhound Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona, relocated back to Los Angeles and worked as Vice President/General Manager of Bully Davis Distributing Company. In 1988, I formed my own company, Byrd Enterprises, Inc. which was a construction company, sold that in 1992, and I've been retiring ever since. I'd like an opportunity to now use much of my experiences and wisdom, hopefully, matured, in working with South Carolina State University. I ask for your support.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Byrd? Mr. Byrd, in the event that we come back and find that that is a conflict of interest with serving on two Boards, would you be willing to resign - you are going to be elected ...
MR. BYRD: In the event there's a conflict, I will resign the Presidential appointee, yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. You may be seated. All right. At-large, seat number seven, Mr. Charles H. Williams, II, the incumbent. Mr. Williams.
MR. WILLIAMS: Good afternoon. Of course, my name is Charles Williams. I'm from Orangeburg. I'm a lawyer, been practicing there 30 years. I've been on the Board, I don't if it's 18 or 20 years. If reelected, I'll be the senior member of the Board. I've enjoyed being on the Board. I think South Carolina State has gone through some rough times. We have a very good administration in right now, and things seem to be very bright. I am the only lawyer on the Board, as opposed to 11 that they've got at South Carolina, but I also have a business degree. So I've enjoyed it, and I'd like to continue to serve.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Williams from any Board member, or Committee? None. Thank you, sir.
MR. WILLIAMS: Thank y'all.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. At-large, Mr. Jay K. Fields, for Seat Number Seven, along with Mr. Williams. Mr. Fields, I need to ask you a couple of questions. Do you have any health-related problems this Committee needs to be aware of?
MR. FIELDS: None.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Do your occupation or have a job related have any conflict of interest by serving on that Board?
MR. FIELDS: No.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None. Do you hold any elected or appointed positions within your community?
Printed Page 967 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. FIELDS: I currently serve on the Orangeburg County First Steps Board.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: That wouldn't affect this, sir. Go ahead with your statement.
MR. FIELDS: As you already know, my name is Jay Fields. I graduated from South Carolina State in 1985. I have, in some shape or form, been a part of the College for many years through family members and through my attendance. My family now, all of us, I speak for my wife and myself, have graduated from South Carolina State. I live right outside the gate, and I basically see everything that goes on and wanted to be able to give my support in this way. I'm not a rich man. I don't have a whole lot of financial backgrounds that I can just give to the College financially, but I can give physically and mentally as well. I have just retired from the military service of 25 years. I did apply to be a Trustee Board member the last election, but I got called up on active duty and didn't get a chance to come before you. And so I stand before you today with that opportunity here again.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Fields from any member of the Committee? None. Thank you, sir.
MR. FIELDS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay. I would like to at this time ask you, ... Mr. Lumus Byrd, Jr., Charles H. Williams and Mr. Jay K. Fields, what is the pleasure of the Committee?
SENATOR SHORT: Move favorable report.
REPRESENTATIVE LITTLEJOHN: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Favorable report by Ms. Short, motion by Ms. Short, second by Representative Littlejohn and Senator Knotts. All in favor, signify by saying "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: The ayes have it. No? No no. Okay. The ayes have it. Thank you very much. At-large Seat Number Nine, Mr. Glenn E. Jones. Mr. Jones, the incumbent.
