1996 Permanent Senate Journal Printed Pages 1400-1409 - South Carolina Legislature Online

Journal of the Senate
of the Second Session of the 111th General Assembly
of the State of South Carolina
being the Regular Session Beginning Tuesday, January 9, 1996

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Printed Page 1390, Mar. 29 | Printed Page 1410, Mar. 29

Printed Page 1400 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: I notice, Ms. Green, that you're an early childhood education graduate?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: And I wonder if you ... are you actively teaching now?
A: I'm a middle school guidance counselor at North Side Middle School in Greenwood.
Q: Just one quick question. Why are we having such a great problem with discipline and control of children, especially in the area in which you're working now in middle school?
A: Well, sir, if you look at it in a isolated situation, it's not a problem across the board in my area. We do have some isolated situations. A lot of times children are coming from homes with single parents, and they don't have the guidance that they need and we have to provide a lot of guidance for them at an early age. We need a lot of programs at an early age to try to prevent some of the things that are happening now in our schools.
THE CHAIRMAN: Any further questions? Thank you Ms. Green.
A: You're welcome.
THE CHAIRMAN: That completes Lander University. We proceed now to the Medical University of South Carolina. We have opposition in the 3rd District. First, we have Jack F. McIntosh.
JACK F. McINTOSH - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Mr. McIntosh, raise your right hand, please. Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Mr. McIntosh, do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: No, sir.

Printed Page 1401 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

Q: Any questions of Mr. McIntosh?
SENATOR GIESE: Mr. Chairman.
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, sir.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: Can you tell me what specifically interested you in offering for this position?
A: Well, in 1990 there was an unfilled term. There was two years left on a term and one of the House Members called me and asked me if I would be interested in it and I told him I was. I served for two years, until '92. I enjoyed the service and I felt that it was a very important position to be in and I enjoyed being there, and I felt that I made a good contribution and I'd like to do it again. I also have a son in a position in the academic area. He's up at Duke. And he's a graduate of MUSC and he and I talk a lot and we have interest in public health.
Q: So the interest comes naturally. Thank you.
A: Yes, it does.
THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you, Senator Giese. Thank you, Mr. McIntosh. Our next candidate is Fred Moore.
FRED MOORE - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Raise your right hand, please, Fred. Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir. I submitted a doctor's statement to that effect.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: No, sir.
Q: Any questions of the gentleman?
SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman.
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, Senator Bryan.

Printed Page 1402 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

EXAMINATION BY SENATOR BRYAN:
Q: Someone had asked me to ask him about his Honorary Degree to Cokesbury College.
A: Uh-oh. I don't think an Honorary Degree from a non-existent Board of directors would have any direct effect of me serving in a capacity of this sort.
Q: The individual that asked me that thought you would take great pride in it.
A: I don't know if these people know what an Honorary Degree from Cokesbury College is. But after about 40 years, 30 years down in here in the legislature, they honored me with this degree from a Financial Education Doctorate, I thinks the way that was worded. But it looks pretty on a wall with the blue ribbons and gold and all that stuff. I don't think that would have any effect on this.
THE CHAIRMAN: Any other questions?
REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: I have one.
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, Representative Inabinett.
EXAMINATION BY REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT:
Q: Sir, this may be an unfair ... I have one question, sir.
A: Excuse me.
THE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Abinett has a question.
Q: Mr. Moore, this may be an unfair question, but do you have any views, pro or con, with reference to the proposed merger of MUSC and the private health provider?
A: I've studied this over and I talked with Dr. Edwards about it and several of the administrators, and I see it as a growing, progressive step that should be taken under certain conditions that would enhance the ability of the University and its research departments to serve more people more adequately. And I don't think that it ought to become a monster because Anderson County ... I mean, Anderson hand led Greenville and Spartanburg as having a sort of a merger between those people to use the same facilities to keep cost and things like this down and I think this could possibly apply to the Medical University ...
Q: Thank you.
A: Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you Mr. Moore. That completes the Medical University. We now go to the University of South Carolina. Our first candidate is Patrick D. Cunning.

