Tensions erupted at a S.C. Budget and Control Board (B&CB) meeting on Tuesday when Gov. Nikki Haley and State Treasurer Curtis Loftis sparred over cash flow problems at the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
The caustic back and forth was the latest in a series of spats between the two Republican officials – both of whom were elected in November.
This time, things got so heated that Loftis at one point compared Haley’s managerial style to that of former leaders of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
As we’ve reported previously, SCDOT (a quasi-cabinet agency) has blown more than $344 million of its available debt capacity on a corrupt vote-trading scam – one that saw numerous non-essential highway projects approved.
(Click here, here, here and here to read more about this agency’s deplorable conduct).
As a result of this corrupt mismanagement, SCDOT now finds itself in a $50 million hole – and is currently unable to pay contractors for priority road projects. On Tuesday, Haley – who has previously approved a pair of $100 million bailouts for the state’s Medicaid agency (click here and here) – refused to let the board discuss a $50 million bailout for SCDOT.
“We are not going to be adding agenda items just because,” Haley told Loftis, who attempted to bring the issue up for debate.
Loftis then pointed Haley to a letter that he wrote her four months ago seeking a change in the protocol for board meetings – a letter which he says Haley ignored.
“We’re not going to do this,” Haley snapped.
At that point, Loftis accused Haley of running a “Politburo” meeting – a reference to the former Soviet executive committee.
Wow …
First things first – we don’t necessarily have a problem with Haley’s decision to block this vote. After all, SCDOT (including the campaign contributor that Haley appointed to serve on its governing commission) is solely to blame for its own fiscal woes. The fact that its leaders approached board members prior to Tuesday’s meeting in search of a taxpayer-funded bailout is deplorable.
Every bit as deplorable, in fact, as its attempts to raise South Carolina’s gas tax.
It is interesting, however, that Haley would approve taxpayer-funded bailouts for one state agency while rejecting them for another … but that’s neither here nor there. Haley is nothing if not two-faced.
The real issue is – once again – a total lack of accountability in state government. As was the case prior to the “reform” of SCDOT four years ago, decisions at this agency continue to be made based on political considerations – not the best interests of South Carolina taxpayers – with predictably disastrous results.
And as usual, when the sh*t hits the fan absolutely no one is in charge – even though Haley claims that she has the current situation under control.
“The Governor wants this to be about insignificant meeting protocol, I want this to be about paying the hard-working men and women of South Carolina,” Loftis said in a statement after the meeting. “This is a lost opportunity for (Haley) to be transparent about this issue and accountable about her cabinet. These issues should be discussed in public and not behind closed doors.”
We agree with him on the transparency front … we just don’t support giving this agency any additional money.
Like the health care agencies that Haley bailed out earlier this year, SCDOT doesn’t deserve an additional dime from taxpayers. But that doesn’t mean its problems should be swept under the rug, either.
SCDOT – like the Budget and Control Board itself – remains a quasi-executive, quasi-legislative agency that is rife with corruption and devoid of accountability. That won’t change until it is responsibilities are placed entirely and exclusively under the governor’s cabinet.
Obviously, we don’t expect Haley to do any better running this agency than state lawmakers (in fact, her status quo SCDOT appointments have been unmitigated disasters). We do, however, expect that voters will show her the door when she fails … which is what accountability is all about, isn’t it?
***
By Crooner August 9, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Sic:
You’re missing the real story. Did Haley know what the Politburo was?
By Don August 9, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Haley is hiding that her cabinet is not managing its money properly. She is relying on a early payment bailout by the Obama Administration department.
Loftis is right that these issues should be addressed in public. Why behing closed doors? Why should the DOT incur cost in dragging these payments out when money is in the state’s hands already?
My brother is a road contractor and I can tell you he is hanging on by a thread. Haley and cabinet should pay thier bills, in full and own time.
By Nikki's Twitter August 9, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Great News! I shutdown Loftis before he could do SC anymore damage. Get Excited.
By Hal August 9, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Loftis is correct. When a group has no rules then:
1. the Chair rules.
2. The Majority rules.
3. The minority is never heard.
We are a nation of laws, not men. Haley thinks she is Czarina, and can do as she please. She is above law, in her mind.
Wrong, Ms. Haley. Wrong
By Tea Party August 9, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Pay the people doing the work! This Tea Party guy hates the way elites treat the working class. Haley, PAY THEM!
Loftis, don’t quit to you get the place cleaned up. Don’t stop.
Make the state pay these people.