MR. JONES: Good morning, Committee and Representative Phillips. My name is Glenn Jones. I am from Florence, South Carolina. I'm a 1981 graduate of South Carolina State University, former athlete there at the University. Reelection to this Board of Trustees, for me, would be a continuance of a great service that I've given my university. Three and a half years ago, I stood before you not knowing exactly what I was getting into, but I went into it
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headfirst because of the situation and shape that the University was in, and being an active Alumni Association member, I wanted to throw my hat in the ring. Well, it landed on the hook, and I would like for it to stay on the hook for another four years, and here's why. I became a part of South Carolina State's renaissance, a new renaissance for the University, started with teamwork. We as a Board came together, 13 people from different places, for the betterment of the University and turned the University around from when I first got on three and a half years ago, Presidential transition. Our human resources were needing to be changed. We needed to audit what we had, change it up and get it done. And we've done so thus far. Currently, now, instead of where we were in the red three and a half years ago, we're now in the black. And, of course, with the support of the state legislature, we are now moving forward and have broken ground on a new 750-bed dormitory which we at South Carolina State, and not only South Carolina State, but I'm quite sure the whole state is happy for us, as we carry the state's name every time we go out. We must be fairly representative to be able to say, "Well, there's USC, there's Clemson, and there's South Carolina State." And we need to look good and be able to draw the type students to higher education so that we can also fill the coffers and help the educated people in our state and move our state ahead. We were also the first board that had, as a compliment, a Board of Visitors. In that I asked an old friend of mine, Ken Griffey, to be a part of that, Ken Griffey, Sr., to be part of this. He has also agreed to, and putting this together was not an overnight situation, and we are currently in the process of making sure that, and along with them, that they're effective in helping us bring funds to the University and give us some outreach, some needed outreach that is needed. And then, in that same breath, we can also help with the economic development of South Carolina. We know that is key for us as a university and key for all of our universities to be a part of the growth of South Carolina. On the Board for the last three and a half years, I was the Chairman of Student Affairs Committee. Chairing that committee, we have risen to our highest freshman population class ever, over 1,100 students. And we will be, we have recruited and will be getting more in this year. I also served on the 1890 Research and Development Committee and also the Grounds and Maintenance Committee. And, as we heard earlier from our MUSC representatives, that we collaborate with MUSC, and, of course,
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being from Florence, we are the ones that have the greatest amount of health care related therapy. So we are good at collaborating with the other universities so that we can also monitor the health care state of the State of South Carolina. Of course, as I said, we have new dormitories underway. We also have the Clyborne Transportation Center that does research in the area of roads and can move forward in the safety of South Carolina on our highways, and we are definitely eager to get this done. That will bring us a couple of new libraries and put us in competition again. It let us compete with the other universities for those dollars and to be a part of, again, the uplifting movement of the State of South Carolina. I'm excited to and will be excited to be reelected to this seat and be a part of the team that brought us this far and has plans on the table to take us further. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions of Mr. Jones? None. Thank you, sir. All right. At-large Seat Number Nine, Mr. Earl Bridges, Jr. Mr. Bridges, since you're a new candidate, I need to ask you do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving as a full-time Board member?
MR. BRIDGES: I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Considering your occupation, would anything have any conflict of interest by serving, your employment, on the Board?
MR. BRIDGES: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: None?
MR. BRIDGES: None.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected positions, Mr. Bridges?
MR. BRIDGES: I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Mr. Bridges, on your application, you are a member of the Board of Trustees of Limestone College; is that correct?
MR. BRIDGES: That is correct, yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Well, Mr. Bridges, if you are elected for this, would you be willing to resign your position as a Trustee ...
MR. BRIDGES: Yes, I would.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: ... of Limestone College?
MR. BRIDGES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Yes? Okay. Go ahead with your short statement.
Printed Page 970 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
MR. BRIDGES: Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and other members of the Screening Committee. Unlike the other candidates who are before you this morning, I'm not a graduate or alum of South Carolina State University. In fact, I'm relatively new to this wonderful State of South Carolina. I was born, raised and educated in New Orleans, Louisiana. I attended undergraduate as well as law school at New Orleans, graduated from law school in 1982 and practiced law until 1998, primarily in the areas of product liability defense litigation. I also spent three of those 16 years as in-house general counsel for Harris Casino Company. In 1998, I resigned from my law practice or from the partnership to pursue a career in the car business. I applied and was accepted to Ford Motor Company's minority training program, and I graduated from the Academy in 2000. In 2001, I purchased a car dealership in Gaffney, Peachtree Ford, and my wife, daughter and I relocated, moved to Gaffney in August of 2001. Shortly after moving to Gaffney, I met and was befriended by Dr. J. W. Sanders, Sr., who I know Representative ... and Senator Peeler, you all are acquainted with. Reverend Sanders not only became my friend but in many respects became my mentor. Approximately