Staff Writer

With only 13 weeks remaining in the 2008 legislative session the fate of a bill that would reapportion the Union County Board of School Trustees is in doubt.

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Jim Ritchie (R-Spartanburg) on April 18 of last year and placed on the Senate calendar as local legislation. Bills under the local calendar usually are routinely passed but after being given second reading on May 17, 2007, Ritchie's bill has been held up from further consideration by Sen. Linda Short (D-Chester).

Ritchie said in a reply to an e-mail inquiry concerning the legislation that he doesn't think his bill “will move forward until all of the senators from Union County agree on its disposition.”

Sen. Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), who also represents Union County, and Short have not replied to a March 3 e-mail sent to them asking if any further action will be taken or if the legislation will be allowed to die.

Any legislation not passed during this session, which ends June 5, will die and cannot be carried over into the new 2009-2010 session.

Ritchie introduced the legislation that would reapportion the trustee districts along the lines of the senatorial districts within the county. His bill would have two board members representing each of the senatorial districts and three trustees being elected at-large.

The Spartanburg senator became upset with school trustees over what he said was their failure to abide by their promise to him to have a new name, mascot and colors for the consolidated Union County High School. He said at the time that prior to supporting legislation introduced by State Rep. Mike Anthony repealing Act 301 that required unanimous consent by the entire board before a high school could be closed he was personally assured that those things would be done.

Ritchie had cast the vote to break a tie between Peeler and Short that repealed the long-standing law. Peeler had opposed repeal while Short had favored it.

Shortly after the law was repealed the school board voted to consolidate Jonesville, Lockhart and Union high schools. While supporting the unified system Ritchie became angry by the actions of seven of the nine board members who ignored the recommendation of a special 26-member committee the board had appointed to recommend a new name, colors and mascot for the consolidated school. The board voted instead to retain the name, gold and black colors, and Yellow Jacket mascot.

According to Union County Election Commis-sion records, trustees residing in Mrs. Short's District 17 are: Manning Jeter, Wanda All, Betty Joann McMorris, Kakie White and John Rampy.

In Peeler's District 14 are Kim Bailey and Randy George.

Trustees Jane Hammett and Donna Burgess Sanders live in Ritchie's District 13.

Should Ritchie's bill pass the Senate it will be sent to the House of Represen-tatives where it will be up to Anthony whether or not it would become law pending clearance by the Justice Department.