Community Notice: Richland County
October 9, 2007 | 1 Comment
Richland County Councilman Bill Malinowski is hosting Strategic Planning Meetings this month:
* Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 6-8pm at Friarsgate Park, 1712 Chadford Road
* Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 6-8pm at Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road
The meetings are to provide residents with an opportunity to rate the county’s current performance and provide input on the vision and future direction of our community.
Highlights: Community and economic development, public safety, services and infrastructure, social services and quality of life, envionmental stewardship, general operations
You can call 576-2066 or 932-7919 for more information.
Walk to School Day
October 5, 2007 | Leave a Comment
As you can see the sun wasn’t up yet but that didn’t stop over 300 students, teachers, and parents from participating in the Walk To School event on Wednesday, October 3rd at Leaphart Elementary.
Pictured above are Dr. Appling, Principal of Leaphart Elementary and Dr. Scott AndersEn, Superintendent of Lexington/Richland School District Five.
Leading the walk were USC Mascot “Cocky”, USC cheerleaders, Irmo High School Mascot “Stinger”, members of the Irmo High Band and Irmo High cheerleaders.
I met several students who were obviously excited about the event. I also met Phyllis Johns who was listed here on my blog earlier in the week. She has two grandchildren at Leaphart Elementary.
Did you know:
* 670,000 children attend SC public schools
* 335,000 of those children ride school buses
* 140 SC elementary and middle schools registered with the SC Walk to School organizations
* 80,000 was the estimated number of students, parents, and others who walked to school that day
Order of the Silver Crescent
October 3, 2007 | 1 Comment
There are certain special people you get to meet who truly give their very best to make a difference in everyone’s lives that they touch.
William Chick (Chapin) is one of those individuals.
On September 13 in front of his American Legion Post 193, Senator Ronnie Cromer, Representative Walt McLeod and I joined Representative Huggins in presenting “Chick” with the highest civilian honor in our state - the Order of the Silver Cresent.
Here are some remarks included in a letter to Chick from Governor Mark Sanford:
“You have an outstanding record as a community and civic leader and, in these pursuits; you have set a standard of excellence that is second to none. You have been tireless as an ambassador for many causes, and I am impressed just looking at the breadth of your devotion to others - the Chapin Chamber of Commerce Publicity Committee, the American Legion, the South Carolina Moose Association as well as the Cayce Moose Lodge, the Chapin Labor Day Festival, the Rotary Club, the Irmo/Chapin Recreation Commission…..thank you for your service in the Air Force Reserve and the Civil Air Patrol.
South Carolina is blessed by your tremendous commitment to your community and to our state. Thank you for upholding the ideals of servant leadership in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Mark Sanford”
What’s an average week like?
October 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The one question I get asked the most is “How do you do it?”
Most people understand that this job is very time consuming and because it only pays a $10,400 salary, they ask me how I can give it so much attention and still be a husband, father, and also still make a living at Wachovia (where I am paid straight commission. No salary. Anyone need help with buying a home?)
Well, it’s tough. I won’t lie. But it’s something I love doing even though it’s much more work than I ever imagined.
For example, here’s my “political schedule” last week. Most week’s are pretty similar and remember this is a week when we are NOT in session. (Session is from January through June).
Monday (Sep 24) - Supported fellow colleague, Rep. Ted Pitts, by attending his fundraiser in Lexington at 5:30. (Oh, it was Sarah’s birthday at 6:30 and my in-laws were in town for dinner)
Tuesday (Sep 25) - Filmed my newest video clip in the morning and that afternoon attended a Palmetto Leadership Council event in Greenville. Was good to see constituents there, too!
Wednesday (Sep 26) - After work, attended Ribbon Cutting ceremony for new business to Chapin Chamber of Commerce: Chef’s Choice at 2130A Dutch Fork Road.
