Safety chief names floatedConway police chief could be among possible contenders By Yvonne Wenger (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
COLUMBIA — Six weeks after problems within the Highway Patrol began to surface, names of potential replacements for the head of the Department of Public Safety are being whispered in legislative circles. Gov. Mark Sanford's office is mum on the process but said the state should expect him to recommend a replacement to lead the Highway Patrol's parent agency "sooner rather than later." Meanwhile, legislators in the House and Senate said they've heard that Reggie Gosnell, the former Lowcountry troop commander for the Highway Patrol and the current Conway Police Department chief, is a contender to lead the embroiled state Department of Public Safety. 
Florence Morning News Conway Police Department Chief Reggie Gosnell "I don't think you'd find a better or more professional nominee in South Carolina," said Dan Bledsoe of Columbia, a retired first sergeant with 20 years in the patrol. "He is by the book — no doubt about it." Bledsoe had come forward to raise concerns about the Highway Patrol even before the first round of videos surfaced in late February that showed troopers mistreating motorists. Bledsoe said he believes Gosnell would be well-received by the agency's rank and file, who many say have been victims of a good ol' boy system. James K. Schweitzer, who led the Department of Public Safety since 2004, and Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark stepped down Feb. 29 under pressure by the governor after the videos surfaced. The Legislative Black Caucus first raised the alarm, but Chairman Leon Howard, D-Columbia, said they have not been asked to comment on potential nominees. "I understand that it is very important that the governor take his time," Howard said. "We will weigh in on the person he nominates and look at that person with a fine-tooth comb. "We need someone who is well-qualified to do the job and will come in and clean up the kind of Rambo behavior that the patrol is exhibiting." After Sanford makes his nomination, the state Senate will convene what's expected to be a lengthy confirmation hearing process. The Public Safety director would later appoint a replacement to lead the Highway Patrol. Sanford's office would not confirm or deny names of potential nominees. "We don't discuss our search process," press secretary Joel Sawyer said Monday. Gosnell, who started with the Highway Patrol in 1978, left in 2006 to take the job in Conway. He was at one time commander of district six, which included Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Jasper counties. He could not be reached for comment Monday. 
The Post and Courier/File Tommy Pope Several members of a Senate panel examining the agency in preparation for the confirmation hearings said Monday that they heard Gosnell's name, among others, being bandied about. Sens. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, and Ray Cleary, R-Murrells Inlet, said they could be supportive if Gosnell were the nominee. Another name commanding attention is Tommy Pope, a prominent Rock Hill lawyer who boasts on his Web site 25 years of experience in the state legal system. Pope, who also could not be reached for comment Monday, is a former solicitor for the 16th Judicial Circuit. He prosecuted the case of Susan Smith, who confessed to drowning her two sons in 1994. Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston, said he is familiar with the resumes and reputations of both men and said either could be a good fit. "I think what we need is someone who understands South Carolina and the nuances of the political system," he said. "I think stability would be something either gentleman would bring to the table." Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 12 comment(s)
Posted by Mayor on April 15, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How does a former solicitor qualify for consideration to head the Department of Public Safety?
Posted by Weeeee on April 15, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Um. Don't we already punish people driving under suspended licenses? Eh, "nailing speeders/reckless drivers" is ALL the highway patrol does anyway. Whoopteedo.
I do agree that we should bring back vehicle inspection. I've seen cars driving around town without doors.
Posted by Early on April 15, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said Harpo!
It's a vicious cycle. We need more tax dollars for a better government yet the government supports those who do not put into the tax system creating a need for more tax dollars on and on and on. It all boils down to getting people to be responsible for themselves but,,, that won't happen.
Anyway, seems the cop with the "hands on" experience would be a better candidate of the two mentioned.
Posted by theronce on April 15, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're just asking for trouble with a vehicle inspection program. We've had that a few years back. There's nothing stopping cops for ticketing an unsafe vehicle now.
Posted by wpc3iop on April 15, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reggie Gosnell is not the answer...I got caught in a speed trap that he was running (as a highway patrolman) where the speed limit sign was pushed over and obscured by bushes...he lied in court about the circumstances and later followd me to try to punish me for having the nerve to question his authority by requesting a jury trial! His leadership won't help the SC Highway Patrol's credibility...I feel sorry for the people who live in Conway...what a BOZO!
Posted by ImplantedYankee on April 15, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've lived in several states with vehicle inspection laws. It was just a massive corruption machine. Some shops would dream up faults just to force you into getting expensive repairs, while others would pass anything if you just passed a little something to the mechanic in return. I saw some real jalopies with current inspection stickers. A second opinion was not an option, either, because the the shop doing the inspection had the power to scrape off your inspection sticker on the spot and slap the car with a red "violation" badge, which permitted only 10 days for repair. The shop could then extort from you piles of money.
If a vehicle has faults that are determined to be the cause of an accident (or are plainly visible to law enforcement) ticket it then. Don't introduce more bureaucracy, expense, and corruption.
Posted by ImplantedYankee on April 15, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With regard strictly to the matter of replacement, I'd say it's a safe bet that demographics are going to play in the selection process, and, under the circumstances, that might not be a bad idea.
Posted by outrage on April 15, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about Capt. J. Woods?
Posted by ghostflame158 on April 15, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm all for Gosnell as Director of DPS, he is very smart and fair. Captain Woods would be an excellent Colonel for the Highway Patrol and not many people would disapprove of him in that position.
Posted by Mayor on April 15, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't we disband the whole Patrol? Go as fast as you want. Save a lot of money. Their hats are enough of a reason to get rid of the whole lot. Why not? Nobody obeys the speed limit. Who cares if they do? Have they ever solved a crime? No. It fell into their lap.
Posted by ImplantedYankee on April 15, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo, inspections were expensive in NY, and they were still a corrupt mess. Pennsylvania is in the same boat. It just ended up being another tax. Greased palms and large repair bills had mechanics smiling, but no one else, and jalopies were still driving the roads.
Posted by Thomas1776 on April 15, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When are some of these crazy former troopers going to be criminally charged?