In a state where tropical storms and military honor are serious business, S.C. Democrats were quick this week to criticize Gov. Henry McMaster’s Aug. 16 decision to deploy about 200 National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C., during the hurricane season.
“Sending our National Guard troops away when S.C. families face the constant threat of hurricanes is reckless and irresponsible,” Greenville Democratic Sen. Karl Allen said in an Aug. 17 statement. “This is a dangerous political stunt that prioritizes Washington over the safety of South Carolinians.”
On Aug. 11, President Trump declared a “public safety emergency” in Washington, federalizing local police and putting National Guard troops on the streets. McMaster deployed S.C’s. troops in support of that mission, saying the state was “proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation’s capital.”
But with criticism mounting throughout the week — including an editorial in the state’s largest newspaper that called the move “political theater” — McMaster addressed the issue with reporters on Aug 21.
“The 200 [Guardsmen] we sent were not part of our hurricane response plan,” he said. “We have hundreds allocated for hurricane duty, and they remain here, ready to respond if needed.”
But state Democrats weren’t buying it.
“Sending 200 SC National Guard troops to DC for a non-emergency is reckless,” Charleston Democratic Sen. Ed Sutton said in an Aug. 21 social media post. “Our Guard should be on standby for real disasters at home, not deployed for partisan optics.”
McMaster has said he plans to call S.C.’s troops home in the event of an emergency. – Jack O’Toole
S.C. Ports announces change in leadership after CEO resigns
After three years of leading the S.C. State Ports Authority as president and CEO, Barbara Melvin suddenly announced her resignation Thursday, citing personal and professional reasons.
Melvin first joined the Ports Authority in 1998, serving in several roles and leading major initiatives before ascending to her leadership role in 2022.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served South Carolina and the Ports Authority over these many years,” Melvin said. “However, for personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities. I take pride in what has been accomplished by the Port while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the Ports Authority and its people, I have no doubt even more success is in its future.”
Bill Stern, chairman of the S.C. Ports Board of Directors, accepted her resignation.
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Phillip Padgett has been named as interim CEO, effective immediately. He joined S.C. Ports in 2016 as Controller. As CFO, he is responsible for the financial, risk management and real estate activities of the Port.
“I look forward to continuing serving the Port and leading our team as interim CEO until a replacement is named,” said Padgett. “S.C. Ports remains committed to providing reliable and efficient port service to our customers, and continuing to serve as a trusted partner to the entire South Carolina maritime community.” – Skyler Baldwin
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