Thursday (Sep 27) - Second Annual Irmo Community Prayer Breakfast in the morning at St. Andrews Presbyterian. That evening I spoke at the Irmo High School student government induction ceremony.
Friday (Sep 28) - Participated in “Valet Day” at Dutch Fork High School in the morning as part of their “Alive @ 25″ program. In the evening, fried okra with the Lake Murray/Irmo Women’s Club at the Okra Strut.
Saturday (Sep 29) - Okra Strut parade in the morning with over 50 students from Dutch Fork High School.
What’s this week ahead like? Since I’ll be on vacation this Thursday through Sunday, it’s a little slower. Only two events are on the calendar: one for EdVenture and one where I’m participating in Walk To School Day for Leaphart Elementary.
Even though it’s hectic, it’s my job and I always want to you write and let me know if you’d like me to speak, visit, or attend one of your organization/church/neighborhood meetings!
Thanks for giving me the privilege of representing our community in Columbia!
Irmo Community Prayer Breakfast
October 2, 2007 | 2 Comments
(9/27/2007) Over 250 people attended the Second Annual Irmo Community Prayer Breakfast!
When Representative Huggins and I first talked about getting an event like this started in the community, we both agreed that no matter how long we may serve - we both wanted the event to continue for many years to come.
Last year the first breakfast was at Riverland Hills Baptist and this year St. Andrews Presbyterian was the host. (Next year, it will be at Gateway Baptist). The idea is to rotate the breakfast among local churches and to continue to emphasize the power of prayer.
I could write pages about the event and the speakers but will simply say that Dr. A.V. Strong, Executive Director of A Better Way: Project Gang Out, gave a wonderful testimony and a “wake up” call to the community about gangs. Simply put, he said “it’s spiritual warfare.” He then opened a bag full of bandanas (called “colors”) of former gang members who he and his organization have personally helped find “a better way”.
A former gang member himself, Dr. Strong knows too well how this path ends for our children.
I’m not sure who first said this but I often share this comment when I speak to youth groups and their parents. “When I was younger I had a drug problem….my mom drug me to church on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings…..”
That’s the kind of drug problem we need today.
COMMUNITY UPDATE: October 2007
October 1, 2007 | 3 Comments
Here’s this month’s regular update to keep you informed of what’s going on in the State House and in our community.
Remember, when you send me email, please place the word CONSTITUENT in the subject line so that I can reply to your email before the others I receive daily. Even when we’re out of session in Columbia, the email volume is tremendous.
By now, you’ve obviously found my new website (www.nathansnews.com) and I hope you’ll visit often. I “blog” about two or three times a week and those entries can be read by clicking on “blog” in the top menu bar on the home page, or by clicking on “news”.
The blogs/entries on the front page are the “most read” and there are several videos and photos that will regularly be updated on the site as well.
STATE HOUSE
With all 170 members of your General Assembly up for re-election next year (that’s every House member and every Senator), you can bet it will be an interesting campaign season.
I’m curious to see how that effects members’ voting on several issues next year too.
As you know, I have worked hard the past three years to support most of Governor’s Sanford’s agenda (although I’m not in lock-step with every idea he has). I’m hopeful others will join as we try to move South Carolina forward. Unfortunately, it appears personalities may have kept us back and could still be keeping us back.
It will be interesting to see how Reform SC and other third-party groups will work to influence future elections. In the past, we’ve seen several out-of-state groups involved (and that’s the case all over the U.S., not just South Carolina) and I’m curious to see more and more in-state groups grow their memberships and involvement. South Carolinians should determine the fate of South Carolina - seems logical to me.
Regardless of whether I agree or disagree with whatever group is involved, everyone has the right to express his opinion and I’d rather see more involvement in the political process than less. Sadly, too many people stay at home on Election Day. Sure political races often become ugly, negative, and stray from the real issues; but if you can look past all that and make informed decisions, you will have done your part in advancing our community, state, and country.
