Haley $30K Veto Won't Stop Irmo Veterans Park

Gov. Nikki Haley listing the Irmo Veterans Park as pork barrel spending was an "insult to all veterans," according to one of the people who has worked to get the project completed. 

Jake Moore, a founding member of the Irmo Arbor Day Committee and attorney for the Town of Irmo, said he was disappointed in Haley's veto of $30,000 and even more disappointed in Haley listing the project under items she called "pork projects."

"I am certainly disappointed with what she did," Moore said. "Not only am I disappointed with what she did, I am disappointed with what she had to say." 

"I love the United States of America and I appreciate what all of our veterans have done," Moore said. "For her to have the unmitigated gall to insult the veterans of South Carolina by referring to something that has been done to simply honor them for their service as pork barrel spending … that should offend every single person [in the state.]"

In Haley's veto message, she said "One of the benefits that came out of the tight financial times South Carolina has seen the last few years has been the elimination of the pork projects and special interest payouts that for too long were hallmarks of our political system." 

"In reviewing this budget, one of the largest disappointments has been the return of this nefarious process."

Of the vetoes, Haley said it was "an opportunity to confirm to the people of South Carolina that our government does not believe in, and will not accept, pork barrel spending."

Haley also said on Facebook, that the "earmarks are for specific projects that will benefit a select community but not the state as a whole." 

Some other projects on the list included $100,000 for Patriot Park environmental pavilion, $200,000 for Southeastern Wildlife Exposition marketing and $300,000 for the North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum.

Moore said he completely disagrees and that Haley owes all veterans an apology. 

"It’s about more than a park … it’s about saying thank you," Moore said. "[We] do other things that don’t impact everyone in the state."

"There’s nothing inherently evil about the state spending a few bucks to help a city recognize the service of the veterans who have fought, died and have gotten hurt."

With or without the funding, Moore said the project will be completed. 

The Irmo Arbor Day Committee in conjunction with the Town of Irmo have worked to build the 3-acre park located on Palmetto Wood Parkway near the Irmo Professional Center. 

The park will feature a gazebo that will look exactly like the one in the town's park, magnolia trees, crepe myrtles, exercise trails and a flags display honoring veterans from all branches of the military.

Fitness stations will also be a feature. 

The funding would've gone toward building the gazebo and a sign but Moore said he's not worried. 

"The Irmo Arbor Day Committee has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to beautify the Town of Irmo,"  Moore said. "You can bet we’re not going to let this stop us." 

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 12.

On Tuesday, legislators will return to vote on whether to override or sustain the budget vetoes.