Barker Said To Be Target Of Sanford’s “Plane Probe”
It probably won’t be enough to save him from impeachment, but S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford may soon have some company when it comes to state officials improperly using taxpayer-provided aircraft.
According to sources close to Sanford’s so-called “investigation” of higher ed travel, Clemson University President James Barker is reportedly the primary target of the governor’s recent request for detailed flight data from the state’s top three research universities. In fact, these sources spoke in detail with FITS Monday about a number of alleged flights tied to Barker, including ski trips to Colorado and a return flight from the 2009 Gator Bowl. Barker is also being accused of flying a University plane to board meetings of The Shaw Group – a Fortune 500 company based in Louisiana on whose board of directors Barker sits.
In November of last year, Barker issued a directive stating that Clemson’s planes (the University has two of them) were to be used only in cases of “extreme necessity,” but Sanford’s office is reportedly in possession of information indicating that Barker didn’t always follow his own directive.
Of course, if true, that would make Barker no different than the governor, who is under fire for ignoring the travel guidelines he campaigned on and imposed on other state agencies.
Specifically, sources tell FITS that less than two months after issuing the directive regarding the Clemson aircraft, Barker requested the use of a Clemson plane to fly his family to the 2009 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The aircraft in question was undergoing some needed repairs at the time, these sources say, and so Barker was reportedly driven to the game in a sport utility vehicle provided by BMW.
When it was time for Barker and his family to return from Jacksonville, a Clemson plane carrying a University police officer was allegedly dispatched to pick them up – with the officer assigned the task of driving the BMW back to Clemson.
This information – initially provided to FITS by a source at the University – is said to lie at the heart of Sanford’s higher ed travel inquisition.
Barker has never used a Clemson plane to fly to Shaw Group board meetings, Clemson spokeswoman Cathy Sams tells FITS.
As for the ski trip and bowl game allegations, Sams says that that the University alumni association sponsors an annual ski trip and that Barker may have been provided with an economy class ticket to that event by the University foundation.
Sams acknowledges that Barker flew back from the Gator Bowl, an event she describes as “official university business that includes numerous alumni and donor events, as well as official bowl functions that the president is expected to attend.”
“His chief of staff made the decision to send the plane to pick him back up and have the car driven back,” Sams says. “That wasn’t at President Barker’s request; the chief of staff thought it was the best way to maintain his schedule and get him back safely after the game.”
Sams says that Clemson has provided the governor’s office with flight logs from both of Clemson’s planes dating back to July 1, 2005, and that an internal review showed that “the planes are being used appropriately for official university business.”
In what was widely seen as a diversionary tactic from investigations into the governor’s multiple travel-related infractions, earlier this month Sanford called on the University of South Carolina, MUSC and Clemson University to turn over flight logs and passenger manifest information to the governor’s office.
As we said back when Sanford launched this diversion, collecting this information is a good idea – but the governor has obviously forfeited his right to criticize anyone for improper travel practices.
“While we welcome an investigation into higher ed travel abuses (of which we have no doubt there are plenty), we cannot ignore the fact that the person doing the investigating has absolutely zero credibility to accuse anyone of anything,” we wrote upon learning of the governor’s “inquiry.”
a bowl game is official university business that includes numerous alumni and donor events, as well as official bowl functions that the president is expected to attend.
Comments
By LikeaBoss on September 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I was hoping against hope it was Bob Barker. Oh well…
By Stimulus on September 14th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
typical tater
By 1 + 1 = 3 on September 14th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Put them on the unemployment line together then….
By SC Mderate on September 14th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
For starters, I think the Governor of a state, should be held to a higher level of standards than the President of a college- maybe this is not a logical statement, but how I feel.
At any rate, I think all this does is show how destructive and unfocused the Governor has become. And highlights the need to send him on his way sooner rather than later (not to mention reinforces the King Hypocrite mantra).
By CNSYD on September 14th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Stimulus, and you are 100% sure that the usc east Prez’s skirts are clean? Oh wait the usc Prez quit wearing skirts when Holderman left.
By Groundball on September 14th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
If I remember the Gator Bowl correctly, the Tigers shot their wad early, couldn’t score at the end when it really mattered, and left Jacksonville with their tail tucked between their legs. I guess that kinds of mirrors the Governors last trip to Argentina.
By Lady Justice on September 14th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
What a pity it took an ethics investigation for our Goobernatorial Boy Wonder to spring into action as the Protector of the Public Good. What a Wanker.
By Todd on September 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Jim Barker is smarter than – and really more more important to the state than Sanford, is smarter than 99% of the legislators and has run a successful program at Clemson for years. Of course, he’s a target. Go Tigers. Beat Boston College.
By James the Foot Soldier on September 14th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Will Folks come on down!
The price of a coach class flight to Lousianna is 149.99.
By Cathy Sams on September 14th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Clemson’s complete statement is provided below:
Clemson recently provided the Governor’s Office with flight records for the university’s two airplanes (university and athletics) from 7/1/05 to the present, records which would include hundreds of flights. Our review showed that the planes are being used appropriately for official university business.
