Recently, I watched the documentary Corridor of Shame twice, back-to-back, too disgusted and dejected to tear myself away.  This powerful piece chronicles the plight of rural schools along the I-95 corridor in South Carolina.  It delves into the issues that face not only the schools, but the communities where they exist.   I have been fighting, sometimes quite literally, to improve the quality of life for those along the I-95 corridor. 

              My efforts to turn that "Corridor of Shame" into a "Corridor of Fame" have been criticized and countered by the same people who silently ignore or blatantly oppose improving rural schools and the communities in which they are located.  With a condescending attitude, Governor Sanford is leading the opposition. The governor has thwarted efforts to put an inland port at the I-95/I-26 interchange that is wanted by local officials and residents.  The governor is currently trying to privatize Santee-Cooper, the state-owned utility that is implementing the Lake Marion Regional Water System, which I have championed to provide water and sewer to rural communities along the I-95 corridor.  And now the governor is using gimmicks and his one appointment on the Department of Transportation Commission in an effort to stop the Briggs-DeLaine-Pearson Connector that will create a commercial corridor in the upper Lake Marion region by connecting state highways 33 and 120.   

              The governor defends all of his efforts as fiscally responsible. I have told him that no matter his intent, the effects of his policies are widening socio-economic gaps in our state.  Why is it that his DOT Commission appointee Tee Hooper recommends investing $10 or $20 million to create economic development in this isolated region rather than investing in a bridge, which independent studies say is the very thing that is necessary if this region can ever hope to obtain and sustain economic viability?  Why limit such investments to just $10 or $20 million?  According to The Greenville News, BMW got an estimated $130 million incentive package with an additional $35 million in tax breaks from the General Assembly to locate in the Upstate, and the company pays just ! $1 to lease a $36 million piece of state-owned land.  Why should this type of spending be called investments in the case of BMW and wasteful in the I-95 corridor/Lake Marion region?

              The governor and other state officials have shown they are not willing to make the commitment to invest in the Corridor of Shame, but I will not back down on my efforts to turn it into a Corridor of Fame.  I saw the memo from economic advisors to the State when I worked in the Administration of Governor John West that directed the state to steer development away from South Carolina's predominantly black counties.  Today the written directive may no longer exist, but the Governor's actions keep them in force.

              Corridor of Shame brings to life the realities of living in this region.  I am sure Governor Sanford and his Low-Country friends and neighbors will enjoy their afternoon of paddling through Sparkleberry Swamp, which he wants to sell to his out-of-state contributors.  From the safety of their kayak, they won't see the faces of the residents living on the shores of Lake Marion, that resemble those seen in the Corridor of Shame and with whom they share a common plight.  I have visited their schools and their homes.  I have attended their family reunions and fellowshipped in their churches.  For their sake, I will continue my efforts! , for as long as God gives me health and strength, to one day be able to proclaim this region a Corridor of Fame.  

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