two years ago when Dr. Sanders was appointed to the Santee-Cooper Board, he called and asked whether I would be willing to accept an appointment to unexpired term on the South Carolina State Board. Other than having a number of friends who were graduates of the school, I truly didn't really know much about the school. However, over the course of the next few weeks, I spent a lot of time with Dr. Sanders discussing the University, and his enthusiasm and love for the University infected me. Unfortunately, that appointment did not work out for me. Another candidate was appointed, but I did the following year when that term came up for election, I did file for it. Shortly after filing, the opportunity to purchase a car dealership in Charleston came up, and, in fact, we wound up, my family and I wound up moving to Charleston. And so I withdrew my candidacy for that position last year. Now, I'm here seeking appointment to an at-large seat. And so the question is why, given that I don't have a connection with the University, per se. What I do have is a great passion for public service and for higher education. I believe that those of us who are business owners not only have a responsibility to be great corporate citizens but we also, as members of the community, have a responsibility to be great individual citizens. I believe strongly in
Printed Page 971 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
public service. I did in New Orleans, and I was a member of many boards and commissions as well as in Gaffney. I did have an opportunity for seven years when I was in New Orleans to teach at Tulane University which was a great and wonderful experience for me. And as you've just noted earlier, Representative Phillips, I do currently serve on the Limestone College Board of Trustees. I believe that by virtue of my education and my experience, not only as an attorney but as a business owner, that I have talents, and as well as I have served on other boards, experience and the talents that I think would be helpful in setting the ... and the policy of this university. It would be a tremendous honor for me to be associated with this university at this time. I think, as some of the other candidates have mentioned, there are a lot of exciting things going on, from capital projects to new leadership, and I think it would be a tremendously exciting time to be associated with this university, and it would certainly be an honor and privilege for me. And I certainly thank you for consideration of my candidacy.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any questions? Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Mr. Bridges, I see on the back page of your application here it says, concerning a charge from 1979. Can you tell me what it was and what was the actual outcome of it?
MR. BRIDGES: Misdemeanor theft, 1979, and it was nol prossed.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Where was it at?
MR. BRIDGES: New Orleans.
SENATOR KNOTTS: New Orleans?
MR. BRIDGES: Yes.
SENATOR KNOTTS: It was just listed as misdemeanor theft?
MR. BRIDGES: Yes, yes.
SENATOR KNOTTS: And what - were you convicted?
MR. BRIDGES: Well, it was nol prossed for diversion ... yes.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any other questions from any Committee members? Thank you, sir. I want to take out of order. I want to take Mr. Joseph C. Sanders next. Mr. Sanders, do you have any health-related problems that would prevent you from serving as a full-time member of the Board if elected?
MR. SANDERS: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you have any business activities that would constitute dual office, conflict of interest?
MR. SANDERS: No, sir.
Printed Page 972 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Do you hold any elected positions now in the community that we need to be made aware of?
MR. SANDERS: I do not.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Thank you, sir. Go ahead.
MR. SANDERS: My name is Joe Sanders, and I want to thank the Chairman and the Committee for this opportunity. I'm running for an at-large seat on the Board of Trustees for South Carolina. I'm a 1962 alumnus of that school, and I have always followed it. Having had extensive experience in business, I just think I would bring a business aspect to the school. We run a $100 million corporation here, and it needs to be handled in a business manner. I see - oh, I heard a lot of questions today about tuition increase, and it was a concern about the escalating cost of tuition. And at our school, I think that some good management, some negotiation of purchase and services, some preventive maintenance and good business decisions will slow that increase down. We will probably always have some increase, but it could be kept to a minimum. Twenty-one years ago I gave to my school and four other HVCUs $100,000 bonds to fund a scholarship, and 50 percent should help in my name and the other 50 percent was to be used by the school for whatever purpose they deemed ... I also organized a scholarship fund in the name of a former dean, Henry Vincent, and some friends and I got together recently, and we were talking about Dean Vincent, and it seemed like everybody who, all the males that were - he was the Dean of Men, and every male who went through there, Dean had an opportunity at one time or the other to send them home. The Dean fit so well in that job that he gave us all a chance to pay the punishment and stay in school. So I thought that to honor him, I would do that. I was the first life member of the National Alumni Association at the time Dr. Nash was the President, when this was started in '86, I think it was, and I was first and he was second. I encouraged my class of '62 to fund a gazebo that is built on the campus and to put in a new scoreboard and clock in our field house. That was much needed, and so we did that. So I have shown that I will give to my school. I'm just not going to do it as a Board member, but I think I can bring a lot to the table as a Board member. And I also - my mentor was Coach [inaudible], whom the stadium is named after. And I said to him, I said, "You find a tennis player or a golfer who wanted to go on the professional circuit, send them to me and I will sponsor them." And he sent me a golfer ... so I sponsored him on the PGA Tour, and I
Printed Page 973 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
thought that was, too, part of my give-back. And I would appreciate any consideration you have for letting me serve, and I will take any questions.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Are there any questions for Mr. Sanders?
