When counseling or interviewing candidates for public office and even seasoned elected officials I often ask them “Where do we stand?”

Followed by:

Is South Carolina #1 on the list of Business friendly states?

Does South Carolina have the most favorable climate for entrepreneurs?

Is South Carolina the best state to work in?

How do we rank among the port states?

#8 According to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council Chart: http://www.sbecouncil.org/uploads/SBSIIndexFinal.pdf

#31 on CNBC America’s  Top Business States for 2010 - Excerpt: Cost is a major consideration when a company chooses a location. We looked at the tax burden, including those on individuals, property, business taxes and even gasoline. Utility costs can add up to a huge expense for business, and they vary widely by state. We also looked at the cost of wages and workers’ compensation insurance, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space.

#10 on Chief Executive’s Best States for Entrepreneurs 2011 - Excerpt: The so-called de-leveraging of America hasn’t reached government. U.S. cities and states have issued over $2 trillion in new debt since 2008, with another $1 trillion scheduled this year. The problem is that state revenues in real terms may not reach 2008 levels until late in 2012, according to John Thomasian of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. As he emphasizes in his paper, “The Big Reset: State Government  after the Great Recession,” states will have to rethink and redesign government in terms of what is essential and what can be made more efficient if their citizens are to have much of a future.

#22 on the 2011 State Business Tax Climate Index (Eighth Edition) - Excerpt: Lawmakers create these deals under the banner of job creation and economic development, but the truth is that if a state needs to offer such packages, it is most likely covering for a woeful business tax climate.

The answer is most often an emphatic “NO!”

I always respond with the question “WELL, WHY NOT?”

I usually get a pause from the politicians and sometimes the silence is even deafening. Then they begin to explain their accomplishments and vision for the future of the state followed by a list of excuses including some finger pointing.

However, from the candidates seeking office I usually get a myriad of quick rehearsed talking points which sound like they came from a business how-to training manual.

The purpose of the article is not to promote or discredit anyone individual but to promote thought. South Carolina leaders must work toward a common goal and that’s to make South Carolina absolutely the most business friendly state in the United States bar none.

“We can do it!” may sound to many like a catchy phrase or

slogan but its true – we truly can become number one!

We must commit to doing the things that brings businesses to our wonderful state through fairness and a less burdening tax structure. We shouldn't offer tax breaks and incentive packages to new enterprises and not to the faithful existing businesses who are all struggling. Giving away the ranch will in the long run tarnish our image and drive existing Business & Industry away.

“Capitalism and opportunity are the best solutions for social problems.”~ CVA

What makes Texas# 1 in most studies?

South Carolina must:

Invest in our infrastructure instead of supplementing laziness through social programs.

Allow real School Choice instead of Social Engineering.

Reform our tax structure across the board and not just for deals made by the power brokers.

Place high priority on Ports and less on wasteful projects.

Create the toughest laws in the country to combat crime – yes this will help bring business and entrepreneurs to SC. Businesses shouldn’t have to spend large portions of their budgets on security costs and citizens should feel safe to shop in our malls, drive down our roads, or sleep in their own beds.

Take a strong look at business insurance and work to lure more underwriters to the state.

Tort reform.

Less Regulatory fees.

PROPERTY RIGHTS SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST.

Efficient government and reduced spending.

I could go on for hours but I think I've made my point – We the People can do it!

Let’s do it together, shall we?

Recently, I got the opportunity to sit down for a cup of java with South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis in his new office. This is the first time we’ve spoken in person since the election. The meeting was rewarding and reaffirmed my belief that he was an excellent choice for Treasurer.

The accessibility of public officials is critical to the political process and Curtis has made himself more available than any other current statewide government official.

Curtis Loftis not only promised transparency and accountability during the campaign but he continues to deliver on that very promise in a big way. Watch this excellent video of Curtis delivering some key points on transparency - this is some Good Stuff: 

SC Treasurer Curtis Loftis - WLTX-TV I'm Just Sayin'

Courage is paramount in politics and Curtis is not afraid to take anyone who’s not working in the best interest of the South Carolina taxpayers.

“Though I don’t agree with his decision to refuse a state

car and gas, I do admire the notion nonetheless.”

The Budget and Control Board Meetings before Loftis were held in a Governor’s Conference Room with barely enough room for Board members. Now they are meeting in the Blatt Building which can seat more than 150 people. Wow, now they have room for some of those pesky constituents – what a novel idea.

Talk about “Transparency;” take a peek at Treasurer’s actual activity calendar online where you can track his “Government Productivity Status” or GPS as I call it:

The SC State Treasurer's Calendar

Curtis is taking on local, state, and federal agencies while suing major Banks all in our interest. This is true representation and proven transparency in action. Some see Curtis as a troublemaker and others have referred to him as openly confrontational where I see him as an elected official who’s looking out for the public’s interest. Though only a couple of people have told me that they don’t trust his motives they still feel he’s doing a good job. Though skeptical, even these folks admire his passion for transparency.

Speaking of controversy in the name of the people; read this article where he discusses Governor Haley’s staffers: http://www.thestate.com/2011/03/28/1753958/loftis-skeptical-about-state-government.html

Battles between agencies are a good thing as long as the fight is objective and in the best interest of all South Carolinians. You can bet though, if my friend Curtis Loftis fails to live up to his promises I will be the first one banging on his door!