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SC Democrats meet for annual convention, gay and lesbian group has speaking part

April 24, 2009 By

South Carolina Democrats will hold their annual convention in Columbia Saturday and offer up the usual small selection of lawmakers and groups as speakers.  But one of those groups is relatively new to the scene. The South Carolina Stonewall Democrats consists of members of the gay and lesbian community and their advocates. Stonewall Democrats have 130 chapters across the country. The Democratic movement was named after the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969. A series of sometimes violent demonstrations were held in the city’s Greenwich Village area in response to police raids in the gay community.South Carolina Stonewall President Keith Riddle will speak before the convention this year.   ”Stonewall Democrats encourages those who are gay and lesbian as well as those who are supportive of the community or allies to reach and vote and encourage others to vote, and not to sit back and complain later if they don’t vote.  Stonewall Democrats is reaching out to a constituency who many times are not  heard.” 

Riddle says gays and lesbians have made a big difference in recent elections including the election of Barack Obama as President. He says the national party and state parties have recognized their active involvement as essential.   “So when the Obama campaign reached out, and that of Senator Clinton, this time we were not ignored or seen as a group that was going to bring down a lot of criticism.  Rather we were invited to really participate.  That’s the change you’re seeing in the country now.  More acceptance.  And that’s a good thing.” 

Congressman John Spratt will also speak at this year’s Democratic convention, along with state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex. State party Chairwoman Carol Fowler is running for re-election and currently has no opposition.

Filed Under: News, Politics & Government

Governor surveys wildfire damage, says cost at $16 million

April 24, 2009 By

Governor Mark Sanford Friday got a firsthand look at the 30 suare miles of wildfire-damaged areas in Horry County.

Local officials praised the governor’s responsiveness, bristling at the suggestion that Sanford had not acted quickly enough.

Bob Grabowski, vice-chair of Horry County Council, says that he has been continually asked by the press about “why the governor took so long to respond.”

“Well, it didn’t take long. The governor acted appropriately and in a timely manner,” insists Grabowski, “and he did mobilize all the resources necessary  that was at the state’s disposal to get here to Horry County. And Governor, I want to thank you for that.”

At a press conference in the county, Governor Sanford says that, with the federal disaster declaration, the area will be helped with only certain things.

Sanford says, “A lot of it is tied to uninsured,  as opposed to insured risk amd there will be a problem there. FEMA is going to help us out with regard to assistance, but it’s to public bodies. So we’ll look at a 75 percent match on a lot of the financial assistance to public bodies that took care of different things, but that again does not go down to those individuals.”

For individuals —Ron Osborne, the Director of the Emergency Management Division—says there are two programs they will be looking into, once they get the fire contained.

He explains that the FEMA Individual Assistance Program’s “trip wire” is roughly 100 homes that are uninsured.

“If we fail to meet that threshold,” says Osborne, “there is another program called the Small Business Administration Disaster, which can provide low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners.”

As of Friday evening, the fire had destroyed 69 homes and damaged 100 others.

Filed Under: Accidents & Disasters, News, Politics & Government

Horry County motorists should travel with care

April 24, 2009 By

As the fires still burn through Horry County, motorists traveling in and out of the area should take precaution. Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division says there are some road closures in the area.

“Well, right now Highway 31, Highway 22, and Highway 90 remain closed. Obviously, if people are traveling in the Myrtle Beach area, visibility is going to be an issue. Also, breathing problems in relation to the smoke (is another issue).  We’re going to have smoke for quite some time as a result of this massive wildfire. Even if we don’t have a flame, we’ll still have smoke, so we are asking people just to be safe. If you’re traveling to Myrtle Beach, take the extra precaution. Understand that there is an emergency situation going on in Horry County,” says Becker.

And for those vacationers-

“Tourists coming in to town just be aware that the situation is going on, and some roads are closed. If you see smoke in the area (or) if you have breathing problems, take those proper precautions to either leave the area or seek shelter somewhere,” says Becker.

Although tourists driving into the city may experience some delays, it is not delaying the amount of business for the area’s attractions and hotels. The City of Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce says business is as usual because the fires are more on the western side of the intercoastal waterway, which doesn’t affect them as much.

Filed Under: Accidents & Disasters, News, Transportation

Santee-Cooper board votes to consider rate increases

April 24, 2009 By

The Santee-Cooper Board of Directors voted today to consider a rate increase. Spokesperson, Mollie Gore, says the company has not increased its rates since 1996 and that this decision was based on the cost of doing business.

“What we have done is requested that our Board of Directors consider a rate increase and rate structure adjustment,” according to Gore. “The Board voted today to advance that request out for a public comment period.”

Gore says that the public will have an opportunity to have their voices heard. “This public comment period begins today and we do have a series of public meetings that we will be holding in our direct served territories which are the counties of Berkley, Horry, and Georgetown.

“Everything is available on our website which is www.santeecooper.com/rates and we have the schedule of public meetings, the proposal itself, and a study that backs it up.”

There is also energy saving tips on the website to help consumers save money on their energy bill.

If approved, the rates increase will begin November and will increase over a two year period in stages. “The proposed new rates, if they are approved will take effect November 1,” she said.

“Having said all that, what we are talking about is an overall increase across all customer classes. It’s a two-year staged increase. The first year would be a 4.4 percent overall increase, and the second year which would begin November 10, would 5.5 percent across all classes.”

Filed Under: Business, Economy, Environment & Conservation, News

Legislative week: Charleston port has need for speed, local governments asked to tighten belts

April 24, 2009 By

This week state lawmakers offer help to the Charleston port while telling local governments to tighten their belts.

The House returned to work to a bevy of activity after a two week furlough. Legislators gave final approval to a bill that allows South Carolina harbor pilots to skirt a federal boating speed limit that’s designed to protect endangered right whales. the bill gives the harbor pilots the status of law enforcement which are exempt from the 11 mile per hour speed limit on boats longer than 65 feet.

Legislators says the rule puts the Charleston port at an economic disadvantage with other ports, where their shorter boats allow pilots to more quickly board and bring in ships. The Charleston port is unique because longer harbor boats are needed to go the approximate 15 miles into the open sea to meet incoming vessels. Federal officials say they know of no other state taking that approach. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislature, News
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