Although specifically warned not to do so, the board of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) has submitted the name of Catherine Templeton as its nominee to become the agency’s next commissioner.
Is Templeton the ideal choice to run this agency?
No.
Based on her one-year tenure as director of the S.C. Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (SCLLR), it could be argued that Templeton is the very last person who should be entrusted with this responsibility. More to the point, given the SCDHEC board’s starring role in Gov. Nikki Haley’s recent “Savannah River Sellout” – we’re not sure that any of these board members should be entrusted when it comes to representing the state of South Carolina’s best interests.
Georgia’s best interests, yes … but not South Carolina’s.
Anyway, as a result of all this we expect Templeton’s confirmation process to be quite rocky … as it should be.
But when it’s all said and done – when all of the well-deserved body blows against the Haley administration have been thrown (and landed) – should Senators vote for or against Templeton’s nomination?
Oddly enough, we believe that Templeton should be confirmed.
Wait … what?
Confirmed?
Yes …
Remember, the State Senate’s role in this process is to “advise and consent,” not to make the choice for the executive branch. In fact in a larger sense this whole process is a compelling indictment of our state’s totally splintered, totally unaccountable structure of government – and in particular is neutered executive branch.
Yes, the Senate should be (strenuously) advising and (reluctantly) consenting in this case – but that doesn’t change the fact that we have an executive branch that’s perpetually run by “dysfunction” no matter who the people elect.
True, some executive agencies in South Carolina – perhaps 20 percent of them – are run by the governor. Others are run by independently elected officials. Most executive agencies, though, are run by unaccountable amalgamations – boards and commissions comprised of appointees chosen by varying percentages of executive and/or legislative authority. Then there’s the S.C. Budget and Control Board (SCBCB) – a quasi-executive, quasi-legislative “five-headed monster” that oversees the vast majority of the state’s executive administration.
Who is it accountable to?
Everybody and nobody … which is the problem.
To his credit, former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford – and more specifically his chief of staff Tom Davis – pushed hard to streamline executive authority in South Carolina in recent years, but they were repeatedly rebuffed by state lawmakers who refused to surrender any of their power.
Now, much of the momentum for executive restructuring has faded – due in no small part to the fact that Nikki Haley has emerged as quite possibly the most corrupt, immature and incompetent chief executive that the voters of South Carolina have ever installed as their governor.
But the election of Haley is a mistake the voters made – and one they will have several chances to revisit in the coming years (sooner rather than later if a recall amendment were to pass).
What cannot be allowed to happen is for Haley’s innumerable flaws to result in a further dilution of executive accountability in this state – even if it is Haley herself pushing such a plan.
For better or worse, governors should be permitted to run their own branch of government. And if they fail in that respect, voters should throw them out. The solution should never involve extending a dysfunctional system that pushes real power further underground – where no accountability exists for our state’s perpetually abysmal outcomes.
Make no mistake: Catherine Templeton is an unqualified candidate selected by a bunch of mindless stooges who were appointed to their posts by a corrupt governor. Still, that doesn’t mean it is the State Senate’s prerogative to reject her nomination – not unless they uncover legitimate grounds to do.
Accordingly, after exacting its pound of flesh, the State Senate should approve Templeton’s nomination and let the voters be the ultimate judges in this case. In fact, they should pass a recall measure providing a more direct line of judgment for Haley and future governors who clearly refuse to act in the best interests of the people who elected them.
***
By LLR Career Employee February 1, 2012 at 11:05 am
Oh yes, absolutely. Push the recall agenda, while getting her the hell out of here. Sorry you health nuts, it’s your turn with the cow.
By norman February 1, 2012 at 11:13 am
The Senate does not have to have any grounds they can simply return the name to the sender. It is the voters who elected the Legislature who make the laws.
By Dr. Sheldon Cooper February 1, 2012 at 11:17 am
Clever, the brilliance of it all. Why nitpick all of Haley’s failures, when you can recall her. However, why make South Carolina suffer further with the subsequent destruction of SCDHEC by an incompetent, inexperienced, stay-at-home quasi-functional employee? Nikki likes backroom deals, so why doesn’t the Senate deliver an ultimatum. Either Templeton withdraws, or the recall legislation is a lock.
By Dr. Happy February 1, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Hey, any of you mindless stooges out there reading this?
By Dr. House February 1, 2012 at 12:55 pm
The Board members or Senators?
By ? February 1, 2012 at 11:18 am
Seriously, I want to see Templeton bounced around to every agency in the state.
I love the model she imposes. Fire half the staff, whip the other half, have a latte, do some yoga, show up a few days a week….wash, rinse, repeat.
She’s demonstrating how worthless all these agencies are and how much money we blow on them.
