The Index-Journal from Greenwood, South Carolina • Page 17

City St Me The Index-Journal 17 Friday April 29, 1983 Senate readies IbattletfieldL for remap COLUMBIA (AP) The state Senate is setting the parliamentary ground rules as it prepares to launch next week into one of its most difficult and touchy struggles this year the reapportionment of its 46 districts. When the Senate starts dealing with the remap again, the Senate Judiciary Committee will have final say over most of the proposed amendments. Sen. Tom Smith, D-Florence, acknowledged late Thursday afternoon that he told the other members of the Senate about the parliamentary procedure for the remap struggle during an executive session earlier Thursday. The state Freedom of Information law allows closed-door discussions of certain topics, but reapportionment is not one of them.

The redrawing of Senate district lines, though a tedious and lengthy process, can end political careers, start new ones and redefine the state political structure for years to come. No black has served in the state Senate since the 1880s, and some lawmakers have suggested the sensitive problems raised by the struggle for Senate seats could send it to the courts. Smith says the intention of sending all amendments through the committee is to comply with parliamentary procedure. But it also means that Sen ate President Pro Tempore L. Marion Gressette will have a tighter rein over any proposed changes in the plan.

Gressette, the 81-year-old chairman of the panel, has said he is extremely displeased with the House of Representatives version of the Senate remap plan. His district would be severely altered by the House plan. Smith said members' -were told Thursday afternoon to prepare any proposed amendments and deliver them to the Judiciary Committee before Tuesday's committee meeting. The House plan, passed two weeks ago, would create nine black majority seats with seven that legislators con sider "electable" for a black. The Senate plan which passed easily early this year has seven black majority seats and five considered "electable." Only seats with a black majority near 58 percent or more are considered electable by civil rights groups, based on black voting patterns.

The Senate has been preoccupied with Senate reapportionment even though it hasn't been on the calendar since it passed the House. If the Judiciary Committee finishes its discussions of the plan Tuesday, the full Senate could take up the plan Wednesday morning, Smith said. Smith acknowledged that some senators will not be happy about having to run proposed amendments through the Judiciary Committee. But he said that's required when amending a House amendment. One senator, who asked not to be named, said the plan is to introduce the Senate-passed remap with some minor changes.

But Smith said, "You might be surprised when you see it." The Senate plan will probably add at least one black majority district in the Pee Dee, he said. Smith, a 10-year veteran "of the Senate, will be in that district, for which the minority per-, centage has not been worked out. He said it wouldn't mean he would lose his Senate seat, but it would make for an interesting political race. Smith said he discussed the reapportionment question with state senators "as an afterthought" during the closed-door meeting and probably should have discussed it in open session. Another senator, who asked not to be named, said it is not unusual for senators to discuss matters other than personnel, contractual and legal matters during an executive session.

Those three areas are the only ones protected by law for confidential discussions by members of a public legislative body. Health commission bill heats deadline in going to House COLUMBIA (AP) Sen. Heyward McDonald lost a skirmish but beat the clock, as legislation creating an independent commission to administer $350 million in Medicaid and other federal funds passed the Senate just before the May 1 deadline. Any Senate legislation sent to the House of Representatives after that deadline could not be taken up this year unless two-thirds of the House voted to consider the bill. The Senate acted on the bill before adjourning for the week Thursday.

'Where's cast SEN. HEYWARD Vjj Mcdonald "SJ Bess Park. Admission is by season ticker, or $5 for students and senior citizens. For din 'Where's a musical comedy set in Victorian England, opens tonight at at 8 at the Greenwood Community Theatre's Theatre of the Arts. The cast includes, left to right, Barbara Rhinehart, Ron Moore, Russell Sullivan, James Tanner, Julia Pridgen and reservations, call 229-5704.

(Photo by Mary Social Services block grant from the Department of Social Services, which is also responsible for a wide variety of social programs. The proposed legislation would have given the governor the right to appoint the seven members of the proposed Health and Human Services Finance Commission. But the Senate amended the bill so the legislature would elect commission members, then passed it and sent it to the House. McDonald said there's still a chance that gubernatorial appointment powers could be restored in the House or a compromise could be reached. Opponents of the bill argued that creation of the board would create another layer of bureaucracy.

Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, had objected to the commission, but said he's been convinced that startup of the new agency will not be a major cost. "There is no assurance on the cost, but as far as the negative impact on DSS, I am convinced that they won't have to come back and ask for addi tional money for creation of this commission," McConnell said. The main battle in the Senate Thursday was over control of choosing commission members. The amendment to retain legislative control was introduced by several senior senators including Sen.

John Lindsay, D-Marlboro, and Sen. L. Marion Gressette, D-Calhoun. "If the General Assembly elected the members of the commission it doesn't change the authority," Lindsay told the Senate. "It merely changes the manner in which the commissioners are chosen." Lindsay said the amendment was needed to cut down on opposition to the bill.

