Gov. Sanford plays politics with the lives of South Carolinians

Mark Sanford is putting ideology above the best interests of his state's residents in rejecting federal stimulus money. The same applies to the following Idiots-in-Chief: Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Rick Perry of Texas.

The Charleston Post and Courier reports on growing opposition to Gov. Sanford's decision:

Refusing federal stimulus funds will further exacerbate job losses in South Carolina and endanger public health and safety, according to 52 mayors who have signed a letter imploring Gov. Mark Sanford to accept the money.

Sanford has called the $787 billion economic stimulus package a pork-laden waste of funds bound to drive the country further into debt. He said he would refuse a quarter of the money for South Carolina because it comes with strings attached.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Folly Beach Mayor Carl Beckmann Jr. and about 20 of the other mayors who signed a letter on its way to Sanford said Friday via a conference call that without the money, municipalities will be forced to make severe cuts in basic services. Not only will local services be curtailed, Riley said, but the state will lose prosecutors, State Law Enforcement Division agents and probation and parole officers — all of which will negatively impact public safety and quality of life.

The letter calls for Sanford to reverse his decision, and urges the state Legislature to override the governor if he does not. "There's nothing wrong with changing your position when you find out it's the wrong one," Riley said.

Beckmann, who hopes his city can get at least $1 million to expand its fire/police station, said it's a home-rule issue.

"We know better what our constituents need than one man in Columbia," Beckmann said. He added that the money will end up in other states should South Carolina refuse it, but taxpayers here will still have to pay for it.

Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela said Sanford's position "borders on recklessness." Greer Mayor Rick Danner, president of the S.C. Municipal Association, said "cities are the driver of the economy in this state." Social services, relief programs, law enforcement and even recreation programs are at stake, he argued.

"We are at a critical crossroads in our state," Danner said.

Beckmann was attending a National League of Cities' Crisis Leadership Training Program in Washington when he took part in the conference call. Other mayors who signed the letter included Keith Summey of North Charleston, Minnie Blackwell of Hanahan, Frank McNulty of Seabrook Island, Burley Lyons of Edisto Beach and Billy Keyserling of Beaufort.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/mar/14/mayors75055/