I hope Haley nominates an army of Templeton’s to do the same for all the bureacratic agencies.
Seriously, I really want it. Go Go Go! If Haley does this just 5 more times I could actually vote for her. (and I didn’t last go round because I knew she was a fraud)
By vicupstate February 1, 2012 at 11:29 am
When sewage or worse ends up in your water supply, be sure to remember how irrelevant DHEC’s job is.
There are legitimate areas where government needs to be trimmed, but Tea Party dumbasses like you invalidate the entire discussion with your nonsensical drivel.
By ? February 1, 2012 at 11:39 am
All you have for an argument are doomsday scenarious. Fear will motivate lots of people, but certainly not me.
Carry on dumb shit, I’m sure you’re happy in your constructed reality as it justifies your parasitic living and probably makes life tolerable for you.(or that of your buddies)
By ? February 1, 2012 at 11:52 am
edit: “scenarios”
By Dr. Satire February 1, 2012 at 11:59 am
vicupstate – Dude, it is a satirical funny.
By Dr. Hygiene February 1, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Easy vic, it’s called sarcasm. DHEC isn’t the joke, it’s Haley & Templepole. (I hear she got divorced after boning some college jocks.)
By vicupstate February 1, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Unfortunately ? really does believe it. Read his other posts if you doubt it.
By eggaday February 1, 2012 at 12:12 pm
can Templeton play Governator too>?
please please….
NOT
By jimlewis,owb February 1, 2012 at 11:26 am
Senator Graham has just announced that Daryl Dragon of the duo Captain and Tennille has been confirmed as Commander of the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS George W. Bush.
Captain has been a Captain for years and has Gold Records on the wall of his pool cabaña to prove such.
Hopefully the actions of the US Senate will encourage the SC Senate to confirm Senator Graham’s BFF as HMFIC of SCDHEC ASAP.
By eggaday February 1, 2012 at 12:13 pm
wooohoooooo!!!
By Dr. Happy February 1, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Is that like a BMFIC?
By Dr. Pierce February 1, 2012 at 11:30 am
This site is the best….”Templeton is an unqualified candidate selected by a bunch of mindless stooges who were appointed to their posts by a corrupt governor.” Whew, nothing like hanging it out there.
By Andy February 1, 2012 at 12:17 pm
But yet sic says she should be confirmed. Go figure.
By fitsnews February 1, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Andy- Yes … and we laid out our reasons why. This is a perfect example of Haley setting back the reform movement in SC. – FITS
By Dr. Burns February 1, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Nice to see Sic pulling punches like a gentleman.
By Andy February 1, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Yes sic, I know you laid out your reasons; I just happen to disagree with them. When a disinterested political hack becomes commissioner of an agency like DHEC, real damage can be done to real people. In cases like this, ideology gets trumped by reality. I believe that most South Carolinians are less interested in some murky reform agenda then they are in competence in key governmental positions. And I don’t think that Haley even makes the connection that you do. She’s just taking care of a girlfriend.
By vicupstate February 1, 2012 at 11:33 am
Fits, basically your argument is that the Senate should only advise and in no situation ever deny confirmation.
If that is the case, why even bother? Without the ability to stop a nomination, what use is ‘advising’ a Governor that has already picked someone for the job in question.
The Senate’s job is to insure that at least a minimally-qualified person is taking the job, and that political favors alone are not at play. Obviously, in this case that is exactly what Haley is attempting.
By ? February 1, 2012 at 11:44 am
“The Senate’s job is to insure that at least a minimally-qualified person is taking the job,”
Haha, only in public “service” life could a sentence like the above make any sense.
It’s all about the buddy system in politics, competency takes a back seat(see your earlier quote including “minimally-qualified”).
By vicupstate February 1, 2012 at 12:05 pm
In this case competence isn’t even in the car.
By Dr. Leonard Hofstadter February 1, 2012 at 11:36 am
The Senate could easily stop this travesty. Removal of Templeton and Board members is not an option. Templeton withdraws, and the Board resigns, or the Senate will unanimously support recall legislation.
By Dr. Law February 1, 2012 at 11:42 am
The Senate already gave advice, but the Governor trashed it. So, the Senate will not give consent, the hell with her.
By cash February 1, 2012 at 11:45 am
She will make sure the STD records are disposed of. Then she will make sure our port is disposed of. The slave will obey the massa.
By Howard February 1, 2012 at 12:09 pm
So, it is now Templepole, huh? May I dare ask?
By Dr. Hygiene February 1, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Let’s just say those STD records are getting shredded for the benefit of both corrupt parties.
By Ummmm February 1, 2012 at 11:56 am
Yes BUT – advise = give the Gov advice NOT to choose this person.
