Wednesday, Nikki Haley became the first woman governor of South Carolina.
/ courtesy - WACH Fox
Although Wednesday's gubernatorial inauguration will go down in history, as Nikki Haley became the first woman governor of South Carolina, it may be what Haley will do in the future that she will be most remembered for. With the state's highest office, comes high expectations.
Folks in our area seem to overwhelmingly want Governor Haley to focus on two things: restoring the state of the economy and restoring the state's image.
"I'd like to see our economy improve," said Mary Frances Williams of Horry County.
"I would expect our wages to be much better, for jobs to be on an increase," added Charles Gardner of Horry County.
Barbara Christian agreed. "That's kind of what I hope for that everybody can get back to where they can afford to just live and take care of their families."
"The economy is in dire straights," said Adam Cates, Vice Chairman of the Horry County Republican Party. He said he would like to see a focus on the Grand Strand, South Carolina's economic engine for it's most profitable industry: tourism.
"I would really like to see a more active economic development arm for this area in particular. In South Carolina, we need someone who's going to recruit industry," said Cates.
During her inauguration speech, Governor Haley seemed to recognize that high expectations seldom come without challenges.
"Far too many of our fellow citizens are without a job. Our economy is not growing as it should. Our state budget has its largest shortfall ever," said Haley on the State House steps in Columbia Wednesday afternoon.
And while recognition and action are two different things, the governor says she has a few ideas.
"We have the opportunity to reduce state spending and make it more efficient," continued Haley. "We have the opportunity to improve education and allow our children to be successful regardless of where they are born. We have the opportunity to strengthen our small businesses to help them create the jobs our people need."
The challenges the new governor faces aren't just one's that deal with policy.
"I would like her to restore a good image to the governorship," said Mary Frances Williams, who wasn't alone in her belief that the state's image has been tarnished in recent years by those who represent the South Carolina in Columbia and Washington.
"(Haley needs) to take our state from, you might say the laughing stock of the governor, to something we can be proud of in a governor," said Charles Gardner.
While some are already proud, even this early in the game, they know four years in politics is a lifetime.
"I'm proud that a woman is there," said Barbara Christian, "but time will tell how she does."