Fits News has raised questions about a handful of trips, all of which relate to official university business. Here are the facts:
1. The Alumni Association sponsors an annual ski trip, which is an official alumni/development event. I am not aware of the university plane being used, and I believe it is beyond its flight range. President Barker generally flies commercial and pays his own way. I am aware of one occasion when the Foundation paid for a commercial flight to Colorado because of official fundraising activities that were scheduled during the trip. That was paid with private dollars, and it was an economy class ticket. This event in Colorado has yielded at two or our largest alumni gifts totaling $8.5 million plus numerous others.
2. A bowl game is also official university business that includes numerous alumni and donor events, as well as official bowl functions that the president is expected to attend. Last year, President Barker was scheduled to fly to Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl but ended up having to drive because the plane was having mechanical problems. That meant leaving a day earlier, which required rescheduling a full day of work. The Chief of Staff made the decision to send the plane to pick him up in order to keep him on schedule and ensure his safe return to campus. President Barker did not make that request.
3. President Barker has never used the university airplane to fly to Shaw board meetings, although the Clemson Board of Trustees has authorized such use because they consider his participation on the board to be part of his official duties. It has been the Board’s practice for at least 25 years to ask presidents to serve on corporate boards to enhance their understanding of board governance. On a couple of occasions, the university plane flew to Atlanta to make a connecting flight to a Shaw board meeting when university business did not allow President Barker time to drive to the airport.
By Fits Lies on September 14th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I have to say that Fits got it right in relation to what Sanford is up to….deflection…no surprise that Sanford targeted Clemson….he hates them….maybe the legislature can finally get the intestinal fortitude to impeach Sanford and end all of this bullsh*t. Between our Luvenor and Joeboy….we are well respected across the US of A.
By Henry on September 14th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Eugene Troutman, Assistant to the Board, was fired last year by Barker after Troutman started uncovering such abuses and, as was his duty, reporting it to the Board. Troutman sued.
Clemson filed numerous Motions to Dismiss and Motions to Change Venue, but the case is now in Federal District Court in Richland County, and Troutman, a Greenville resident and Clemson alumnus, now out-of-work, is in the expensive “discovery stage” of Barker’s financial mismanagement and false/misleading statements to both the Board and the public. Joel Collins is his attorney.
Stay tuned to The State newspaper as this money-scam unwinds: much more than airplane trips.
By fitsnews on September 14th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Indeed, Clemson was very responsive to our inquiries … which we appreciate. Thank you, Cathy Sams. Also, USC’s media relations office, led by Margaret Lamb, has been very responsive to our inquiries.
Now if we could just get both of these schools to stop wasting so much money and focus on their core mission of educating students …
-FITS
By clemson insider on September 14th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Cathy Sam’s response is so equivocating it goes beyond concealing the truth to misinterpreting it. But, if you know the facts you can translate her careful misrepresentations. For example, read, “ski trips” as “Christmas vacation” not paid for by Barker. (If the taxpayers do not need to be upset, the Clemson University Foundation should be livid.) Read “donors” as “family friends and old class mates.” Read, “generally flies commercial” as a giant loophole for later escape. Read “pays his own way” as “only when he cannot figure out how to put it on his expense account.” The explanation for item 2 must have been thrown in for comic relief. The joke is picturing Barker taking instructions from a bellhop. Item 3 presents the best for last. How do you like the phrase “…has never used the University plane to fly to Shaw board meetings…” followed a sentence later with, “On a couple of occasions, the university plane flew to Atlanta…” Also, if the Trustees say it is okay, then State law does not count? Clemson is falling down the hill.
By CNSYD on September 14th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
clemson insider, as I know donors who have been invited on these ski trips your allegations are so bogus. They are used as opportunities to get potential big donors to commit. Which plane was used? Who paid for the plane and with what money? Was it state funds? There are so many details you don’t give as it would destroy your thesis.
By MKinVA on September 14th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
The IRS is going to have to open a section dedicated just to auditing SC public officials. Now that’s economic stimulation!!
By Dottie on September 14th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
FITS – If the schools are being so cooperative, you need to request and compare the flight hours of the university planes versus the governor’s use of state aircraft…the truth will set you free!
By Commonman on September 15th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Just raise tuition and support this new royalty of Higher Education Presidents in our great state. Let the peasants eat grits while they fly the friendly skies in style. Its the least us peasants can do for them.
By bluetiger on September 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Well, Cathy Sams says “?????”. Now, everyone knows Cathy Sams is certified truth teller. Just remember all of her explanations of the Troutman case. And, 2 people actually believed her besides Barker. Helms and the outstandingly qualified General Counsel were right on board with every “story”.
It would be great if this little Plane thing was anywhere close to the real failings of this University Administration. As well, with all of the other transgressions, who cares what our super slick Governor does in or with the plane.
Read the facts that have been presented against this Clemson crew over the past 2 years. You will understand why they are the strongest supporters of Sanford, He’s got the big guns pointing at him – all else is taking a back seat in the media and minds of the public.
I am afraid that time has been the Administations ally in this and the vast majority of damning, ugly, embarassing info has been destroyed or so badly mangled that it won’t be recognizable. Too many Lawyers, building up huge bills for the unprotected taxpayers of South Carolina to pay for not to have made their way through with the records slicing out incriminating facts with the skill of brain surgeons.
