SITTING GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY MEMBER ALLEGEDLY ATTENDED SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR’S ATLANTA FUNDRAISER
A sitting member of the Georgia Ports Authority attended an October 28 fundraiser held for S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley in Atlanta, Georgia – an event that was held just days before the governor’s appointees to an environmental board gift-wrapped a competitive advantage for his state.
Multiple sources have confirmed to FITS that Atlanta businessman James S. Balloun attended the Haley event – which would obviously be the latest contradiction of Haley’s claims that no one with “ties to the (Georgia) port” participated in the event.
News of the fundraiser was first reported on (and first confirmed) by FITS.
It was not immediately clear whether Balloun gave Haley a campaign contribution at the event, although his name was not among the eleven donors released by the governor’s campaign earlier this week.
James S. Balloun
Balloun, 72, is a retired chairman and chief executive officer of Acuity Brands, Inc. – a multi-billion manufacturer of lighting fixtures and cleaning chemicals. He was appointed to the Georgia Ports Authority board in 2009. Prior to that, he served on a bi-state commission that was supposed to have paved the way for a deepwater port in Jasper County, S.C>
FITS questioned Balloun regarding his involvement in the Haley fundraiser on November 11 but he refused to confirm or deny his attendance, referring us to Haley’s office. Since then, sources close to the Georgia investor say that he “has stopped answering his phone” in light of the scrutiny his involvement with the event has generated.
Last month, Haley’s SCDHEC appointees reversed the agency’s previous decision and granted a controversial environmental permitto the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
That decision – which has prompted outrage from Republicans and Democrats alike – would permit the Port of Savannah to handle larger container ships, thus enhancing its competitive advantage at the expense of the Port of Charleston and effectively eliminating any chance that a deep water port will ever be constructed in Jasper County, S.C. It also guarantees that U.S. taxpayers will be on the hook for Savannah’s expansion – rather than private capital going to fund a Jasper County facility that would create thousands of South Carolina jobs and cause much less damage to the environment.
Haley has been accused of receiving financial and political favors from moneyed interests in Georgia in exchange for her advocacy on behalf of the Port of Savannah – charges she has aggressively defended herself against.
“There were no ties to the ports,” Haley said at a press conference in Columbia, S.C. on Monday.
We quickly pointed out that four of the eleven contributions that Haley has made public came from the law firm of McKenna Long and Aldridge – which has extensive infrastructure and maritime interests. Not only that, one of the firm’s partners – Keith W. Mason – served for seven years on the Georgia Ports Authority board (including two years as its chairman).
FITS interviewed Mason earlier this week, who claimed that he was not a “participant” in the Atlanta fundraiser.
Alec L. Poitevint
In addition to the alleged fundraiser(s), our sources say that current Georgia Ports Authority chairman Alec L. Poitevint II – a major GOP donor who will select speakers for next year’s Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida – has been negotiating with Haley and her political consultant Jon Lerner to land the governor a coveted prime time speaking gig at the event.
Poitevint so far isn’t denying the claims.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, one of its reporters “asked Poitevint several weeks ago whether there was any horse-trading to encourage Haley to shift her position.”
Poitevint’s reply?
“She’s a nice lady.”
Whatever the reason, Haley’s position on port related issues has undergone a dramatic shift.
Shortly after her 2010 election, Haley instigated a major spat with Georgia – sending a clear warning across the Savannah River regarding port-related issues.
“You now have a governor who does not like to lose,” Haley told a cheering crowd of S.C. State Ports Authority supporters in Charleston. “Georgia has had their way with us for way too long, and I don’t have the patience to let it happen anymore.”
Last month, though – right around the time that Georgia donors allegedly began stroking checks to her campaign – Haley’s tune began to change.
“Every port is different, and every port has its challenges,” Haley told Savannah’s WJCL/FOX 28 in October. “We have to say ‘What do we need to do that is right for the region?’ Our goal is to make sure every port (in the region) is successful.”
On Thursday, two Democratic members of the Senate Medical Affairs committee – which is investigating Haley’s involvement in the fiasco – called on the governor and her staff to testify under oath regarding their involvement in the mushrooming scandal.