SENATOR KNOTTS: Mr. Sanders, ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: No questions at this time.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Knotts, and there are no questions. I would like to at this time to ask for the Committee's favorable on Mr. Glenn E. Jones, Mr. Earl Bridges and Mr. Joe C. Sanders.
SENATOR KNOTTS: So move.
SENATOR ALEXANDER: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Senator Knotts moves favorable and second by Senator Alexander. All in favor, signify by saying "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any opposed? None. Thank you very much. At this time, I'd like a motion by the Committee to go into Executive Session on Mr. John Calvin Pack. Knotts moves we go into Executive Session, second by Senator Short. Would everybody leave the room except Mr. Pack?
(Executive Session 12:13 p.m. until 12:46 p.m.)
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Let the record show that Senator Knotts moved we come out of Executive Session, second by Senator Alexander. And now we're back in the regular session, and we're screening a candidate for, Mr. John Calvin Pack. Mr. Pack?
MR. PACK: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You do know that if this Committee screens you out that you certainly would have to come to the General Assembly and ask Senators and House members to stand up and support you on the floor in a vote at a time in the future, should you be allowed to continue in this race?
MR. PACK: I do understand that.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: You understand that?
MR. PACK: Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Wouldn't be kind of hard for someone to - well, okay. Any other Committee members have any questions?
Printed Page 974 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
SENATOR PEELER: Mr. Chairman, what type motion do you require of these candidates, either favorable, unfavorable or non-qualified? What's the proper motion ...
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Unfavorable.
SENATOR PEELER: So that - would that person then continue on with the process?
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: No, no. He - once we vote, however this Committee decides to vote, yes or no, yes, he continues in; no, he's a non-favorable candidate, and that discontinues him. What is the pleasure of the Committee? Any questions? Senator Knotts.
SENATOR KNOTTS: Mr. Chairman, at the proper time, I make the motion to consider the candidate unfavorable due to his criminal history.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: I second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Let's state the motion clearly now because this goes into the record. This is what will go into the record.
SENATOR KNOTTS: I would just like to move that from the information that we have received by the Committee and by the candidate that we move unfavorable report.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: I would like to amend that and say also that the report given to us by SLED indicated violations beyond the...
SENATOR KNOTTS: And admitted by the candidate.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Right. And certainly, that would go into the record also and that now that we are asking now for - what is the pleasure of the Committee on Mr. Pack?
SENATOR KNOTTS: That was my motion.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Okay.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Second by Becky Martin. All in favor of a negative vote on Mr. Pack, please signify by saying "aye".
COMMITTEE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Any in favor of Mr. Pack, signify by saying "aye". None. Mr. Pack, I'm sorry, sir. Thank you for offering, but maybe sometime in the future you might find something else. I would suggest if you want to serve your community that you talk to your resident House member and Senator about some kind of local appointment. Thank you for offering your services. Thank you for coming here today.
MR. PACK: Thank the Committee.
Printed Page 975 . . . . . Friday, February 24, 2006
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: And thank you for admitting all of those charges. Thank you, sir.
MR. PACK: Well, they're true. Have a good day.
(Off the record)
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS: Motion to adjourn by Becky Martin, second by Lanny Littlejohn.
(Adjourned at 1:06 p.m.)
Received as information.
On motion of Senator KNOTTS, the Report was ordered printed in the Journal.
ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION
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. 4666 (Word version) -- Rep. Branham: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 239 OF 1981, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FLORENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD MUST BE ELECTED AT THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER AND PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS MUST BE FOUR YEARS.
By prior motion of Senator LEATHERMAN
MOTION ADOPTED
On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Ruth Shealy Lindler of Chapin, S.C.
ADJOURNMENT
At 11:15 A.M., on motion of Senator RYBERG, the Senate adjourned to meet next Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at 12:00 Noon.
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