Leaders want to shake up Ports Authority

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Legislative leaders in the Charleston area are considering changing the way the State Ports Authority is governed.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Wednesday that Bonneau Sen. Larry Grooms wants more intensive qualifications to ensure board members have experience in shipping, finance and legal issues. Grooms also wants to make sure the governor cannot remove board members before they finish their seven-year terms. Grooms has the backing of the Senate leader, Glenn McConnell of Charleston.

Gov. Mark Sanford has removed one board member in his six years in office.

Daniel Island Rep. Jim Merrill has proposed eliminating the governing board and allowing the governor to name the ports’ executive director.

Gubernatorial spokesman Joel Sawyer says Sanford prefers Merrill’s approach.