Columbia, SC — I am shocked and disappointed in the lack of concern the state of South Carolina exercised in not securing the personal data of the taxpayers. Based on the limited information taxpayers have been provided, it appears this problem was, in fact, anticipated as a real possibility and that a remedy was available. Although costing some money to implement the remedy on the front end, this fix would have been significantly cheaper than the back end approach the state is now forced to implement.

If this was not shocking and disappointing enough, the state has added insult to injury by refusing to provide any real, substantive information about what happened and why the problem was not avoided. To now have Gov. Nikki Haley play politics with the people she was elected to serve is deplorable. We deserve better than sound bites spun beyond recognition.

As soon as all efforts are in place to further protect and compensate those taxpayers affected by this debacle, there should be an inquiry into those responsible for it. I love my state and am proud of it, but it is not always a “great day” here and state government should deal with the citizens of this state in a way that is open, honest and realistic. The taxpayers of this great state deserve better than phony telephone greetings and political spin. We deserve effective government, real answers and solutions.

David J. Watkins II

Columbia