A critic of South Carolina State University trustees' removal of former President Andrew Hugine isn't taking sides for now as four board seats come up for election.
State Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, said his vote will go to the candidates that can best serve the university. He said he can't make a decision until all the candidates are known.
"It's not about personalities, but about the best interest of the institution and the qualifications of who wants to serve," Govan said.
Four current trustees, including former Board Chairman Maurice Washington, and any challengers have until Dec. 17 to file a letter of intent stating they plan to seek a seat in the board.
The seats up for election during the next legislative session are:
* Fifth Congressional Seat five, currently held by Linda Edwards-Duncan.
* Sixth Congressional Seat six, currently held by Washington.
* At-large Seat eight, currently held by Dr. Shirley Martin.
* At-large Seat 10, currently held by Jonathan Pinson.
Candidates that file for the seats will be vetted by a legislative panel. Then the candidates will have the chance to campaign to members of the General Assembly. Next spring, the General Assembly will elect four trustees to serve in those seats.
No one has filed for any of the seats so far, according to Legislative Screening Committee Administrative Assistant Sophia Derrick.
Govan said he wouldn't be surprised to see challengers emerge for those seats.
Govan was highly critical of the board after seven trustees voted to oust Hugine last December. Washington and Martin were among them. Pinson voted against removing Hugine, while Edwards-Duncan did not vote.
Hugine is suing Washington, Martin and other trustees who voted to fire him.
Interested candidates can fax their letter of intent to 803-734-0487 or call 803-734-3106 for more information.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.