Nikki Haley showed real leadership before and after the storm

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Gov. Nikki Haley for her amazing leadership in preparing South Carolina for what I believe has become the worst natural disaster in the 12 years I have lived in the area, and for her continuing leadership and direction in the recovery effort. The credit also belongs to the men and women of the law enforcement agencies, the municipalities, the S.C. Department of Transportation, the utilities, the S.C. National Guard and various contractors.

On Sunday morning, I left my home in Longs, first driving 15 miles west to Loris then back again and 28 miles northeast to Shalotte, N.C., looking for a place to eat and to get a cup of coffee - without success. Along the way, there were dozens of crews from the aforementioned entities clearing roads, directing traffic, repairing power substations and raising downed power lines.

I did not see one functioning traffic light.

We were lucky and had power restored within 26 hours. Many others are still without power but I understand an additional 400,000 customers were brought on line since yesterday. Today there are more businesses open and more functional traffic lights.

This is truly an amazing recovery effort, with everyone working so well together. It will take some time but I am confident the restoration will be completed as soon as possible.

I am also amazed by the resilience of the citizens of South Carolina.

This story was originally published October 11, 2016 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Nikki Haley showed real leadership before and after the storm."