McDonald said the amendment goes against the main purpose of the bill. "Part of the problem is that there has been no objectivity," said McDonald. "The DSS Board, is elected by members of the General Assembly. Special interest groups can apply considerable pressure to members." 'Where's the audience really McDonald, D-Richland, wanted to defeat an amendment giving the legislature the right to elect members of the proposed commission, but agreed to it so the bill would not be held up in the Senate for this year. Advocates of the bill feel creating the new agency would help in the administration of $350 million in federal funds currently administered by the board of the Department of Social Services.

The Department has been criticized in the past for its handling of Medicaid money. The new commission would oversee that fund and the much smaller Social Services Block Grant. When McDonald saw he didn't have the votes, he moved to adopt the -amendment giving the General Assembly the right to elect commission members. "I didn't want the amendment, but after we were unable to table the amendment, we got what we could and avoided a filibuster," he said. A principal purpose of the bill is to remove oversight of the Medicaid and a spoof gets into Lucia and then switching to a mysterious guest, "Beverly highlighted superbly by Barbara Rhinehart, who appears unexpectedly Running, literally running, through this escapade is Carlton Pridgen, as Mr.

Spetigue, guardian and relative of the proper young ladies, when he also turns his attentions to the elusive Donna Lucia resulting in a hilarious encountter with "her" on a garden bench. The lilting orchestration of hit show tunes under the baton of Larry Joe Cook Rrovides a bit of nostalgia. "My Darling, ly Darling" performed in a fun duet by Sullivan and Ms. Pridgen and solos by Bess Park and James Tanner add extra zing. By the way, this is one show where the audience really gets into the act and you'll have to go see it to find out how.

ALICE HITE Opponents stall twin trailer bill COLUMBIA (AP) Hotly contested legislation to allow twin-trailer rigs to roll along state highways remains alive in the House of Representatives despite stalling tactics that blocked action on the bill. The House debated the truck issue for nearly two hours Thursday before adjourning for the weekend without taking a vote on second reading. The House's failure to act on the bill, drafted by the state highway depart ment, pushed it behind consideration of the state general appropriations bill beginning Monday. That could threaten passage this year. But the prime mover behind the bill.

Clarendon County Democrat Alex Harvin, predicted that the House will pass it once the budget bill is out of the way, in a weeK or two. Although they held a slim majority, lawmakers favoring the measure could not push it through Thursday because opponents held the floor to block a vote. Harvin said adjournment was a "breath of life" because it gave his forces time to regroup. "Our supporters had other appointments and attendance was off today," he said. "I think we have a clear shot at it after the appropriations bill," Harvin said.

"We have it on special order, and it'll come back up the day after we complete the budget." The House turned back several efforts to commit the bill to committees; and it survived several test votes designed either to kill it or postpone action until next year. Congress has authorized the twin trailers for interstate and other designated routes, but states must adopt certain weight limitations for the rigs or face loss of federal funds. The state Department of Highways and Public Transportation is negotiating with the Department of Trans portation over what roads besides interstate routes the twin trailers will use. Rep. Jean H.

Toal, D-Richland, again told the House that it does not need to pass legislation to permit the double trailers on state highways in view of congressional action last De cember. she said islanders are too low-key for that sort of thing. So the book includes only faces and profiles no bank account balances, phone numbers or addresses. Mrs. Stephens, who likens the book to a "peeping Tom" look at the island, said those to be profiled were selected "very scientifically." She said an "advisory staff" came over to her house, poured themselves some glasses of white wine, and then decided whom they wanted to profile.

Catching "Where's opening tonight at the Greenwood Community Theatre, is like laughing all over again at the musical comedy version of the current hit movie "Tootsie" played, this time, in a Victorian setting, of all places, a century ago. "Tootsie's" star, Dustin Hoffman, isn't there in drag but James Tanner is and he's a smash. Playing dual roles with multiple quick changes. Tanner is the conservative young man in British society, Charley Wickeham, and, by a contrived plot with ms buddy, Jack Chesney, vigorously belted out by Russell Sullivan, also becomes his long-lost aunt. Donna Lucia.

Winning the affections of two very proper young ladies brought to vivid life by Julia Pridgen and Bess Park, complete with coquettish "snick- alluring "eye is the BRIEFLY adults and $4 for Ann Hutto) review basis of this outrageous sham. Wickeham's disguise, affected with a feminine voice, as his aunt, is absolutely essential in this wild spoof of Victorian mores: "Society says that young men and young women must have chaperones." Chesney and Wickeham must instantly improvise to be alone with their hearts' desires and then the scenario becomes like "Close Encounters of the Third totally out of control, much to the audience delight. British accents are convincing, lots of "old throughout this lively romp with Ron Moore having a field day as Sir Francis Chesney, Jack's father, in pursuit, at first, of the "disguised" Donna Body found GEORGETOWN (AP) Solicitor Jim Dunn speculates that 19-year-old Elizabeth Bellamy, whose body surfaced at a marina here Thursday after she had been missing a week, was the victim of an accident. Murder charges WALHALLA (AP) Three men previously charged in an April 13 shooting were charged with murder after the victim, Gary Wayne Eades, died in a Greenville hospital Wednesday. Two of the men, Richard James Armstrong, 52, and his son Terry Darrell Armstrong, 26, both of Marietta, were out on bond before Wednesday's arrest.

