Sharing ideas with residents was the purpose of an informal town meeting with Governor Mark Sanford Monday morning.

The meeting was at Hamm's Ace Hardware in Prosperity and a part of similar forums being held around the state that the governor has dubbed his “Harvest Tour.”

During the gathering, Sanford asked residents what their concerns were.

The top concerns were property taxes and health insurance.

Sanford said one of his biggest concerns was local businesses like Hamm's having to compete with businesses from China and India.

He said that he wanted to work to keep South Carolina special and to preserve local traditions.

Sanford added that when a new company comes to the area, government puts out the “red carpet,” but established businesses that have supported the state for years “do not get the red carpet.”

The governor said the legislature has to find ways to run government more efficiently.

“(Government spending) doesn't need to go up more than the paychecks that are going into the local wallets,” said Sanford.

Another part of Sanford's agenda concerns maintaining social quality of life for South Carolinians by tackling issues such as driving under the influence, the governor added.

Residents were urged to call Sanford's office with their concerns. The number is (803) 734-2100.