Legislative scorecards

 Since State House and Senate members returned to Columbia [recently] to begin a new legislative session, it is incumbent upon us to review their actions last year — to compare the rhetoric with the reality.

All legislators will tell you they did a great job, but too many say one thing at home during election season yet do quite another in Columbia.

 The SC Club for Growth, a group which tracks voting records on key issues to see who best represents taxpayers, has just released its annual legislative scorecards.

 Although no single group has a corner on accurately measuring performance, I support this group because, like most true conservatives, I find their research and results an excellent barometer when I head to the polls.

For 2009, their scorecard tracked votes to ban taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring statewide politicians, end taxpayer-funded lobbyists, and reform the state's unemployment agency — an agency newspapers have called a "train wreck" and a "boondoggle."

One would think no legislator could vote against such common-sense reforms.

 Unfortunately, too many legislators do.

These scorecards help taxpayers hold legislators accountable by telling you who is part of the problem and who is part of the solution.

Only one member of the House of Representatives from our area Thad Viers (R-Socastee) received an "A" for consistently voting in the best interest of taxpayers — an honor he has earned every year since he was elected in 2002.

 On the Senate side, I am happy to see that Senator Ray Cleary (R-Georgetown) improved dramatically over last year — earning a respectable "C" for his efforts.

On the other hand, Representatives Vida Miller, Nelson Hardwick, Tracy Edge, and George Hearn as well as Senator Luke Rankin earned awful "F" grades for their work (or lack thereof) in Columbia.

Of special note is Representative Alan Clemmons, who has become the lowest ranked Republican House member in the state, earning a paltry "F-." You read that right - an "F-" for a man who touts himself as a conservative "Republican."

 His constituents would be wise to ask Mr. Clemmons why he continues to work against good government in Columbia.

From local councils and school boards to the State House and Congress, this November's elections are right around the corner.

 It is vital that we each take the time to learn who our representatives are and whether they are working for us or for themselves.

 I encourage everyone to use these scorecards and other reliable resources to find out whether their elected officials are really working to protect our tax dollars or just talking about it.

Check out www.SCClubforGrowth.com to find out for yourself. Now more than ever, our tax dollars are too important to waste.

Jill Kelso

Murrells Inlet

Utility bills

 With the last few weeks of extreme cold weather for our area, we know our utility bills will be higher than normal for this time of the year.

  Many city residents do not know that the city offers equal monthly payment utility bills for residents who have a good credit history with the city.  

When approved by the city, your monthly bill, based on the previous year's usage, would be the same amount every month except for one "true up" month when you would pay more or receive credit.

  This is a great service provided by our city that will help not only during the cold months but also during the hot summer months when your air conditioner seems to run forever.

  For more information on how to get started, please visit the Finance Department at city hall or call 545-4030.

 Paige Sawyer

‘UN needs to take over’

I am reading headlines that say “Haitians grow angry over lack of aid” and it makes me mad as heck. What exactly have these people contributed to this world that they expect help?

I’ll tell you what. They have unknowingly been a “feel good” spot for generous and caring people all over the world. We, the world, have sent them billions, yes billions of dollars of aid over the years and there is nothing to show for it but an opportunity for people to be able to say “I contributed money to help the Haitians” and then feel good about it.

Now we, USA, will give another 100 million dollars — to begin with — to help put them back to where they were before the earthquake and that would be in a state of extreme poverty.

For the sake of the people now and for generations to come  the UN needs to take over the country and manage a renovation.  The USA needs to push for this, but that will never happen. Obama would much rather raise our taxes and send it to Haiti and feel good about it than do something that will actually help the people for generations to come.

Sounds much like our welfare system!? He must  think  that they will immigrate and vote one day!

I for one am ready for the hard road, not the high road. I don’t want to help anyone for awhile and let the other countries take the lead. When they have to beg us for help maybe they will appreciate us  and leave us alone. The USA could do more good in this world if we remind those in need that they need to look out for us instead of holding us in contempt.

Bill Hills

Murrells Inlet