ISLAND Hilton Head's 1 HILTON HEAD ISLAND (AP) Editor Nancy Stephens says everyone is a voyeur at heart, so she's expecting great things when "Island Personalities" hits the bookstands next month. The 148-page paperback which might be described as this resort island's answer 'to "People" magazine includes brief biographies and pictures of 219 residents of this ritzy island. But to some, the best part is that all are single. At a press luncheon Thursday ner theatre 6 A Midsummer Night's Dream' auditions set ABBEVILLE Abbeville's Opera House is holding auditions for William Shakespeare's classical "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Director Missy Cromer said 25 actors and actresses are needed to participate in the play, celebrating the Opera House's 75th anniversary. Cromer said participants of all ages will be a part of a "total theatre experience," using trap doors, opera boxes and the Opera House's 70-foot-tall "fly loft." Lynn McJunkin will choreograph the several numbers done by the "fairies of the magic wood." Dr.

Bruce Carlock of Erskine College has arranged an adaptation not as lengthy as the original, yet containing all the essential comedic Shakespearean expressions necessary to complete "A Midsummer Night's Dream. "i Auditions are scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday, May 1, and Monday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at 202 West Durst Ave. in Greenwood.

Anyone needing a more convenient time to audition may call 223-6048 in Greenwood, or 459-2157 in Abbeville. Cromer said non-actors are also needed for sound, lights, costume, props and box office. Teen-agers face life terms for ax slaying GREENVILLE (AP) A teen-age girl and boy convicted of axing and stabbing her father to death have been sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Donna Una Kuter and her lifelong friend, James Kevin McCoy, will be eligible for parole in 20 years, when both will be 37. They dropped their heads as the verdict was read Thursday.

Miss Kuter rubbed her eyes with her hand and McCoy put his hand over his mouth and cried quietly. Then Circuit Judge Frank Eppes pronounced sentence. McCoy swayed and sobbed once when baliffs locked the handcuffs on his wrists, and several members of his family began sobbing loudly. Miss Kuter glanced around the courtroom and ducked her head as she was taken outside. The victim, 60-year-old George Kuter, was slain with an ax and knife while he slept last November.

McCoy insisted throughout the trial that he did not help Miss Kuter kill her father. He said he took an ax into Kuter's bedroom because the girl threatened to tell the police that killing her father was all his idea if he didn't help. Jail death WEST COLUMBIA (AP) A West Columbia jail inmate found dead in his cell Feb. 8 was a suicide, a Lexington County coroner's jury has ruled. The jury ruled Wednesday that Everette E.

Hill, 24, committed suicide by hanging himself with a bed sheet after being arrested for public disorderly conduct. Glenn committee COLUMBIA (AP) U.S. Senator John Glenn, D-Ohio, announced the formation of the John Glenn Presidential Committee in South Carolina, home of rival candidate Sen. Ernest Hollings. Glenn, a former astronaut, launched his candidacy April 21 from his hometown of New Concord, Ohio.

conversation occurred in a Columbia apartment, he said. Poe told the jury Thursday that Ms. Collins remained downstairs with Love's son, Carlton, and a woman named Loretta, while he and Love went upstairs for a private conversation. Poe testified that when he told Love he "wanted to leave town and take Rene with me," Love gave him $600 which he insisted was a loan. "I told him there was no way I could pay him back," Poe said, but Love insisted he take the money and that it was only a loan.

weaves tangled web PERS ONALITIES answer to 'People9 magazine Testimony COLUMBIA (AP) Newby F. Love gave a man $600 to get the man's fiancee out of town before she testified before a federal grand jury probing racketeering and drug smuggling, two witnesses said. The testimony by Norman Dale Poe, 26, and his former fiancee, 24-year-old Sherry Rene Collins, came Thursday in the federal trial of Love, a Columbia businessman, and four others. The prosecution, which has been weaving a tangled tale of robberies and drug-running flights to South America, was to put witnesses on the stand for the fifth day today. The case stems from a Dec.

21 raid at the Sumter County airport, which authorities say produced the fourth-largest cocaine seizure in the nation's, history nearly half a ton. Poe said Thursday he and Ms. Collins met with Love last October to discuss her safety after police questioned her about an attempted armed robbery in which they believed Love was involved. Both he and Ms. Collins were wearing hidden microphones and were being monitored by State Law Enforcement Division agents when the featuring roast sirloin of beef au jus and white wine, Mrs.

Stephens said the island's white sandy beaches, countless tennis courts and numerous golf courses are well known. "I think people are much more interested in the people of Hilton Head," she said. "I know that everybody is a voyeur at heart. I really enjoy interviewing these people." She said the original idea behind the book was to compile a little black book of who's available on the island. But.