Mediaboss Marketing

COLUMBIA Scowls, smirks and exasperated sighs often greeted Sarah Nuckles when she asked questions at S.C. Transportation Commission meetings.

Whether seeking answers about highly paid consultants, multibillion-dollar freeways or the lack of public access in policy decisions, Nuckles kept things stirred up during her four years on the transportation board.

Now, thats about to end. Nuckles term on the commission has expired. As soon as this week, legislators could replace her with another representative from her district in the Rock Hill area. State law bars commissioners from serving a second consecutive term in the same district.

For Nuckles, its been an enjoyable trip. She believes she has shed light on Department of Transportation policies and projects that need scrutiny, even if it made her unpopular with the other board members and department staff.

My purpose is not to sit in a club of commissioners, said the only woman on the seven-member Transportation Commission. If that makes me a maverick, thats sad. We need mavericks in the Legislature. We need them all over the place.

In a Transportation Department long-dominated by white males and criticized for a lack of public input, Nuckles was considered by conservationists, taxpayer advocates and some legislators as a fresh breeze. During commission meetings, her trademark was politely but relentlessly grilling Department of Transportation staff and board members about everything from big highway contracts to small road projects.

She has been excellent its good to have somebody on the commission who shakes things up, said Lancaster Republican Sen. Greg Gregory, a member of the legislative delegation that will choose a new commissioner to replace Nuckles. I dont think theres any harm in the questions she asked. And Im in agreement on some of the major issues she has brought up.

Dana Beach, a Lowcountry conservationist who is seeking a seat on the transportation commission, said Nuckles told the truth when people didnt want to hear it.

Shes not well-received by a lot of people on the commission and by a lot of people for that reason, Beach said. They are offended that anybody would come in and shed the light of day on what is going on.

Chair: She grandstands

See the original post here:
Rock Hill woman known for asking questions to leave DOT commission