Gov. Sanford Issues Statement on Passing of Gov. John West

FORMER GOVERNOR PIONEERED IMPROVED RACE RELATIONS, LAID FOUNDATION FOR GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING

Columbia, S.C. - March 21, 2004 - Governor Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on the passing of former South Carolina Gov. John Carl West - who in addition to serving as governor of South Carolina from 1971-1975 was also a U.S. Army Major, state Senator, Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the administration of President Jimmy Carter:

"It doesn't matter where you go in South Carolina, you simply never hear an unkind word spoken about Governor West," Gov. Sanford said. "He is universally respected as a gentle, compassionate man whose servant leadership and courage to fight for change at a critical time in our state's history earned him a special place in the hearts and minds of countless South Carolinians. Whether it was his work in advancing race relations in our state, his focus on education, economic development, quality of life or the long-overdue discussion on ways to make government more efficient and accountable to the taxpayer that his administration championed - Gov. West truly helped lay the foundation for the restructuring reforms made two decades later by Gov. Carroll Campbell. I'd ask all South Carolinians to join Jenny, the boys and I in offering our thoughts and prayers to his wife Lois, his children and the many friends and family members of this remarkable South Carolinian."