Opinion: In Defense of Catherine Templeton
Gov. Haley's DHEC nominee has undergone plenty of scrutiny
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Note: Starting today, all of the Patch sites in South Carolina will be publishing commentary from Palladian View, a website published by former South Carolina GOP Chair Karen Floyd. While topics will occasionally be national in scope, we believe they will be of particular interest to residents of our Patch sites.
Catherine Templeton, currently South Carolina’s Director of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), is a dangerous woman.
Really sneaky dangerous.
Sneaky because to look at her credentials, she appears to be a smart, principled, accomplished attorney with a solid record of public service and conservative ideals.
Ah HA! There it is! “Conservative woman.”
The entrenched powers in South Carolina (i.e. the brotherhood of male politicians, “consultants” and self-appointed pundits), are either intimidated by or ignorant of conservative women in positions of authority. Of course, this is neither new nor unique to South Carolina.
Last month, Catherine Templeton was unanimously nominated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Board of Directors to head the agency. According to The State newspaper Templeton “applied after the board, dissatisfied with early candidates, reopened the application process in mid-November, records show.” Suddenly, there is “controversy.”
Two state senators are asking why the nominee to head South Carolina's environmental agency doesn't plan to work full-time from an office at the department's Columbia headquarters.
Democratic Sens. Joel Lourie and Brad Hutto wrote the agency's board chairman, Allen Amsler, on Monday, asking whether the board is comfortable with Catherine Templeton working from the Department of Health and Environmental Control's office in North Charleston. She lives in nearby Mount Pleasant.
"We intend to make that a very big issue'' at Templeton's confirmation hearing, said Lourie, a Columbia lawmaker.”It could be somewhat of a disqualifier.''
Both are skeptical of Republican Gov. Nikki Haley's choice of Templeton to lead DHEC, in part because of her limited background in state environmental and health regulation.
A “disqualifier?”
When appointed last year by newly-elected South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (conservative woman) to serve as LLR Director, Ms. Templeton was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. On the same day, by the same vote, Robert “Bobby” Hitt was also unanimously confirmed as South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “Unanimous” means that both Senators Lourie and Hutto voted to confirm.
Curiously, during the hearing for confirmation as the head of LLR, Sen. Lourie said to Ms. Templeton "I forgot to ask Bobby Hitt this question last week in his hearing, but where do you plan to live?"
Oh, gee. Forgot to ask?
The Senator also forgot to ask that question of Chad Prosser who, for eight years was Director of South Carolina’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) yet commuted from his home in Myrtle Beach, which is half again as far from Columbia than is Charleston.
These aren’t the only state officials now or in the past to live somewhere other than Columbia, so why is it suddenly an issue? Why does it even matter?
Logistically, today’s technologies allow for collaboration, conferencing and management across distances far greater than that between Charleston and Columbia. Physical presence is no longer a requirement. There are United States cabinet secretaries who live physically closer to Washington, but whose commute times are just as long due to traffic.
Office mates email each other when sitting six feet away and get computer support from technicians on the other side of the planet.
“Disqualifier?” Only to the technologically Neanderthal, maybe.
It seems, however, that to “qualify” as a state official, one must actually live in Columbia, with other factors, such as experience and professional credentials, being secondary. Senators Lourie and Hutto apparently would prefer second-stringers as long as they live close to the State House.
Government needs the best minds it can recruit to run the affairs of state. Despite the partisan protestations of two Democrat state senators, Ms. Templeton’s qualifications are ideal for a large agency like DHEC.
If the Lourie/Hutto qualification criteria are to be followed, how does the state tap the talents of people like Catherine Templeton who happen to live elsewhere? As much as some like to bellow about how much these agency heads are paid, it’s nowhere near enough to permit them to upend families to relocate. There is no state-provided residence for the Director of DHEC as there is for the Governor.
“Disqualifier?” These are excuses to deny a competent and accomplished conservative woman a position of authority in state government. And, by extension, it’s part of a continued campaign to disparage a conservative woman governor.
Because The Palladian View is an outlet that advocates for the ascendancy of conservative women, we expect our defense of Catherine Templeton to be trivialized as gender motivated. That would be not only an inaccurate assumption, but a dangerous one.
There’s that word again – dangerous.
Women have been the backbone of American politics for generations and whether they consider “conservative” as a political or personal philosophy, their representation at all levels of government significantly lags behind their numbers in the general voting population.
Catherine Templeton did not ask for our help. In fact, we have independently chosen to expose her experience as an example of the injustice and inequality conservative women face as they try to serve their communities and their country.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” To doubt the danger conservative women pose to the keepers of the status quo would be both ignorant and stupid.
The Palladian View will continue to champion women like Catherine Templeton and provide a means for conservative women to reach the prominence they deserve.
-Palladian View--Conservative Women See Their Voice
SaltyDawg
9:47 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Championing conservatism in SC confirms Albert Einstein's dictum: "Doing the same thing repeated and expecting different results is the definition of insanity."
Tallron 47
5:12 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
tRUE! THE pARASITES KEEP ELECTING LIBERALS EXPECTING THINGS TO GET BETTER ,BUT THEY NEVER DO.
stanley seigler
1:32 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
@Tallron 47
and they get better under the GOPs...like they did in the 1929 depression and the 2008 recession...things did improve under FDR and are improving under BO...all economic factors are now trending up...and in general the economy does better under DEM than GOP policies...as does life quality for the least and PO folks...granted the 1% does better under the GOPs.
Tallron 47
1:32 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Revisionism at its worst- FDR policies extended the Great Depression and WWII was the engine that got ius out. Lord Help US if this is a recovery-projected GDP growth of 2% in 2012 and 1% in 2013. BO is a disasater for everyone but the Parasitocracy that you champion.
stanley seigler
4:32 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
@Tallron 47
we are at opposite ends of the political spectrum but seems we could have discussions without the hyperbole (eg, a disasater for everyone but the Parasitocracy)...and ad hominems (adhoms) directed at indiviuals or party...they add liltle to nothing to discussions...actually create division.
sadly we (our discussions) are a microcosm of the party discussions.
WWII was a factor in the recovery...FDR was also a factor...and doubt the hoover (GOP) policies that got us into the depresstion would have gotten us out even with WWII...at the least many 99%ers of that day would have suffered unecessarily...until 1942...eg, a GOP 1932 platform clip:
"Unemployment and Relief: True to American traditions and principles of government, the [hoover] administration has regarded the relief problem as one of State and local responsibility."
FDR rejected this (he regarded the relief problem as a fed repsonsibility as well) and created federal programs (CCC, WPA) to immediately put bread on the table and later the social security act...all helped to bring us out of the great depression...and were originated prior to WWII.
the voters of the day seem to confirm this opine. they elected FDR for 4 terms, indicating the country was with him...
look forward to support of yo opine "FDR policies extended the Great Depression"...as mentioned the 99%ers of FDR's day evidently did not have that opine...
hyperbole and ahhoms really do not support anyone's position.
Mimi
7:21 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
What liberal would that be Tallron 47?? South Carolina the sewer of the south has long been dictated by Republicans. What Liberal policy has passed in this state in lets say 30 years??? Why do you think our state is last at education, wages, health care, We are however close to first in poorest, lowest wages, lack of health care, lack of educated people, highest tution in the South. This state is a mess with these failed, tired so called conservative views. There is no hope for this state to move forward with Twits like these in important positions. The only parasites that keep electing these modern day slave owners sucking the life out of the state. Things will NEVER get better and haven't gotten better in a long long time. So keep dreaming your nonsense PARASITE
Homer O'Dell
9:47 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
"The Palladian View will continue to champion women like Catherine Templeton and provide a means for conservative women to reach the prominence they deserve."
I assume you mean that liberal women don't deserve prominence.
JoSCh
12:56 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
*chuckle*
C. Large
12:21 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
As a conservative woman, I find Catherine Templeton an insult to the rest of us who actually know how our businesses function. What she has done at LL&R is disgraceful. I can't imagine what havoc she could create at an agency like DHEC. We are all in a heap of trouble now. As for Governor Haley and her misguided decisions, her term can't end soon enough!
Tonto
10:19 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Another RINO. Your aren't fooling anybody. Liberal cheat and liar.
John H
4:33 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
South Carolina deserves the best PERSON for the crucial job of protecting the health of the public and the environment in South Carolina. If this is the criteria for this selection, then politics, gender, and race are unimportant.
What does the official job description in the posting for our "nationwide search" call for as far residency and commute. If it says that the applicant must be willing to relocate and this candidate has a problem with that then it is a "disqualifier". If not listed, then it is negotiable. The question of of who pays for the commute is a matter employment terms BEFORE the job is accepted.
Relocation for a promotion or a great job is a reasonble and customary requirement. Unwillingness to do so on the part of a candidate would call into question that persons commitment. "Uprooting" the family is part of the equation that the person considers BEFORE accepting a new job.
Susan Jeffcoat
4:35 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
If she doesn't want to come to Columbia to do her job then she shouldn't take it. I also think that every State employee should also be able to work from home if this is the case! If she is allowed to do it, then they all should be allowed to do it as well.
C. Large
10:18 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Exactly John H.! People relocate everyday to take jobs that they want. If they are not willing to move, then they don't really want or deserve the job. She has said, "I married a Charleston man and he ain't moving." So, she and Haley should do usnot all ain favor and stop looking to put in her in positions outside of Charleston.
Rebecca Shadwell
8:12 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
As a TEA Party conservative, I would like to see people who do a good job promoted and folks that do a poor job in LLR, like Templeton, fired - not moved around. This isn't a union state, we should stop acting like one and make the tough decisions.
C. Large
9:04 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Amen, Rebecca!
C. Large
9:09 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
@Tonto - truth... I had to describe to a subcommitte how the inner workings of LL&R worked after Templeton was asked and responded that she didn't know. I don't have a liberal bone in my body. I do, however, expect someone to work hard to get and keep their job or expect to be fired and replaced by someone who will.
GOPREBECCA
1:15 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I don't know much about Mrs Templeton's work ethics so I will not comment.
I do know that I have moved everytime my husband to a job promotion or a new one that had an office in a certain city. If you want the job move for it. Sorry Karen I disagree with you . I am a very conservative woman too. State agency heads should live in COLUMBIA. Would you allow the Governor to live in Charleston?
The rule should apply to all male and female. This is what the voters are so tired of from everyone. Quit justifying and comply.
M.E. Snipes
7:14 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
South Carolina is a state that one can travel East to West or South to North in a few hours and still be back to one's house for supper. A house is provided for our Governor in Columbia because it is now the Capital City of South Carolina. (It seems as though the Governor's position is a 24 hour - 7 days a week position; but I do hope the Governor gets to go to her children's events and out on an anniversary with her husband). Our state government employees get to clock out on workdays and even get paid state holidays. We now have wireless phones with texting and email. A state government agency is not always working in an emergency mode; nor having to work our state employees 24 hours a day. That is usually only with snowstorms or hurricanes. We are all just trying to make our children's lives better than our own. Thank you for your time.
Jim Minkler
7:51 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
welcome to SC and our one party rule.Jim Demint is for it also .This is the crap we get for electing these imbreeds.But you know we will keep it up.And we like it dont we ???????:)
jill
9:21 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Pray tell, what exactly is an imbreed? With your rhetorical and grammatical prowess, do you expect your surly tone to be taken seriously? Did you know, by chance, that elections have consequences? If a liberal is not elected, this is evidence of apathy-not collusion of manipulation.
Jerry Brandt
9:24 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
The world will soon be enlightened about a sticky situation involving Ms. Templeton. In Dec.'10 she was present at the special LCI subcommittee hearings prior to her appointment as LLR director and heard numerous examples of incidents involving misguided interpretations of codes as well as abuse of power by the state fire marshal's office. The LAC investigation happened due to Bill Galloway threatening the license and pocketbook of one who challenged his faulty directives and unlawful forcing of fire equipment companies to make their customers conform to non-applicable codes. ( under threat of penalty and fines) Due to intimidation this person's company caused him to lose over half his customer base. Two weeks prior to the investigation results being published he was forced to leave his company by the owner who stated that Mr. Galloway said it would be wise for them to "dissociate" with him. ( A secret recording of that conversation serves as evidence) The sfm's office then promptly sent a certified letter invalidating his license and requesting its immediate return. The original victim of this ordeal,being a subcontractor, lost 26 years of security and wasn't elgible for any type of unemployment compensation. He now lives well below the poverty level and only survives with aid from his family. Bill Galloway, on the other hand, now occupies a position that never before existed in this state's history. In fact, it was created specially for him. Much more coming in time.
John H
12:44 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
This came from the DHEC site as a job description of the outgoing commissioner C. Earl Hunter: "A position comparable to chief executive officer. Hunter not only oversees the day-to-day operations of DHEC, he is the agency’s top strategist, working closely with staff to prioritize DHEC’s focus, budget and plans. He helps lawmakers and DHEC board members understand public health and environmental issues and how those issues affect individual citizens, the state’s economy, quality of life and future growth prospects. Hunter is the agency’s liaison with the governor’s office and the Joint Appropriations Review Board."
My questions are: Can someone with no experience and background, "understand public health and environmental issues and how those issues affect individual citizens"? Is it possible for someone to "work... closely with staff to prioritize DHEC’s focus, budget and plans" from Mt Pleasant? Sure there's internet, smart phones, and texting. I'm not a complete e-nanderthal. Hopefully not during the two and a half hour, five hour round trip, commute. Because that would be dangerous. Sure she can stay in a motel during the week and go home for the weekend. Who pays for that?
Susan Jeffcoat
4:51 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My questions are: Can someone with no experience and background, "understand public health and environmental issues and how those issues affect individual citizens"? answer to your ? is NO!
Jim Minkler
5:52 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
How dare you question Tricky Nikie.Were robots we have no brains.Get use to it .Your in SC.
JoSCh
10:29 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I'm not sure if this is satire or if your SC education is showing.
jill
9:24 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
You should note if your feeble comment was intended to be satire. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to believe you as ignorant and irrelevant.
John H
9:11 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I have backed the Governor on some issues. However, the more I look into this one, I believe that her desire to install a conservative woman in a position of importance has clouded her judgement. There wasn't anyone currently in the administration qualified for the position. So much for promoting from within. Theres nothing more demoralizing to an organization than having an outsider step in. Ask the people over at the LLR.
Jim Minkler
6:44 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
JoSCh Iam just havin fun with the redneck Republicans.They are so easy to upsit.Like little babies.They only understand what comes from Fox news Or Rush Limpballs.I love the way the Republican party is in self destruct mood on the national level as well in SC.
Tonto
8:03 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Learn how to spell union boy :)
jill
9:26 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Self destruct mood? Now that you've had your sophomoric fun, can you please make a coherent point?
Jim Minkler
8:31 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Cant hep it gots education ins sc.:):):)lol
Tonto
8:45 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Just teasin bro :)