SHORT TAKES : Benson Wooed to Stay in Dixie

Actor Robby Benson, whose six-figure earnings at the University of South Carolina stirred controversy, is being wooed to remain in the Palmetto State.

The State Development Board and Columbia College are working on a package deal to keep the actor and filmmaker in the state.

The board that works to attract business and industry into the state, unanimously approved contract negotiations with Benson on Wednesday.

But Isabel M. Hill, head of the Development Board’s film office, said talks with Benson have not moved past “very cursory initial contact.”

Officials asked Benson and his wife, singer-actress Karla DeVito, to consider staying in South Carolina, possibly to teach at Columbia College and help bring movie producers to the state, she said.

Benson was caught up in negative publicity surrounding University of South Carolina President James B. Holderman, who resigned last week amid reports of lavish spending.

Among spending criticized was the $158,367 in salary and living expenses the school paid Benson over the past two years. Benson taught filmmaking there and made the movie “Modern Love” in Columbia, using students and local professionals.

The actor of such films as “Tribute,” “One on One” and “The Chosen” could not be reached for comment but he said last week that he resigned “the second Dr. Holderman did” and that he would be moving to Los Angeles this month.