Dear Editor:

I have been following with more than a passing interest the debate about John Spratt’s “saving” of Shaw Air Force Base. I find it typical that a congressman would claim that “he saved Shaw” from closure during the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process despite that process being widely known as without political influence. I also find it amusing that many in the Sumter community would so emotionally support that claim in subsequent letters to the editor.

My uncle, Erwin D. “Molly” Shaw, for whom the base is named, was an unpretentious man who would have been truly humbled to know the base bears his name. He was also a man of principle who would want the truth to be known. The truth is many people influenced the success of Shaw AFB over the years: from Willie Thompson, who was instrumental in convincing the Army to build Shaw field and former Mayor Fulton B. Creech, who established the foundation of good relations between base personnel and the Sumter community, to more recent advocates on the Sumter Base Defense Committee led by another Mayor Creech. The committee worked a land trade that influenced the Air Force’s recommendation to keep Shaw AFB open over the competing Myrtle Beach AFB in 1991. It was, in fact, that Air Force recommendation that made the difference in keeping the base open. In all of these rounds of BRAC, it was not the politicians who influenced the decision, but the local people. The exceptional relationship between the local community and the base has always been critical to, and the secret of, its success. From the initial Army Air Corps interest to the land trade, to the bringing in of Third U.S. Army Headquarters, it has been the people of Sumter and the surrounding communities that made the difference, not the politicians.

With powerful senators like Strom Thurmond and Fritz Hollings, I question whether Congressman Spratt would have had more influence in a process designed to keep politics out. Even the full weight of these two great senators could not keep Charleston Naval Base open, so what would make one believe a relatively new congressman in 1991 could have swayed a non-partisan commission? I just don’t think it could have happened the way Congressman Spratt claims.

Many of you don’t know, but of all the new construction at the base related to Third Army arriving — none of the contracts were given to local businesses. It seems to me, if Congressman Spratt had any influence, he would have used his 28 years in office to win some of those contracts. Or perhaps he could have weighed in to help Toumey hospital? Or maybe he should have fulfilled his lawful duties as budget chairman and passes a Congressional budget this year. No, he said he couldn’t get one to pass in this political climate (all Democrats in control of both houses and in the administration?!) No, I doubt the congressman is as successful as he claims to have been with regard to Shaw Air Force Base. Unfortunately, his legacy will be one of excessive historic spending and a failure to produce a budget. He and his colleagues have led us to the brink of economic chaos.

My father started our family business 80 years ago. It is only in these past two years, under this administration and this Congress that we have struggled to survive. The policies that have taken us to the brink of economic disaster must be reversed on Nov. 2 or we should prepare for the worst. Please vote against the Nancy Pelosi Congress. Vote against John Spratt and Jim Clyburn. Let’s get some fiscal responsibility back in Washington. Let’s get our country back to the one my uncle fought and died for. Please vote for Mick Mulvaney and Jim Pratt on Nov. 2.

Charles “Flop” Shaw

Sumter, S.C.