Gov. Mark Sanford was more likely through his first seven years in office to heed former President Teddy Roosevelt's advice about carrying the big stick with the Legislature while ignoring the part about speaking softly.
But Sanford's signature Tuesday completing a restructuring of the state's work force and employment agencies, Sanford admitted, is a sign of the more humble leadership style the governor pledged after his June admission of an extramarital affair.
The law gives Sanford more control over the agency director, and eliminates the three-member commission that currently oversees the agency. In addition, the bill consolidates job placement, job training and jobless benefits services under one agency.
Eventually lawmakers will propose a new unemployment tax structure to repay $838 million borrowed from the federal government to maintain jobless benefits after the state trust fund went broke.
"We're learning a few things as we go through this process," Sanford said with a smile after the signing.