By james August 9, 2011 at 4:42 pm
I do not think they can add items to their agenda without 24 hours notice under state law for public meetings
By Nikki's Inner Circle August 9, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Shhhhhh, listen. It’s been a tough stretch. Shannon used to wax my nips, while Eleanor combed my beev, and Catherine…… oh my!! I need Vicki, the stress…., Loftis is an ass, where is my Vicki, oh I need her so….that Loftis, I know Politburo has to do with my, well, oh..Kenny. I need that trooper with his fly unzipped. Fetch him for me.
By Kyle August 9, 2011 at 4:48 pm
She is a female Barak Obama. She thinks she can do anything she wants.
By Michael Graham August 9, 2011 at 4:50 pm
If they are working, you have to pay them. I, nor you mr. fitsnews would work for free, especially in the summer heat. It’s about time someone in this good ol’ boy politics state stood up for what is right!
By Nikki's Inner Circle August 9, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Yikes, OMG, what happened to Mande Wilkes FB profile picture. She cropped the mellons out. My best part. How could she allow Loftis to talk her into that? He’s trying to torture me, I can feel it in my.. where is Col. Cock?
By fyi August 9, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Two faced? Does that call for two acne facials?
Pingback: Haley plays games, workers toil unpaid
By l island guy August 9, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Can’t belive. I voted for haley. She has turned on the working man.
By Shut Up and Suck August 9, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Politburo? something long and hard that goes doonnngggg?
By Nikki's Twitter August 9, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Get Excited! I absolutely support working men in the most absolute manner in which I absolutely maintain control throughout the climax!!
By pam August 9, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Loftis is fighting for our good credit and paying working people. Haley is hiding her inability to pay the states bill.
I support Loftis all the way. Haley is just another politican.
By James August 9, 2011 at 6:23 pm
It’s interesting the Dept. Of Education and Workforce – DEW (another Haley cabinet agency) can pay millions for office renovations such as new carpet, paint, workstations, media equipment, computers, blackberries, laptops, furniture and a large framed picture of Haley in all the lobbies, yet they can’t help DOT pay their bills. Loftis should ask for an audit of Haley’s cabinet agencies and show proof of how unreasonable expenditures are for her PET agencies. I bet then she would never want to talk about transparency because none of these expenses are necessary.
By Citizen Cicero August 9, 2011 at 6:36 pm
“SCDOT – like the Budget and Control Board itself – remains a quasi-executive, quasi-legislative agency that is rife with corruption and devoid of accountability. That won’t change until it is responsibilities are placed entirely and exclusively under the governor’s cabinet.”
A DOT internal auditor told me that reports about corruption and bid-rigging there were regularly disregarded by the executive director. One well-researched investigative report was thrown into the trash by the director, in front of the auditor’s eyes. “Understand?” asked the director.
The mismanagement and lack of cost control at DOT is probably equaled in state government only by Dept. of Health and Human Services.
The Governor’s recently-appointed Inspector General should have a large in-basket full of reports about these two agencies. Does the IG have the independence to act on his own to bring bad behavior to the state Attorney General or to a county solicitor? Would the governor be so foolish to manipulate the IG?
“Squishy” may be the best answer, given this Governor’s behavior.
I look forward to Sen. Sheheen’s Inspector General bill being passed in 2012 since it will ensure that the IG is truly independent of the Governor, can be removed only for cause, and can investigate complaints not only about the Governor’s cabinet agencies, but all other agencies operating with lax oversight.
Go Curtis !!
Go Vincent !!
By eggaday August 9, 2011 at 6:49 pm
no no no, we are a nation of men not laws.
trust me on this one cause I can prove it.
By jimlewis,owb August 9, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Every time I read this article I keep coming back to the scene in Public Enemy with Jimmy Cagney and the grapefruit. I know what Cagney did ain’t right, but it is applicable.
Come to think of it Loftis does bear some resemblance to Cagney.
Betcha a pitcher of Amber Bock served ice cold at Fat Buddies Two in Chapin, SC that if Loftis shows up at a Board meeting with a half of a grapefruit, the Gypsy Queen will sit at the far end of the table.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmZfJuS4sVc
By mike August 9, 2011 at 7:08 pm
I can’t understad this issue. Why would haley not want to pay these people on time?
By Howell August 9, 2011 at 7:50 pm
My good friend is a contractor and he is owed 1.5 million dollars, averaging 45 days. He will last another week then shut down and probably sue the state.
Haley has been a true letdown to me.
By Perry Mason August 9, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Howell, I am afraid money is not Haley’s strong suit. As long as she can screw over LMC, Wilber, Contributors, SC to pad her comfort zone, she is oblivious to anyone else. She let her own personal taxes go to hell for years…… she isn’t going to worry about contractors closing down, or shutting down, or suing the state. She’s a freak. I hope CBS is right, she is superglued to Lancaster’s big dick. They deserve each other.
By Letterman August 9, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Damn, I called Haley a cunt, and Sic deletes it. Scared fucker.
