Annual Conference

The state’s auditors, treasurers and tax collectors (SCATT) are in the middle of our annual mandatory training this week here in Columbia, so I’ve been in meetings the last two days. Tomorrow we will load up on buses to head to the Statehouse to meet with our local legislators and discuss state legislation that impacts how property tax laws are administered around South Carolina.

The annual conference is a great opportunity for us to get together to discuss how our offices can better serve the people we represent, and work for, everyday. And, almost to a person, it is the most dedicated and caring group I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

Tonight a lifetime achievement award, the Sonny Siau award, was given to Treasurer Matt Evans of Clarendon County. Matt has been working in that office since graduating from college 27 years ago and has been a rock in our organization that I, and many others, have leaned on for advice and assistance. Matt has made everyone better in knowing him, and through his work in SCATT he’s improved the lives of citizens around South Carolina without them ever knowing of his vast contributions. He and his wife, Lynn, are two of the neatest people (and best dancers) that you could ever meet.

Off to the Statehouse

Every so often I have the opportunity to go to the Statehouse which, no matter what happens inside it, is a beautiful monument to the people of South Carolina. The buildings and grounds are immaculate, befitting the kind of state that we aspire to become.

Today, as the Legislative Co-Chair of SCATT, I appeared before a Senate Finance subcommittee to discuss two pieces of legislation. Really, the bills are only technical changes that will allow the law to mirror the 21st century operations of county governments.

The topics were necessary business, but not really deep or interesting enough to detail here. Still, every time I go there it reminds me that more people should go to the statehouse to enjoy the people’s building that’s available to us all – to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go.

The week gone by

Tuesday was the end of the month (which is always hectic with last minute car tax bill payers) and Wednesday was the second deadline to pay property taxes without a larger penalty, so the office stayed pretty busy.

On Wednesday night after church my wife went with her book club to hear author Ron Rash who wrote “Saints at the River,” the book being read this month as a part of the One Book, One Columbia program. She loved the book and came away impressed by the event.

On Thursday SCATT (SC Auditors, Treasurers and Tax Collectors) got our biggest piece of legislation of the year introduced in the State Senate by Senators Courson and Land. As the Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee, it was the culmination of more than a year of hard work we’d done as a group. The legislation will modernize the property taxation procedures for the counties and will clarify current law.

Also, that evening our daughter lost our first family tooth! She didn’t even cry when mommy extracted it while screaming, “Eeeeew!” It was told to me that way because mommy was brave enough to do it before I got home. She has another tooth right beside it that might fall out before I finish writing this.

That night, Pamela and I went to the NBSC Oyster Roast at the University House next to Williams-Brice stadium. Then we crossed the road to the Cantey Building on the State Fairgrounds to take part in the event for the Columbia Junior League’s Clean Sweep sale. Both events had great crowds of good people – a nice time to catch up with friends.

This morning, our son had his Upward basketball league game which was a lot of fun because it was the most scoring we’d had this year though they lost a close one, 28-24. And, this afternoon, my neighbors were probably whispering a collective ‘amen’ because the weather was so nice that the kids and I did about two hours of yard work that was long overdue. Tomorrow church and a day of rest as we wait for the Super Bowl!

How to fight the man - Brooks (NY Times)

Here's an excerpt of David Brooks column, today:

"This seems to be a moment when many people — in religion, economics and politics — are disgusted by current institutions, but then they are vague about what sorts of institutions should replace them.

"This seems to be a moment of fervent protest movements that are ultimately vague and ineffectual. …

"If you go out there armed only with your own observations and sentiments, you will surely find yourself on very weak ground. You’ll lack the arguments, convictions and the coherent view of reality that you’ll need when challenged by a self-confident opposition."

Read the entire column here.

The Week

Monday and Tuesday were regular office workdays, and it felt like forever since I’d just been able to have a regular workday. They were very productive days, and Tuesday night I was able to take my children to “Meadowfield Elementary Night” at the Garner’s Ferry Chick-fil-a for some fun with the kids and parents.

On Wednesday, I went to one of the nicest towns in SC, Aiken, for the SCATT (Auditors, Treasurers, and Tax Collectors) fall conference where we discussed what is happening around South Carolina during tax season. I was able to give an impromptu moment to the group on how our Richland County Treasurer’s Office was the first in the state to allow taxpayers to print their own receipts online (www.rcgov.us/treasurer) to complete their business at the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.


Wednesday night I drove back to Columbia, picked up my oldest son, and we drove to Charleston to watch my Citadel Bulldogs get drubbed by Clemson in basketball. We haven’t been able to get to The Citadel this fall with a new baby so it was exciting for us. After the game, we went to Daniel Library where my son decided he wanted to learn the entire history of my school. So, while he finished his super-sized salty pretzel I recounted some of the courageous episodes of The Citadel’s history. We got home late.

Thursday was a return to Aiken for the conference where, in the afternoon as the Co-Chair of the SCATT Legislative Committee, I presented a synopsis of legal changes to the Forfeit Land Commission statute (you don’t want to know). And on Friday, I went back to Aiken to discuss the upcoming legislative session with my co-Chair, Lancaster County Auditor Cheryl Morgan – one of the smartest people in our organization.


On Saturday, I was finally able to spend the day with my wife. The kids went to the grandparents, and we went to Williams-Brice to watch the Carolina/Citadel football game. My Bulldogs acquitted themselves well before falling 41-20, but I was especially happy to be there for the fantastic military appreciation halftime show (complete with a flyover from our own McEntire Airbase) which brought tears to everyone's eyes.

My Clemson Tigers just got destroyed by NC State, but other than that, it has been a great week.