Their indignation knows no bounds

WFAE-FM has a fascinating story on the work of the North/South Carolina boundaries commission, which is updated blazoned trees and other landmarks used two centuries ago to chart the boundary between the two states.

Given patterns of development, of course, even slight shifts can cause all kinds of unintended consequences. Once that WFAE reported on was the fate- unresolved- of a convenience store operator:

“We will be put out of business,” says Lewis Efird, who bought a gas station just across the border in what he thought was South Carolina in the early 1990s. Once the state legislatures approve the remapped boundary, the station will be in Gaston County, where it cannot sell beer, the gas tax is 22 cents higher, and the station’s fuel tanks may violate regulations.

 WSOC TV carried some more about Efird's mess:

Like more than a 100 others, Efird got a letter, telling him his land will be affected by the new border survey. 

"When I got the letter back in 2011 and I read it, I couldn't believe it myself," Efird said. 

On Tuesday, he told members of the Boundary Commission in Rock Hill that his business was doomed if it moves to North Carolina. 

"Seventy percent of my business will be gone," Efird said. 

That's because his store won't be able to sell fireworks, alcohol or cheap gas at South Carolina prices, and Efird fears it will go under, as soon as the newly-drawn state line is made official.

What's as interesting about the hard facts of the situation is what it says about the public policies of government in two adjoining states.

The bad news for SC/NC politicos: about fifty really p.o.'d households are being moved from one state to the other.