By Letterman August 9, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Grow some balls, Sic.
By Frankly My Dear August 9, 2011 at 8:27 pm
JimLewis OWB, I think I love you!!
By Where's Ned Sloan? August 9, 2011 at 8:36 pm
This type of corruption could be explored in depth and lead to some actual accountability if Ned Sloan got involved….not only is he a gov’t watchdog but I seem to remember he owned a road construction company.
By Pee Dee August 9, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Where’s Ned Sloan?
Yes, Mr. Sloan could get involved if he wanted to do so. And he did own a road construction company. The problem is that Mr. Sloan is a lone wolf and does things only “his way.” I understand that his dissent at the SC Policy Council was so strident that even though he was a major donor, SCPC asked him to “cease being a member.” He’s one of the most obnoxious, rude, unpleasant, and disheartening people I’ve ever met.
By Perfect! August 9, 2011 at 11:10 pm
And that’s why we need more “Ned Sloan”‘s to stir things up.
:)
By fyi August 10, 2011 at 4:15 am
Loftis is just trying to police the police, and he’s shut down every time. All a bunch of dirty cops.
By Larry August 10, 2011 at 7:23 am
I work at DOT and I can tell you our finances are a mess. Will, I hope you FOI information from fiance. Contractors are up to 105 days late and they are having to beg for money. It is a mess.
By GOPer August 10, 2011 at 7:28 am
Loftis is the Chris Chistie of SC. He is fighting for the right thing, for the “common man”. Problem is he has no allies. No one else will stand up to the Governor. They are all afraid of her. But like Christie, he does not appear to even think about quitting.
Fight on, Mr. Loftis, keep fighting.
By Mike August 10, 2011 at 8:41 am
How have I missed who Mandy Wilkes is all this time….yum!
By Mike August 10, 2011 at 8:41 am
Mande…oops
By Recovering Lobbyist August 10, 2011 at 8:42 am
Loftis is running for Governor.
By Danny L. August 10, 2011 at 8:52 am
I just figured out who OWB really is. Stupid me. “And I coulda’ had a V8!”
By Tom August 10, 2011 at 9:16 am
With crap like this, does she still really belive that the legislature will give her more power next year?
By Eastbound and Down August 10, 2011 at 10:00 am
Is there video of this?
By MtP Hungryneck August 10, 2011 at 10:08 am
Curtis Loftis is everything we thought Nikki Haley would be. So much for her promises of transparency, openness and govt reforms.
By Bob Dalton August 10, 2011 at 10:24 am
“By Letterman August 9, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Damn, I called Haley a cunt, and Sic deletes it. Scared fucker.”
Your parents must be so proud. Come quick honey, little Letterman learned a new word.
By Nikki's Twitter August 10, 2011 at 11:49 am
People in India call me a Cuckquean Coconut Cunt
By Yami August 10, 2011 at 11:51 am
Mike, Mande’s running for US Congress, so she cropped out her Bodacious Mellons on Facebook. You gotta go look at an old Sic Tweet.
By HoneyDo August 10, 2011 at 1:58 pm
This is in response to a comment from a blogger about the SCDEW. I am constantly hearing negative remarks from employers and customers who have had dealings with the “new” SCDEW (formerly the SCESC). According to employers whom I have spoken with there are serious problems with the way unemployment claims are being handled and many employers are furious to say the least. If they had any idea how that agency operates they would really be outraged. As for customers, specifically job seekers, from what I have heard, many have grown tired of “all talk and no action” from that agency and many have flat out quit using them to assist in job seeking. It would make it appear that this state and “that” agency is doing a better job, unemployed numbers are down (bull) and the number of job seekers are down (again, bull). Many have just quit using that agency as a resource and are simply doing a better job on their own. Does anyone who can do anything about this disaster of an agency care? According to some of the employers that have spoken to me about their issues, no one cares and no one will take a step to make changes even though they have reported or attempted to report their problems/concerns. I know some of you may get angry about what I am about to say but here it goes anyway….at least Mark Sanford tried to repair the wrongs within that agency. He was just gone before he could finish the job! If he were in charge of that now “Cabinet Agency” I think things would be much different!
By Bill August 10, 2011 at 2:04 pm
DEW is another Halry cabinet department that is disfunctional. Dot ain’t alone
By Fairbank August 10, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Gov. Haley is most concerned about two people in her life, Vincent Sheheen and Curtis Loftis, not because she needs them to make progress for South Carolinians (her job in life) but because they are the most likely opponents in her reelection. Other than campaign contributors, it doesn’t seem that she looks to anyone for help or advise. Her behavior seems very self-destructive and, other than Sanford, I cannot remember a recent governor so lacking in leadership.
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