YOUR MONEY
While we have been out of session the past few months, we have stayed busy focusing on ways to improve our quality of life in South Carolina. I have been moving forward with a group (smaller in number than I’d like) that is concerned about the amount of spending in state government. We are hopeful to implement legislation or House Rules in 2008 that can help provide more sunshine on the budgetary process. Similar to what US Senator Jim DeMint is doing in Washington, we are trying to hold everyone accountable for spending your tax dollars. Any ideas you have, please share with me. For now, we’re looking to require budgetary items to have the House or Senate’s sponsor’s name or state agency’s name on the request as well as more details to how the actual money will be spent. For example, seeing “Midlands Regional Water Facility” is not enough description for me/us/you to make an informed decision. What we should know “Is it a water treatment facility or is it a water park? Where in the Midlands is it located? Have we exhausted local efforts?” Questions like that needs to be raised during the process instead of from the House Floor in a rather quick discussion/debate.
COMMUNITY
Two important votes are coming up next month and I wanted to be sure you were aware so that you can make informed decisions. The Town or Irmo will hold elections for Mayor and Council Members while Lexington/Richland School District Five will have a bond referendum.
The Richland County Sheriff’s office is providing free classes on prevention tips and safety suggestions through the Community Action Team. The classes are open to any resident in Richland County and will be held at Friarsgate Park. Upcoming classes are: Personal Safety (October 2), Robbery Prevention (November 13), and Identity Theft (December 4). Classes start at 7:00 p.m. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office to register (free) your attendance.
We have some truly outstanding folks in our community - some at such a very young age! If you missed the story and video on Andrew Talkish (Chestnut Hills Plantation) you must check it out and see how this five year old is making a difference through his recycling efforts in our area.
Last weekend was Homecoming at USC and the Class of 1957 had their 50th Reunion! None other than our own Parker Evatt (Chapin), former Representative in the South Carolina State House, was involved and served as Co-Chairman for the event.
Last month, new beauty queens were crowned in Irmo. Miss Jessie Richards is the 2008 Miss Greater Irmo and will represent Irmo in the Miss South Carolina contest. Also crowned last month was Janie Davis, Miss Greater Irmo Teen.
SCHOOLS
No surprise….our District leads the state in SAT and ACT scores!
High school students in Lexington/Richland Five scored the highest composite SAT scores in South Carolina in 2007. Since 1993, District Five students have earned the highest average SAT score in the state for all but four years.
The overall district composite score rose eight points over 2006 scores to 1065. The composite scores of all three District Five high schools were among the top 20 high schools in the state. Over the past ten years, SAT scores in Lexington/Richland Five have risen by 36 points.
Seniors in Lexington/Richland Five also improved their average score on the ACT college entrance exam this year. District Five’s overall composite ACT score of 22.1 was higher than state and national composites. For the second year in a row District Five’s score were in the top two districts in the state.
THANK YOU
Thanks for visiting the new site! Please let your friends and neighbors know about it so that they can stay as informed as possible.
You have given me a great honor by choosing me to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives and I remain as committed as ever to staying in touch. Please contact my office, 734-2969, or email me at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net anytime I can be of service to you or your family.
During the summer and winter months, it may take a little extra time to have your email returned - but please know that I read everyone I receive!
Nathan Ballentine
www.nathanballentine.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320A Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221
Everyone’s talking about it….
October 1, 2007 | 3 Comments
As you hopefully know, our community faces an important decision next month regarding the direction we’ll take in Lexington/Richland School District Five.
I encourage everyone to be as informed as possible and, in case you haven’t noticed, everyone has his/her opinion on the issue.
Today, we had several community members have their Letters to the Editor appear in The State.
We’ve also had recent coverage on the blogs (click here for Brad Warthen’s blog).
And of course, information is available to you at two community websites: our school district’s site and another site formed by local members of the community.
Regardless of how you feel, I encourage you to be sure to vote and have your voice heard on this important matter!