Senate Education Committee forwards Flavia Harton’s reappointment to full Senate

The Senate Education Committee on the opening of its session voted to forward Flavia Harton’s reappointment to the South Carolina Arts Commission to the full Senate.

HartOn told the committee she has worked in arts boards in South Carolina for 19 years and has served as chair of the Arts Commission for six months. Committee staff member Katie Grinstead confirmed Harton’s personal data questionnaire and statement of economic interest were complete and that there were no conflicts or disqualifying circumstances disclosed.

A senator from Edgefield raised concerns about a Post and Courier article describing several emerging-artist grants that the senator called “explicit” and offensive to some taxpayers. The senator urged the commission and staff to review recommendations more closely before awarding taxpayer funds. Harton said the commission follows state law and its policies; she said one emerging-artist submission had been disqualified from consideration the previous day under those policies.

Members of the Greenville delegation and David Platts, executive director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, spoke in support of Harton’s record and character. Senator Turner moved that the committee find Harton qualified and forward her to the full Senate; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The committee’s vote gives the full Senate the opportunity to confirm Harton to another term on the Arts Commission.