Moore unveils his plan for 'One South Carolina'

BYLINE: ADAM PARKER, The Post and Courier

After months of promising to listen to ideas and concerns and cooperate with legislators on both sides of the aisle, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tommy Moore added a little bite to his bark by announcing his plan to reform government should he be elected.

Moore, who made a campaign stop in North Charleston during a six-city tour Wednesday to promote his "One South Carolina" plan, emphasized the need for government reform and economic development, investment in programs designed to serve children, and initiatives that help small businesses.

The state ranks No. 2 in the nation in unemployment, Moore said, so jobs must be created and retained by encouraging businesses to set down roots in the state, by developing a robust rural infrastructure and by better educating, training and retraining workers.

The Commerce Department must be strengthened to more effectively recruit jobs to the state, he said. And port expansion must be a top priority, for both the Charleston area and for Jasper County.

Comprehensive tax reform is also needed. "We've got to put everything on the table... and justify everything," he said.

Moore also wants the state to become a leader in developing renewable energy sources such as biofuels. Streamlining government, revising the tax code and increasing the cigarette tax are all ways to generate savings or new income without significantly pinching the average South Carolina wallet, he said.

Moore's plan also provides for public education improvements, including expanding the state children's health insurance plans, enacting a statewide pre-kindergarten program and supporting mentoring programs.

Additionally, he wants to ensure public education is fully funded every year and that charter schools and other options are available in the public school system. Also, he wants better health care services for pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled.

Jason Miller, spokesman for Gov. Mark Sanford, accused Moore of being a "Columbia insider" and failing to provide any substance to back up his proposals.

"Even when Tommy Moore runs around the state on a political tour, he still offers no details on his plans for the state, other than calling for more commissions to study problems," Miller said, adding that Moore's proposal likely would result in a tax increase.

Moore said he is optimistic about his chances, citing an event that drew 250 Republicans. "I know the tide is turning," he said.

Reach Adam Parker at 745-5860 or aparker@postandcourier.com.