COLUMBIA - In an effort to bring more accountability to the state’s top transportation executive office, Senator Luke Rankin on Wednesday introduced legislation that would change the appointment process and require an annual performance review for the position, a news release said.
According to the release, the bill would have the Joint Transportation Review Committee (JTRC), which is already in place, nominate one qualified candidate for the Governor’s consideration as Secretary of Transportation. Should the Governor approve of the nomination, the Secretary would serve a six-year term and could only be removed from office for just cause. The bill specifies that the Secretary has a duty to the citizens of South Carolina to execute his responsibilities in a manner that is most advantageous to the needs of the public. The JTRC would also be responsible for conducting an annual performance review of the Secretary.
“Given the Governor’s oft repeated opposition to any federal assistance, and his silence on behalf of the state’s only congressionally designated project of ‘national and regional significance’, I-73, it is critical that this position be accountable to all of South Carolina and not just one. Because locally elected legislators are more in touch with the people, they better understand the needs of our state and are more accountable." Rankin said in the release. "We need to restore common sense to our leadership, and this bill is an attempt to do that,” Rankin added.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Senator Hugh Leatherman, Finance Committee Chairman, Senator John Land, Senator Gerald Malloy and Senator Dick Elliott, the release said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement