In the waning days of his final term, Gov. Mark Sanford is looking back and reflecting on his legacy.
Wednesday, during his next-to-last cabinet meeting, Sanford, 50, went around the large, oval table, asking his cabinet members to tell the media their accomplishments during the past eight years.
Their lists included a reduction in the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths, an increase in safety belt usage, a reduction in the overall escape rates from prisons, lots of “cost savings” through retirements and layoffs.
Sanford listened intently, leading a round of applause after each cabinet head spoke.
The odds are good that, after Gov.-elect Nikki Haley takes office in January, most of the faces around the table will change.
While Haley and Sanford are political allies and friends, Sanford said he doubts Haley will keep most of his cabinet appointees in place.
“I’m proud of the team but I think the reality of any new administration is that the one that was was and you don’t try to dictate for the next one what they should or shouldn’t do,” Sanford said.
Looking back on his own time in office, Sanford said he’s had some accomplishments and stayed true to his political roots.
“We brought a clear and consistent focus on the bottom line and the equation of what people pay in for government and what they get out,” he said.
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