“We keep hearing from the Governor’s Office that they are willing to meet privately to describe their involvement,” S.C. Sen. Joel Lourie said in a statement. “This is hardly transparent from the so-called ‘Transparency Governor.’ The people of South Carolina deserve a full and open accounting from the governor and her staff. They need to testify under oath. If they refuse again, the Medical Affairs Committee needs to do its duty and issue subpoenas and compel them to testify.”
Comittee chairman Harvey Peeler (RINO-Cherokee), the Senate Majority Leader, previously invited Haley and four of her staff members to testify – an offer the governor refused.
In addition to Peeler’s inquiry, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson is investigating the issue on behalf of the Savannah River Maritime Commission, which was established in 2007 and granted statutory authority to represent South Carolina in all maritime interests on the river.
***
By stimulus December 1, 2011 at 3:51 pm
she is a stupid ugly bitch!
By Dave Thomas December 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Has the permit DHEC issued even been appealed? I doubt it. This is just a big circle jerk designed to make it look like our pols are doing something, but my bet is that 30 days will run and the permit will go into effect.
By Paul C. December 1, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Nice reporting. The whole thing stinks.
By Stephan December 1, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Keep on this story. There’s most certainly something here. Is it illegal to take contributions and stab your own state in the back in exchange for a national speaking slot and some campaign cash? No. But if she becomes toxic enough even DeMint will ditch her.
By AsianSuperfly December 1, 2011 at 4:31 pm
The dumb voters of this state got what they asked for. The sad thing is, a majority of those voters who chose her STILL approve of the job she is doing. Sad.
By keeping 'em honest December 1, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Mike Fair on Tuesday: “There is no smoking gun there.”
Well that gun is now red-hot and smoking thanks to Sic Willy.
Subpena the Queen and her staff! Put their lying arses under oath!
By sonnysboy December 1, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Can anyone tell me why the first year sitting Governor of SC would be having a small fund-raiser in an Atlanta-based corporate law firm, attended by no one from SC?
The only reason is for the Governor to get money from people who want to influence matters in SC. They are not having this mini-fundraiser because Atlanta attorneys and rich Ga. business people think SC’s Governor is swell and want to support her reelection in 3 years.
The contempt the Governor has for the public’s intelligence and attentiveness will be one of the many reasons for her one and done service.
By General Motorola December 1, 2011 at 5:29 pm
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/nikki-haley-deserves-to-be-on-santa-claus-naughty-list/Content?oid=3652175
Why would governor Haley tell the press that she received donations from “Motorola and GE” when she didn’t?
Has anyone from the Dumb Ass (aka Main Stream) Media asked her (or her office) to explain that one?
By keeping 'em honest December 1, 2011 at 5:37 pm
It past time for the legislature to rein in out-of-state donations and gifts to our politicians. If “they” want to influence our politics so much, than Move here! Otherwise, keep their filthy money out of South Carolina politics.
By Zippadee DooDah December 1, 2011 at 5:39 pm
You are onto something big here, Sic. I know you’re not the only one reporting it, but you have been been first out of the chute with a lot of very damaging stuff.
This is better than the sex. Well … maybe not, but bringing out more info on it can do more damage to Haley, because more people across the political spectrum are real pissed about it.
By jimlewis,owb December 1, 2011 at 5:43 pm
When I was a kid one my prized possessions was a Flash Gordon Ray Gun which was nothing more than a flashlight with a pistol grip and a trigger/switch. At night I would venture down to the chicken coop with my Ray Gun and Red Ryder to do in as many rats as I could find. If no rats were caught in the beam of the Ray Gun, there were always hundreds of cockroaches around feeding on busted eggs and chicken shit to pick off.
Back in the day the bastards would scurry like hell when hit with the Ray Gun Beam followed by a few flying copper BBs.
How ironic these 21st Century Georgia Chrome Dome Cockroaches do the same but it is the media spotlight that causes their testicles to shrink up to their Adam’s Apple to make triplets, eyes blink uncontrollably, throats go dry and their collective brain activity make the Scarecrow of Oz look like Einstein.
Apparently a steady diet of chicken shit is no more of an advantage today than it was 60 years ago.
By Waterfront commentator December 1, 2011 at 6:01 pm
“Every port is different, and every port has its challenges,” Haley told Savannah’s WJCL/FOX 28 in October. “We have to say ‘What do we need to do that is right for the region?’ Our goal is to make sure every port (in the region) is successful.”
