My wife called a special DHEC number Jan. 13 to make a vaccination appointment as we are over 70 years of age.

She was told she would receive an e-mail in 2 days confirming an appointment and site. It finally came 4 days later about 9 pm.

It took an hour to get a March 22 appointment and location. Most were booked.

With all DHEC’s problems, officials made matters worse by holding an mass vaccination at the Fairgrounds. About 600 people were vaccinated, many without appointments. Why was this permitted? My wife and I were both outraged at this special treatment for a few over the many.

Walter Kirk Wood, Lexington

Editor’s note: DHEC said the clinic was publicized for 1st responders. When hundreds came, they did not turn them away. •

• Your DHEC articles this week were spoton! Why do my wife and I have to schedule separately? She owns no computer but has to have an email address and a password.

Don’t bother trying to call DHEC. They either don’t answer or an automated response will take you nowhere.

I saw Daisy Harman’s article on how nice Lexington Medical Center treated her. I called immediately but they are out of vaccine. Still have a request in but no response from VAM. Go figure!

Paul Banner, Lexington

Stimulus check in the mail?

I finally got a person on the phone after 38 minutes only to be told my stimulus check was not their problem. You will get it when you get it, I have been e-filing since it began. My April check finally came to my bank but no answer.

Cal Bogan, Lexington

Why our state’s behind

Many predicted a blue wave would hit us last November but South Carolinians sent a record number of conservatives to the Statehouse to uphold conservative principles.

For too long our state government has lagged behind the rest of the Southeast in energy, education and taxes.

We still own and operate a utility, Santee Cooper, as a state agency. This is the 4th year our legislature has debated Santee Cooper’s future. We voted for lawmakers who will vote to sell Santee Cooper to private industry where it belongs.

All children deserve a quality education. No family should be forced to send their children to failing schools. Let’s make this the year education dollars follow the child.

SC has the highest taxes in the Southeast and 11th highest in the US. That’s got to change if we’re to attract business and compete for good jobs, not to mention letting families keep more of their own money.

Evan Newman, SC Club for Growth