CLICK HERE to view a video of the govenor's entire town hall meeting.

SENECA — Governor Mark Sanford visited Seneca’s Ram Cat Alley for about an hour yesterday to discuss his goals for South Carolina’s small businesses, his desire to restructure the state government and his concerns about government spending for the upcoming legislative term.

“This is basically a series of roving town hall meetings,” said Sanford, who chose Ram Cat Alley because of its ties to local small businesses.

When it comes to business, the governor said the state has to “keep up with changes” and embrace an “agenda of competitiveness” by decreasing worker’s compensation rates, helping small businesses provide employee health care and dealing with immigration.

Sanford said the state’s legislation had already made progress by decreasing the small business tax from seven percent closer to five; the amount larger corporations pay.

“We need to look at what’s good for the state as a whole … what will make us competitive,” he said.

Sanford hopes to see progress made in many issues within the first few months of 2008.

In usual town hall-style, the governor asked audience members to share opinions and ask questions. Questions prompted Sanford to share that he also expects legislation on tobacco taxes and tougher DUI penalties in the near future.

“The best way to improve the quality of life is to protect life itself,” he said.