********************************
Many exporters and importers (“shippers”) can change ports from Charleston to Savannah with a single phone call or e-mail to their freight forwarder or customs house broker specifying that on their letters of credit, open accounts, or booking contracts. With ocean carriers, it is more difficult, but they “follow the cargo.”
Charleston’s large forwarders and customs house brokers, (pg. 35 – 38 at http://www.scspa.com/About/publications/directory.asp) also operate in Savannah (http://www.gpaports.com/categories_search.cgi, listed below).
Before making port changes, shippers typically consult with their FFF/CHB, much as a patient would consult with a doctor about what hospital to use.
And if the shipper-customer can save money with similar service (transit time, sailing frequency, equipment availability, etc.) the FFF/CHB advises the shipper-customer to use the lowest cost port.
The FFF/CHB is naturally looking out for his customer, the shipper, and cannot afford to be “loyal” to one port over another, lest a more clever FFF/CHB discover these lower costs and take the business away from the competitor.
The FFF/CHB is a totally-overlooked player in this drama, but it is of no solace to the SCSPA because, once again, these FFF/CHBs (whom the SCSPA foolishly ignores) now “cover both ports.”
The governor’s statement, “Our goal is to make sure every port (in the region) is successful,” is akin to the Chairman of FedEx saying, “Our goal is to make sure that FedEx, UPS, DHL, and TNT are all successful.”
Last time I checked, those boys and girls were all competitors in a zero-sum market. http://finance.yahoo.com/q/co?s=FDX
The governor’s statements are illogical, wrong-headed, foolish and dangerous.
Different from the SCSPA’s board, the GPA’s board is one bunch of smart, informed and aggressive people WHO FOR YEARS HAVE WORKED DIRECTLY WITH THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TO GET NEW MANUFACTURERS AND SHIPPERS TO USE SAVANNAH AND BRUNSWICK TO BENEFIT THE ENTIRE STATE.
They have played Gov. Haley like a violin.
Our governor has sold out much of SCSPA’s competitive advantage (what little it had) for … “a coveted prime time speaking gig at next year’s Republican National Convention in Tampa”???
Crazy, man…
GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY
Your Search Results: Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
ACCESS WORLDWIDE
AGILITY LOGISTICS
AIR SEA FORWARDERS
AIRSCHOTT, INC.
AIT WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS
ALLIANCE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
ALPI USA, INC.
ANDERSON SHIPPING CO.
ASF LOGISTICS, INC.
ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT CONSOLIDATORS, INC.
ATLANTA CUSTOMS BROKERS & INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS
BDP INTERNATIONAL
BONDED SERVICES WAREHOUSE, INC.
C.H. POWELL CO/TANDEM GLOBAL LOGISTICS – ATLANTA
C.H. POWELL COMPANY (Savannah)
CARMICHAEL INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
D & T FREIGHT FORWARDERS, INC.
D.J. POWERS COMPANY, INC. (Atlanta)
D.J. POWERS COMPANY, INC. (Brunswick)
D.J. POWERS COMPANY, INC. (Corporate Headquaters)
DEMETRI C. MILTIADES, CHB
DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING (Atlanta)
DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING (Savannah)
DSV AIR & SEA
EMBASSY FREIGHT INTERNATIONAL
EMOTRANS INC.
EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL
EXPORT TRADE SERVICE, INC.
FED EX TRADE NETWORKS
FITZGERALD FORWARDING COMPANY, INC.
FRACHT FWO, INC.
GEORGIA PORT SERVICES
GLOBAL LOGISTICS & CUSTOMS OF CHARLESTON, INC
IJS GLOBAL
INTERNATIONAL FORWARDERS, INC. (College Park)
INTERNATIONAL FORWARDERS, INC. (Savannah)
JAS FORWARDING (USA), INC. (Atlanta Branch)
JAS FORWARDING (USA), INC. (Head Office)
JEAN D. DUNCAN CUSTOM BROKERS
JOHN S. JAMES CO. (Atlanta)
JOHN S. JAMES CO.(Savannah)
JOSEPH B. HOHENSTEIN CUSTOM BROKER
JRM INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING, INC.
KAMINO INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT, INC.
KINTETSU WORLD EXPRESS
KUEHNE & NAGEL, INC.
LEE HARDEMAN CUSTOMS BROKER, INC.
MALLORY ALEXANDER INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS
MARITIME INTERNATIONAL, INC.
