Sanford talks agenda for upcoming year

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By Jaime Dailey - bio | email

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC (WTOC) - It was a packed house Monday as many came together on Hilton Head Island to hear governor Mark Sanford talk about his last year in office.

"I want to apologize," said Sanford. "I did let a lot of you all down."

While he's spent a lot of time apologizing for being unfaithful to his wife, the Governor said he owed this group at the Hilton Head Island First Monday Republican Lunch, an apology as well.

"Consistently over the last six months, I've been humbled, overwhelmed with the kindness that I've felt from a lot of people across South Carolina," said Sanford.

Right here on Hilton Head Island where many heard him speak when he was running for governor.

"I have been an admirer of his since he came here seven years ago," said Tom Hatfield.

Despite all that's happened, Sanford says this legislative session is a window of opportunity for change.

"Given the last six months, if there is anything that is abundantly clear is that I ain't running for president," said Sanford. "I think we've got that off the table which means that for the first time in a long time, we can actually have a debate on the issue at hand in a way we haven't.

Issues like putting spending limits in place, pushing for the Jasper Port and restructuring state government.

"I think this could be the year to make a number of structure changes long over due, that we actually create a department administration, have the governor and lieutenant governor run together on a ticket," said Sanford. "That we offer back to the people of South Carolina the decision as to whether some of these Constitutional officials should be elected or appointed."

An agenda many in the room are optimistic he can make happen.

"I do think there's a possibility of getting things done because we so desperately need to have things complete," said Barbara Nielsen.

The Governor also took about a dozen questions from the crowd on a variety of topics.