I was pleased today to stand alongside Mayor Pro-Tem Harvey Hoots and Councilman Barry Walker, Sr. as they were recognized for being the first town in the state to post their finances online for all to see.

In addition to this recognition, Columbia’s Mayor Bob Coble also shared how his office will follow Irmo’s lead and join in the on-going efforts for more transparency in our government.

Representing parts of both the Town of Irmo and the City of Columbia , I am very excited to see these local elected leaders embrace this common-sense approach to more accountability and transparency in our state. I have heard that our Lexington/Richland School District Five may also join the movement and open up their finances online too!

Whether it’s how elected officials vote, how and where they raise/spend funds during a campaign, or how officials spend your money – I’m glad to see a movement continues on it’s way to restore the public trust and confidence in public servants.

Related links:

March 27, 20008 ……….. State Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom launches South Carolina’s New Spending Transparency Website

April 15, 2008 ………….. Representative Haley (R-Lexington) files H. 5019 “Roll Call Voting for expenditure of state funds”

August 24, 2008 ……… The Song Remains the Same

September 24, 2008 …. Transparency Reforms Take Flight

December 4, 2008 …… Well, I guess he showed THEM who the big ‘ol hairy Speaker is

December 9, 2008 ……. Representative Haley (R-Lexington) pre-files H. 3047 “Spending Accountability Act” (Roll-Call Voting) with 37 cosponsors

December 9, 2008 ……. Representative Nathan Ballentine (R-Richland) pre-files H.3066 “Campaign Finance Disclosure Reform” with 33 cosponsors

December 17,2009 ….. Senator Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley) pre-files S.0221 “SC Truth in Spending Act” prefiled in the Senate

January 9, 2009 ………. Transparency Bill Gains Momentum

January 14, 2009 ……… House Embraces Transparency, Requires Voting on the Record

February 17, 2009 …….. Rep. Garry Smith (R-Greenville) H.3540 “SC Truth in Spending Act” filed in House