What’s on your neighbor’s mind?
September 10, 2007 | 1 Comment
In House District 71, we have opinions and we like those opinions to be known.
Just this past Saturday, there were three members of our community who shared their thoughts with the Editors of The State Newspaper.
Sarah Brown and Michael Bishop wrote airline problems and education, while George Summers focused on the upcoming bond referendum.
Making voting easier in our district
September 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
People give several reasons (excuses) why they don’t vote. Now at least one of those reasons has been removed here in House District 71.
Senator Courson and I have approved legislation that will help alleviate long lines at voting precincts.
We both plan to send a separate letter in the upcoming weeks just to be sure you are aware.
The Richland County Election Commission will also send notification to you as well.
Don’t be one of the ones who doesn’t exercise your right. If the citizens of Iraq can turn out with all their adversity to the tune of 80%, District 71 can certainly do our part for our community, state, and country.
Remembering Israel Brooks, Jr (1944-2007)
September 10, 2007 | 1 Comment
Our community lost a great man this weekend.
Karen and I were watching the local Fox News Friday night when we couldn’t believe what we heard: Israel Brooks had passed away.
I was even more surprised to learn of this man’s important history and service to our state/country.
You see, to me and my family, Mr. Brooks was simply the nice man at our voting precinct (Riversprings) who would always have a small on his face, have his poll volunteers laughing, and would always take time to say hello to our children when we came to vote.
I never knew about his historic past. After watching the news and reading about his life, it doesn’t surprise me how much this man accomplished in life. It also doesn’t surprise me how humble he was and how he graciously gave to his state and country.
I’ll attach the stories but briefly would list some of his achievements:
*Husband, father, grandfather, godparent
*South Carolina’s 1st Black State Trooper
*Appointed SC Chief US Marshal by President Clinton
*United State Marine
Funeral services for Mr. Israel Brooks, Jr. Us Marhsal (Ret) will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at St. John Baptist Church.
Representing District 71
September 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment
*UPDATE* 2nd Annual Community Prayer Breakfast
September 7, 2007 | 6 Comments
** (UPDATED September 20) What an incredbile response with one week to go! Over 200 RSVPs. Chip and I are very excited to see this event supported by several in the community. **
I hope you’ll join Representative Chip Huggins and me at the Second Annual Irmo Prayer Breakfast on September 27, 2007 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. with our program starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m.
Last year there were over 200 people in attendance at the inaugural event for our community and we’re hoping for another large turnout this year!
I’d like to thank this year’s’sponsors: AT&T, The Babcock Center Foundation, The RL Bryan Company, The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, Kim and Bernie Hawkins, Irmo Insurance Agency, Lake Murray/Irmo Women’s’Club, Lexington Medical Center - Irmo, L.R. Enterprises, Meetze Plumbing, The New Irmo News, Palmetto Health Parkridge, Representative Nathan Ballentine, Representative Chip Huggins, The Rotary Club of Lake Murray/Irmo, The Rotary Club of St. Andrews, and Time Warner Cable.
This year’s speaker will be A. V. Strong, Executive Director of A Better Way: Project G.O. Gang Out.
Ministers on the program will be Dr. Dale B Welden (St. Andrews Presbyterian), Dr. Bill Barton (Ministry Resource Team), Dr. Bill Messer (First Baptist Church of Irmo), Rev. Oscar H. Cooper, Jr. (Young Chapel A.M.E. Church), Father Andrew Vollkommer (Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church) and Dr. Don Brock (Gateway Baptist Church).
Music will be provided by The Grace Notes (Babs Heflin, Melissa Sheffield, Amy Nunn). The Irmo High School JRAFROTC will present the colors.
Tickets are $8 and can be paid in advance by sending check payable to Irmo Community Prayer Breakfast, 1108 Belfair Way, Irmo, SC, 29063. RSVP by September 20th so that we can have a correct headcount. No tickets will be sold at the door. If you are a minister/pastor/etc, your meal will be complimentary - please let us know when you RSVP.
I hope to see many of you there! Bring your Sunday School class, your neighbors, your friends.
“Nathan Ballentine, Mr. Accessible”
September 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The State’s Brad Warthen says that our new site is a “fairly spiffy interface between himself and constituents.”
Read his commens by clicking here.
Thanks Brad!
Welcome to the new site!
September 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment
“Always accessible” is the theme I had in mind when I chose to launch a new website September 5, 2007!
For the past three years, I’ve constantly kept my constituents informed via monthly COMMUNITY UPDATE emails, annual surveys, important mailings (tax free holidays, elections, referendums, etc), civic organization talks, as well as Open Office Hours and Constituent Service Nights. Now, I want to take it even further into the “21st century” with regular blog entries, videos, and updates on what’s going on inside the State House as well as in our community.
Please visit often - especially during the January through June session - to read my “live from the floor” blog posts of what’s going on with your tax dollars and what bills are being debated that will impact the lives of all South Carolinians.
To start things off, I’m sharing a picture of my family from yesterday’s Chapin Labor Day Parade. Nothing’s more Americana than spending the day at a parade/festival with thousands of community neighbors,friends, and your family! Pictured with me and my wife, Karen, are the kids: Sarah (10), Emma (2), J.C. (3), and Annie, the family dog (6).
If you have a question/concern/advice or you would like me to speak with your neighborhood association, church, school, or civic group, please email me through the site or directly at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net.
It’s an honor and privilege for me to represent you in Columbia!
Jeremiah 29:11
Nathan Ballentine…Taxpayer Hero
September 3, 2007 | 1 Comment
Did you know that Governor Sanford has named Nathan one of South Carolina’s Taxpayer Heroes? View the Governor’s website by clicking here.
Nathan endorses Mitt Romney for President
September 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment