Today's Opinions

Last week we had an annual observance of open government and the people's right to know what their elected leaders are doing on their behalf in South Carolina known as “Sunshine Week.” It is so called because we all want and deserve to have public business done in public, out in the sunshine for all to see. Unfortunately, at least one local government has made an active effort to draw the shades closed and wall itself off from the warm glow of sunshine and public scrutiny.

In the course of normal day-to-day life, things can almost become a blur. If you travel as part of your job, you may not remember what city you were in three Thursdays ago.

If you frequently deal with the public as part of your profession, it’s doubtful you remember exactly who you talked to or sold something to on Nov. 9, 2012, off the top of your head.

The proposed partnership between South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) and its parent company, SCANA, with Dominion Energy would benefit all South Carolinians. Once approved, the combination of the two companies would provide rate relief for customers, help community organizations and protect thousands of jobs in the Palmetto State.

This is very good news for families and communities served by SCE&G, who have seen electric rates dramatically increase in recent years because of the unfinished nuclear power facility at V.C. Summer.