MCTEER INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING CO.
MID – AMERICA OVERSEAS, INC.
MITSUBISHI LOGISTICS AMERICA CORP.
MITSUI-SOKO (U.S.A.) INC.
NIPPON EXPRESS (USA), INC. (Atlanta)
NIPPON EXPRESS (USA), INC. (Savannah)
PAGE & JONES
PAGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PANALPINA, INC.
PEGGY BURROWS CHB
PERSONAL EXPORT SERVICE
ROGERS & BROWN CUSTOM BROKERS, INC.
SAMUEL SHAPIRO & CO., INC.
SAVANNAH PORT SERVICES
SCHENKER, INC.
SOUTHERN EXPORT SERVICES
STAR ASIA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
STEPKA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
SUMITOMO WAREHOUSE (USA), INC.
THE HIPAGE COMPANY, INC. (Atlanta)
THE HIPAGE COMPANY, INC. (Savannah)
TOTAL TRANSPORT SERVICES
UNITED LOGISTICS CORP.
UPS SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
USA CARGO SERVICES
USA CARGO SERVICES COMPANY
UTC OVERSEAS, INC.
UTI, UNITED STATES, INC.
YAMATO TRANSPORT USA, INC.
YUSEN AIR & SEA SERVICE
By Chicora December 1, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Super sleuth work Fits…quite a piece of work. Gotta wonder if this is much bigger than OPERATION LOST TRUST…..Keep digging and make this a top burning priroity…let us see who else is involved in this scumbag operation.
By RedTick December 1, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Stimulus, how come your thought provoking insights always start off each post when it concerns Nikki Haley? Does Sic call you up and tell you when to pull the trigger?
By Timmy December 1, 2011 at 7:49 pm
The legislature best not tuck their tails and hibernate with this one because there are real repercussions come election time. This issue WILL NOT be forgotten quickly.
By Billy-Bob December 1, 2011 at 8:30 pm
@Timmy,
As long as they have a (R) behind their name, they’re in like Flynn!!
This is South Carolina where the people are told what to think!!
By OhNoNotAgain December 1, 2011 at 11:10 pm
The permit has been overturned by the Savannah Maritime AUthority, the s.c. board that is suing Haley.
Whether it really has this power, I dunno.
By TJ December 2, 2011 at 7:59 am
Red Tick, the reason Stimulus starts off every aritcle on Haley with “She is a stupid, ugly, bitch!” is that they are providing us with the genus of the problem, then the rest of us provide the specific species…
That would be a biology reference, in case you missed that in high school…Go Stimulus!
By Mr. Dixie December 2, 2011 at 12:58 pm
“They have played Gov. Haley like a violin.”
It says a lot for the South Carolina electorate that elected Nikki when you see that the people of Georgia know the governor of South Carolina more intimately … than the people of South Carolina.
By RedTick December 2, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@TJ You write:
“Red Tick, the reason Stimulus starts off every aritcle on Haley with “She is a stupid, ugly, bitch!” is that they are providing us with the genus of the problem, then the rest of us provide the specific species… That would be a biology reference, in case you missed that in high school…”
TJ maybe you should inform Stimulus that when you refer to a genus it is always designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun. I don’t see any capital letters in his post or your post when referring to her. Nice try, dumb ass. Dumber and his other brother dumber. (Stimulus and TJ)
Also you say “they” when referring to Stimulus is he more than one person? ROFLMAO!
By Traveling Man December 3, 2011 at 12:01 am
Just road the entire length of I-95 through SC and GA. The interstate system in Georgia is top notch with 6 and 8 lanes most of the way and it has expansive safety margins and high deer fences on either side of the roadway. Excellent drainage and landscaping along with top tech lighting. SC’s I-95 looks tired, cramped and outdated. There is a white cross at the GA/SC line behind the SC welcome gate. Gives a nice warning what to expect ahead.
By Boss Hogg Haley December 3, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I refuse to testify to the SC Senate about my office forcing DHEC to approve the dredging of the Savannah River for the Savannah Port.
Like President Richard Nixon, I am above the law. I answer to no one, not the Senate and certainly not the Supreme Court! Jean Toal can kiss my ass!
In fact, I hired President Nixon’s secretary, Rosemary Woods, to erase all recordings of me getting bribed by Georgia contributors to approve the dredging.
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