THEIR VIEWS

Thinking ahead

We're puzzled by Gov. Mark Sanford's estimation of the effectiveness of endowed chairs for research, especially considering his usually forward-thinking positions on technology and economic development.

Last week, Mr. Sanford encouraged House lawmakers to reconsider a proposal that removes the cap on lottery proceeds for the Centers of Economic Excellence program. Since its inception in 2002, the program that helps attract innovative thinkers and researchers to South Carolina has received $180 million. When the program was established, it was limited to receive no more than $200 million by 2010.

Part of Mr. Sanford's criticism is that the program has "failed to raise private investment," yet the requirement that the schools, including Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, must raise matching funds seems to contradict that assessment. ...

Before the lottery became official in South Carolina, we questioned whether endowed chairs were the best use of funds. But it's clear that transforming our state into one that is in the forefront of research into health care, automotives and other economic development opportunities could not have gotten this far without the financial boost from lottery proceeds.

For once, South Carolina is thinking not just about what next year might bring but what could develop in five years or 10 years or even 20 years in the future as a result of research efforts right here at home.

That should not be discouraged.

Anderson Independent-Mail

An ideal choice

In 2006, Reggie Lloyd became South Carolina's first black U.S. Attorney to serve permanently since Reconstruction. Last week, Lloyd became the first black to lead the State Law Enforcement Division. ... He is only the third SLED chief in the agency's 60-year history. He will succeed Robert Stewart, who retired last year, when he assumes the new post in March.

Lloyd has no law enforcement experience. But in addition to serving as U.S. Attorney, he has been an attorney for the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee and a state Circuit Court judge. As he noted during a Senate hearing last week, the FBI, DEA and ATF all have been led by people without law enforcement training.

Lloyd's experience in the judicial system, his knowledge of the law and his leadership on the bench should serve him well in a job where management skills and an ability to work with the public are crucial. ...

He appears to be an ideal choice for this important position.

The (Rock Hill) Herald