Printed Page 1403 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

PATRICK D. CUNNING - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Raise your right hand, please, Mr. Cunning. Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: No, sir.
Q: Any questions of the gentleman? Thank you, sir.
THE CHAIRMAN: Our next candidate is Miles Loadholt.
MILES LOADHOLT - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Counsel, would you raise your right hand, please? Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Mr. Loadholt, do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: Possibly. I serve as Vice Chairman of the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission and have for the last 20 years, which is in essence

Printed Page 1404 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

the Board of Trustees for USC Salkehatchie, which governs the Allendale campus and Walterboro campus. If elected to the USC Board of Trustees, I would, of course, resign that position and I am also on the Executive Committee of the University of South Carolina Gamecock Club and have been there since it's inception, and I would necessarily resign that position also, if elected to the Board of Trustees.
Q: Thank you, counselor. Any questions of the gentleman?
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: How dare you put down here you belong to the Gamecock Club, it costs you half of your votes. I wanted to ask you a question because Barnwell's name comes up so frequently in our discussions. And, could you in 60 seconds tell me the attitude of the people in Barnwell towards the low level nuclear facility?
A: In my opinion, they are very supportive of the Chem Nuclear Facility in Barnwell. It is of course a source of great tax revenue, not only to the State of South Carolina, but for Barnwell too. So, just speaking for the general public I would have to say that they would be highly supportive of that.
Q: Thank you. And what ...
A: My wife is Chairman of the Barnwell County Counsel, you may direct that question to her and she probably is a little more qualified to answer that than I am.
Q: That was my impression, but you hear so much criticism from people that are right down there, apparently are very comfortable with it and it is a source of jobs, et cetera. Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: Any other questions? Thank you, sir.
A: Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: We go now to the 10th Circuit, Brian A. Comer.
BRIAN A. COMER - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Raise your right hand, please. Mr. Comer, do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir, absolutely.

Printed Page 1405 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: I was a bit concerned of being a current House page, but I have an opinion from Gary Baker with the State Ethics Commission, that even if I were to carry on that service that it wouldn't be a problem, but I am prepared to resign it if I have to.
Q: Any questions of the gentleman? Senator Giese.
SENATOR GIESE: Chairman, I notice he's a member of the Gamecock Club, also.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: Brian, tell me just a little bit about your background at the University. You are a fairly recent graduate. And what has peaked your interest about being a member of the Board?
A: Sir, about two years ago I began a term on the Board, actually, as Student Body President at the University. It was a wonderful experience. Not only did I get a chance to serve with some extraordinary people that truly care about the University, but I also felt like I made a significant contribution. I learned a lot about the University during that time, about its ... the things that we need to do to make it fiscally responsible and keep it fiscally responsible, as well as what is involved with student life there as well. And as a current graduate student, I think I have a vested interest in maintaining a fiscally responsible University. So, that's why I want to possibly seek position and continue to contribute.
Q: You had an opportunity to participate in the discussions, your background was such that you could contribute?
A: Oh, yes, sir. I was considered an ex officio member without a vote, but I was at every meeting and made sure to speak up. That was job as a representative of the students.
Q: Thank you.
SENATOR BRYAN: Mr. Chairman.
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, sir, Senator Bryan.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR BRYAN:
Q: What year are you in law school?
A: I'm first year.
Q: I just wondered. Is being a student and on the Board, is that any kind of a conflict?
A: Not to my knowledge.

Printed Page 1406 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

Q: I mean a degree is awarded by the Board of Trustees.
A: Actually, I also ... there could be some influence there. I actually also took the opportunity whenever I wrote my letter to the ethics commission, to ask them about possibly being a scholarship student, and they said that also would not be a problem. And I think that if there was a problem with the degree conference from the Board, that they would have said so.
Q: Do you have a copy of that.
A: Yes, sir, I can submit it to the Committee, if you'd like.
Q: Yes. And the only thing I would add, Chairman, is that I think being a House page, pays more than being a Member of the Board of Trustees.
THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you, son. Thank you, Mr. Comer.
A: Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: Our next candidate is Robert N. McLellan.
ROBERT N. McLELLAN - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: Raise your right hand, please, sir. Mr. McLellan, you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: I do not.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: I will.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: I do not.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: I do not.
Q: Any questions of the gentleman? Senator Giese.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: Of course, I've always had a high regard for Mr. McLellan, but this is the first time I've realized his degree was in Journalism. I might have to re-evaluate ...
A: I would understand.
REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT: I have one question.

