This article was first brought out by David Hucks from myrtlebeachsc.com. David Hucks, the featured writer has maintained a fair reporting history when doing stories concerning South Carolina. And has written several articles on the corruption within the State House by politicians.
In a State ranked high for Political Corruption and favoritism among politicians, here is another questionable partnership between a Lawyer/Legislator and a former Santee Cooper Board Member.
As one can remember Sen. Luke Rankin nearly lost a runoff election to John Gallman. Mr. Gallman who ran a fair and honest campaign could not lower himself to the tactics of Sen. Luke Rankin. Sen. Rankin’s campaign used intimation tactics at the polls and mis-information in media posts concerning Mr. Gallman, generally practicing what is called “Dirty Politics”. So it does not surprise us that Sen. Luke Rankin is again tied to more questionable political practices…
A Santee Cooper Board member, appointed by Senator Luke Rankin has land ties with the senator. The two are, in fact, business partners.
Columbus Farms Realty Holdings, LLC is a business owned by both Singleton and Rankin.
Singleton was initially placed on the Santee Cooper Board in 2011 by Rankin’s team, but was appointed by the Governor’s Office.
On his political disclosure forms, Senator Rankin names himself as a 50% owner of Columbus Farms Realty Holdings, LLC.
Land owned by Columbus Farms Holdings Realty LLC appears in the path of future Highway 31 as it is projected to be built in NC
Land appears to be in the direct path of current S.C. 31 as it works to connect with Highway 73/74 in North Carolina.
Mr. Singleton is a former board member of the CEF [Coastal Education Foundation].
We continue to report on the connections between the Coastal Education Foundation and highway road tax recipients.
As we reported yesterday, Singleton built Belle Terre Golf Course directly in the path of S.C. 31. He did this after the path of the road was approved, yet more than 5 years before the land was purchased with RIDE (Road Improvement Development Effort) Horry County taxes dollars.