Tag: South Carolina Government

No Freedom of Information in S.C.

Despite the state freedom of information law requiring public records be released to persons requesting them at the “lowest possible cost,” such is hardly ever the case in South Carolina.

Public agencies whose ethically challenged politicians and appointed public officials excel in backroom deals, conflicts of interest and downright gouging of the public purse are not about to turn over information to the public that could possibly shed light on these activities.

Earlier this year, when S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis tried to get investment records from the S.C. Retirement Systems Investment Commission, of which Loftis is a commissioner, the good ole boys tried to get him thrown off the commission board.

South Carolina, High Risk for Government Corruption

A nationwide analysis of state governments released over the weekend ranked South Carolina 45th out of the 50 states for potential for government corruption. This, of course, only enforces what those of us who cover government on a regular basis already know.

Citing government secrecy, little accountability for legislators and the executive branch, weak ethics enforcement and little disclosure of legislators’ finances, the state received an F in nine out of the 14 categories studied and a D- in a 10th category.

The only areas where South Carolina received adequate grades were procurement, redistricting, lobbying disclosure and internal auditing.

A Statement from Mallory Factor

Mallory Factor released the following statement yesterday regarding the South Carolina State Employee Retirement System.

Like many South Carolinians, I have become increasingly concerned about thefinancial performance of our State employees’ retirement assets. As an experiencedfinancial executive, I wanted to help improve that performance. That is, after all,how I have made my living for over 30 years. I have been successful at it; and I have always, always operated above-board and lawfully.

Sadly, the issues related to financing South Carolina’s retirement system are nowembroiled in politics to a degree that is very unhealthy for the State’s many currentemployees and retirees. Change is always bitterly resisted by those who benefit
from the current system.