Opinions from around South Carolina: Boeing v union, protecting our beaches, fixing our roads

Boeing v. union

South Carolina remains one of the least unionized states in the nation, and the state’s largely non-union workforce remains a significant drawing card for our state. A change in that status could hamper the state’s aggressive and largely successful economic development efforts, like those that helped bring Boeing to North Charleston in the first place.

Of course, the southward trend of industry doesn’t preclude workers’ right to unionize. And if and when Boeing South Carolina workers vote on whether to be represented by the IAM, that will be their business.

But the impact of such an election wouldn’t necessarily be limited to the confines of Boeing South Carolina facilities.

And if Big Labor gains a strong S.C. foothold, that could weaken South Carolina’s capacity to add even more good manufacturing jobs.

Beaches v. lobbyists

South Carolina’s coastal environment is under attack by rapid growth and the state legislature.

It should be easier to fix the legislature than to slow the trend of growth that places Beaufort County in the top 15 areas nationally.

But the legislature is hard to keep up with as it acts as Santa Claus for wave after wave of special interests. In light of all the growth in the Lowcountry, it is crucial that state and local governments stick to science-based controls on development rather than cater to lobbyists. …

Remind legislators statewide that clean waterways, sound public beaches, healthy wildlife, thriving marshes and inland wetlands form the backbone of the coastal economy. If the legislature goes unchallenged, that economic foundation can crumble to the benefit of a few and the detriment of the masses.

Road funding

The passage of a roads bill on Wednesday in the state’s House of Representatives isn’t perfect. No road funding bill would be with the number of problems facing South Carolina’s infrastructure and the multi-faceted way that arguments over this issue have unfolded.

However, what the House did was jump start a process that, while consistently listed as perhaps the state’s most significant priority, has gained little traction in the General Assembly even with less than 30 days left on the legislative calendar. …

The heart of this issue is about increasing funding for our roads and bridges. The House bill accomplishes that goal and representatives that supported it made the right call moving it forward. This gives greater hope to an issue that, before the session, started as perhaps the highest priority. This debate shouldn’t involve petty politics. It should involve finding a smart compromise as the session comes to an end. That’s now possible because of the House’s actions.

▪ “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

▪ “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

This story was originally published April 18, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Opinions from around South Carolina: Boeing v union, protecting our beaches, fixing our roads."