Mr. Collins is a wonderful attorney, true Clemson Man but, one firm is no match for the power of a Major University and all of the State’s finances and rsources.
Sanford needs to end his embarrassment to the State with a quiet goodbye and catch the first luxury flight to Latin America.
And, hopefully, the underdog/Mr. Troutman and Mr. Collins will find those smoking guns that are or were all about the BOT and Admin of Clemson. And, hopefully, the decoveries will reach beyond the financial maneuvers of the Admin and PSA to also take the covers off the total disregard for the careers, security, emotions and human treatment of the employees – they deserve protection against the VP’s, ASSO VP’S, Department Heads that lurk the halls at Clemson with no accountability or control over their behavior.
By Whit Suber on September 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
We should get rid of these planes or quit complaining about “abuse.” The use of private planes is almost always an unnecessary luxury that should be reserved for those who are accually footing the bill. Anytime these types of perks are made available on demand to those who are not paying the cost of use, you will find abuse. If even 10% of the cost of use was deducted from Barker’s salary, he’d ride back from Jackonville on a donkey.
As it stands now, it’s Blutto Air, “Grab a seat, don’t cost nothin’”
By CNSYD on September 15th, 2009 at 10:17 am
bluetiger, Huh??????
Whit Suber, So you think that state school athletic programs that bought planes for coaches’ use and did not use taxpayer monies should turn them in?
By weighing in on September 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
big difference in private dollars and tax dollars – and I can’t stand Clemson, but don’t fault them here. And the Love Gov just needs to get out of his state of denial…better yet, just get out of the state. Between you and the racist ignorant Lexington inbred Joe Wilson, haven’t you done enough already
By bluetiger on September 15th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
CNSYD!!
HUH!!! what?? Not wanting to understand, are you??
If you condone the mess that goes on, Best of Luck living with yourself!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on September 15th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
A pitiful diversionary tactic. He’ll be bounced out for dereliction of duty.
By CNSYD on September 15th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
bluetiger, the “Huh” is because you talk in circles. You throw out nebulous accusations with no names or detailed data. Is it because there is none? Since it has not been positively demonstrated and proven that a “mess” exists, then I don’t have a problem living with myself.
By totallydumbfounded on September 15th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
CNSYD – You are the prime example of why Politicians, answer to no one University adminstrators and many ranking State employees just continue to run roughtrod over the laws, the careers and the rights of people of this State.
When we say, the man is dirty, he condones sexual harassment, he protects molesters, he lies about finances – the only response is – the facts are totally confusing to me, you haven’t given a single name or detail – when in fact we have – we’ve given Barker,Helms, Kelly, Sams – Asso VP – and several more – and listed details – you respond with “I know someone therefore I’m right! – and, never care, never think or, on the other hand, are involved so deeply with the characters in the dirty corners, you feel a need to protect.
You can live with that – many people have – and stayed hidden for a lifetime. ’somewhere there has to be some little spark of a guilty conscience deep down there somewhere. I hope you find peace in letting some very vunerable and good people be stepped on for no reason but greed and power hunger.
By tiredofitall on September 15th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
The difference between Barker and Sanford, Sanford is an elected official, the President of a college is NOT.
By CNSYD on September 15th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
totallydumbfounded, so I am to understand that Barker,Helms, Kelly, Sams, etc. have done what directly? Where is your proof? Was any law violated? Have you had warrants sworn out? Who was molested and by whom? What did the police do? So unless you can answer those questions it is just BS. The only person I said I knew was a major donor who was invited and went on a ski trip where he was asked to make a major donation. Real secret stuff that.
By bluetiger on September 16th, 2009 at 8:00 am
totallydumbfounded!! Forget it, CYSYD is “in the know” – a registered card holding member of the Barker “if I holler misleading facts, and you don’t show name, rank, social security number on the internet, we’ll say anything to evade the issues at hand” circle. And, obviously, an ordained disciple of the “Cathy Sams message of Truth & Honesty Band”.
By CNSYD on September 16th, 2009 at 9:47 am
bluetiger, you are from some other planet. I heard a rumor that we have laws in this country that say you are innocent until PROVEN quilty. Perhaps that has not reached your planet yet. All this innuendo is so nebulous. VPs did this. Well what VPs and to whom? Barker knows and does nothing. How do you know what Barker knows? I will ask again the questions that you and your ilk avoid answering. Were laws violated? Were rights violated? To what law enforcement agencies was this reported? BTW Sams is an employee. Just like the SID in athletics they say what they are told to say. No different that Gibbs who works for Obama.
By Sorepaw on September 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Cathy Sams said:
“President Barker has never used the university airplane to fly to Shaw board meetings, although the Clemson Board of Trustees has authorized such use because they consider his participation on the board to be part of his official duties. It has been the Board’s practice for at least 25 years to ask presidents to serve on corporate boards to enhance their understanding of board governance.”
Mighty convenient of the Board, counting such trips as part of President Barker’s official duties.
A naïve observer might have thought he got put on the board of the Shaw Group simply in order to put more money in his pocket.