Consent – Consent can be given or not. In the case at hand I would suggest withholding consent based on her dismal performance @ LLR.
By Dr. Finger February 1, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Fucken A Right. The Senate should give Haley the Finger, just like the House did. I already did Templepole, she does enjoy a good finger.
By DHEC Hater February 1, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Haley can hire whoever she wants. Senate, STFU.
DHEC is made up of a bunch of do-nothings, democrats, tree huggers and nerds.
Mrs. Templeton will shake things up, cut costs, clean house and not give a damn if she gets sued.
Its a GREAT day (to be a lawyer.)
By Dr. Law February 1, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Haley can’t do shit if the Senate rejects this loser.
By Dr. Sheldon Cooper February 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Oh, hell. I can’t keep up. First it was PTT, then No Show, and now Templepole? Anyway, yes…. Ms. Pole has already said there is too much duplication and will cut vital services. Although, given she barely passed high school science and failed the bar, will she be blindfolded and throwing darts again?
By Dr. Law February 1, 2012 at 12:24 pm
She may have failed the bar twice, but not in the same state.
By Dr. Huxtable February 1, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Did she fail the South Carolina Bar?
By Dr. Law February 1, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Indeed, that’s why she had to work in……..gasp, North Carolina.
By Howard February 1, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Damn it, if she failed it once more, her beaver would be flashing on Sunday Morning TV with Mande Wilkes. I love Sharon Stone.
By keeping 'em honest February 1, 2012 at 12:11 pm
So by FITS logic:
“We advise you that you are about to drive off a cliff. But, as the Senate, we consent to ride with you over that cliff.
Oh, and by the way, we will take away your driving license after we slam into the canyon floor.”
By Andy February 1, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Bad call, sic. Strange logic.
By Cancerman February 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm
She can help Haley sell us out to the rest of the states.
By Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali February 1, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Either FITS is playing devil’s advocate to “Get Your Goat”, or simply wants the Senate to give Haley more rope.
By fitsnews February 1, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Now that’s an interesting theory ;)
By cash February 1, 2012 at 12:35 pm
And you know what happens when you give someone enough rope.
By Billy K Mulligan February 1, 2012 at 12:31 pm
To confirm her, the Senate must, along with advising, “consent” to the nominee. If Senators believe her to be unworthy of the job, they obviously do not consent and therefore have no other choice but to vote NO.
By Dr. Hannibal Lector February 1, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Thad “I bought me some Big Fat Titties” Viers ducked out on the House vote against raping the river. It will be interesting to see how the Senate votes.
By Dr. Happy February 1, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Look at the positives. Ms. Templepole teaches yoga, has pool boys maintain a clean pool, has garden hands pull the weeds, applies ample amounts of sun screen several times a day, refuses to burn petrocarbons driving to work, never uses plastic forks or paper plates, harbors endangered exotic fish, possesses Boeing flying brooms, keeps Gin handy for guests, and wants to cut fat. Sounds like a perfect SCDHEC Commissioner.
By Penny February 1, 2012 at 1:00 pm
How much does she pay the pool & garden help?
By Dr. Law February 1, 2012 at 1:02 pm
No telling, only teenages & it is off the books.
By Penny February 1, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Does Ms Pole really have exotic fish?
By Dr. Sheldon Cooper February 1, 2012 at 1:06 pm
May I suggest Haley pick Candy for the post. The male basal temperatures will rise considerable, negating the use of heating oil.
By OhNoNotAgain February 1, 2012 at 2:23 pm
If the Senate has full advise and consent authority, than it can say no.
Consent is not mandated after advise.
The advice was given, then ignored. The Senate can say no.
Given the unanimous reprimands she has publicly taken on the Sellout, does anyone think the she’s confident of this appointment.
By hhuuhh?? February 1, 2012 at 4:31 pm
That looks like some recycled 70s polyester covering our governor’s nakedness. Wow.
By Her Home Port Is LLR February 1, 2012 at 7:27 pm
If she gets rejected by the senate, LLR gets to keep her!!
The senators are probably getting calls of support for her confirmation from LLR staff. The staff will sing a different song about her in THAT conversation.
By Nimrata Sucks February 1, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Catherine is a loser and incompetent, but fits is right. The Senate will bark and make sound bites, but in the end, she will be the commissioner of DHEC. And Justice For All! South Carolina really sucks. We have our own Huey Long and Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall.
By A Glimpse at the Near Future February 1, 2012 at 8:38 pm
If you control the “oversight” and both sides of the checks-and-balances, then you control the decision and outcome.
http://www.thestate.com/2012/02/01/2137026/wildlife-board-chair-muzzles-savannah.html
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