Printed Page 1407 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

EXAMINATION BY REPRESENTATIVE INABINETT:
Q: I note that you indicate that you had no plans to make an extended statement with reference to your candidacy. Can you just give us a rationale for that statement?
A: Yes. I was not totally familiar with procedure here. I assumed that I would submit myself to questions, which apparently I'm doing. But, my interest in serving on the Board is to utilize my experience in Government and business to lend what assistance I can to help the University.
Q: Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: Senator Giese.
SENATOR GIESE: Chairman.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: I'm familiar with your background, of course, heading up the very important committee dealing with fiscal affairs. What special insight would you think you would bring to the Board of Trustees?
A: Well, I think to understand the funding cycle would be one thing, that I'm not sure totally that everybody has understood. I'm also, Senator, interested in doing what I could to encourage the holding down of tuition increases. I think that one of the missions of the University of South Carolina is to afford an affordable education to as many students in the state as we can. And I'm not quit so sure that has happened. I think the University looks at the General Assembly as short funding them on the formula and as long as we stay on the formula I think we can see that the percentage going to higher ed is being reduced. And I would like to have some input in that to help the Board have an understanding of what it's about and also to try to influence the General Assembly to increase the funding for the formula.
Q: You think your background in politics might be of assistance in the University's Board of Trustees communicating needs and so on to the legislature? I've often felt that so many times, and this would be kind of global with all the universities, that the leadership, the policy makers, somehow aren't the ones that we hear from.
A: Yes, sir. I would definitely think so, Senator Giese. I think the fact that I know the majority of the members in the General Assembly and feel free to communicate with them would be of some assistance to the Board and to the University.
Q: If you look at things a little bit from a political point of view, you've got the academic point of view, the administrative point of view, so often that third point of view about what's realistic and what's possible somehow doesn't get injected.
A: Yes, I agree with you. I've observed that myself.

Printed Page 1408 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

THE CHAIRMAN: Any other questions of the gentleman? Thank you.
A: Thank you, sir.
THE CHAIRMAN: That completes the University of South Carolina. We now go to Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. Our first candidate is Dr. Marvin Efron.
DR. MARVIN EFRON - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
Q: How are you, Doctor?
A: Fine, thank you.
Q: Raise your hand, please, sir. Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: I do.
Q: Doctor, do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No. No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No, sir.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: No, sir.
Q: Any questions of the doctor?
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GIESE:
Q: Chairman, I just say that I recognize Dr. Efron as being a party to many, many activities, voluntary activities and so on through many years. And are you still president of the ...
A: Partners of the America?
Q: Yes.
A: Executive Director this year.
Q: Executive Director. Have you retired as a ...
A: Optometrist? No, I work two days a week as an optometrist. Sort of semi-retired.
Q: Thank you.
THE CHAIRMAN: Senator Glover.
EXAMINATION BY SENATOR GLOVER:
Q: Good morning.
A: Good morning.

Printed Page 1409 . . . . . Friday, March 29, 1996

Q: Doctor, presently are there any specific projects that you have with Wil Lou Gray that you think would enhance our knowledge of the school and your desire to continue to serve?
A: Well, the mission I think all of you are familiar with. This is ... right now it's for at risk students. Students who have had a problem in school and need a second chance. That's where opportunity comes in. As Dr. Wil Lou Gray formed it under that purpose. The school has been very flexible over the years, and any time a need in South Carolina has arisen we have tried to meet that within our capabilities. Right now we are working with an addition to our at risk students, working with the schools. We are recognizing need with the Department of Social Services to assist them with some of the programs for teenage mothers, for example, who, before they can become employed to increase both their academic and vocational training to reach the level of competency they can to make good employees. So, this is one of the things that we're looking at in the future and we're in the process right now of working out the details.
Q: Thank you, Doctor.
THE CHAIRMAN: Our next candidate is Ms. Wilhelmina McBride.
WILHELMINA McBRIDE - EXAMINATION BY THE CHAIRMAN:
A: Good morning.
Q: Raise your right hand, please, Ms. McBride. Do you swear that the foregoing testimony is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Ms. McBride, do you have any health-related problems that the screening committee should be made aware of that would prevent you from serving on the Board in a full capacity?
A: No, sir.
Q: Considering your present occupation and other activities, would you be able to attend Board meetings on a regular basis?
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Do you have any interests, professionally or personally, that present a conflict of interest because of your service on the Board?
A: No.
Q: Do you now hold any public position of honor or trust that, if elected to the Board, would cause you to violate the dual office holding clause of the constitution?
A: No, sir.
Q: Any questions of the lady? Dr. Glover.

Printed Page 1390, Mar. 29 | Printed Page 1410, Mar. 29

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