A winner for all involved

A program that enables retirees to work on public service jobs in return for property tax abatement is getting a welcome look in Charleston County.

In Aiken County, the idea has proven to be a winner for all involved. ...

The popularity of the 15-year program is evident. Last year, there were 500 applications for 150 slots. Several other local jurisdictions in the state already have followed Aiken's lead.

Council awaits a study on the program, but it's encouraging that both Chairman Tim Scott and Vice Chairman Joe McKeown support the idea.

Mr. McKeown cited a similar program in Boulder County, Colo. "Colorado's been doing it for 22 years," he said. "It's been successful everywhere it's tried."

Many retirees have a wealth of experience to bring to the public sector, and this program would provide it at a bargain rate. Meanwhile, seniors on fixed incomes could benefit from a program that allows them to work off their tax bill.

The county's analysis of the proposal should be considered not only by Charleston County Council, but its counterparts in Berkeley and Dorchester, as well.

The (Charleston) Post and Courier

Big money from tobacco

It's no surprise that big tobacco companies are doling out the cash to South Carolina lawmakers.

Three industry groups spent at least $785,000 between June 2005 and June 2007, a Packet review of South Carolina Ethics Commission documents showed. ...

It's hard to see why tobacco companies would spend the money if they didn't think it would get them legislative results. Legislators who see this as a business issue, and not a tobacco issue, must recognize that these contributions are a business expense for these companies. They aren't contributing the money out of the goodness of their hearts.

And yes, we recognize that other industries also contribute to lawmakers' campaigns.

We're not saying companies don't have a right to make such contributions, but let's not delude ourselves about the intent behind them.

The more important message to be drawn from all this is the importance of people who live here telling our state lawmakers what we think about smoking bans and the cigarette tax. There's no doubt we outnumber tobacco industry lobbyists - and we are the ones who will cast ballots in November when all 170 legislative seats are up for election.

The (Hilton Head) Island Packet

In the eye of the beholder

South Carolina state lawmakers still may be sending pork home to their districts. But at least everyone will know they're doing it. The state House of Representatives adopted a ban on the longtime practice of anonymously adding state aid for pet projects. From now on, sponsors of earmarks must publicly declare themselves.

The ban, while passed in the House, also will apply to spending plans that come from the Senate. And the measure had bipartisan support. ...

The ban may prevent some of the mutual back-scratching and deal making that goes on out of public view.

But it also will give House leaders more power to control the flow of state aid as a way to reward and punish other lawmakers.

Pork often is in the eye of the beholder. What one state representative might view as wasteful spending might be regarded as manna for a worthy local project by the folks back home. Either way, though, the sponsor of the earmark ought to own up to it. ...

All this is good news for constituents. Conducting government business openly makes for better government.

The (Rock Hill) Herald