There are several civic groups in our community (state and nation) that make a difference in people’s lives!

Far too often they don’t get the “thanks” they deserve but I wanted to provide a link to my local Rotary Club who meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at The Cotton House.

If you would be interested in learning more about Rotary or joining our club, please let me know or contact one of our local Rotarians who would love to bring you to visit us one week!

There’s also two other clubs in the area that you can be a part of: The Rotary Club of St. Andrews and The Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club. If those are more convenient for you – location, date of meetings, etc. Please give them a look!

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization. It’s more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

We follow a simple code we refer to as “The Four Way Test”. Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

With the New Year around the corner, why not make a resolution to get more involved in your community in 2008 and help make a difference for others?

From today’s State…

“McCain, more than any other candidate, hopes voters factor endorsements into their decision-making.

McCain has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and S.C. Senate Majority Leader Glenn McConnell. By one tally, McCain has 48 of 71 Republican lawmakers backing him.”

The article goes on to say that Governor Sanford (who endorsed McCain in 2000) will sit this one out.

All this reminds me of my opinion about endorsements – they may look good on paper but they aren’t going to win the race for you. Maybe I’m wrong?

Does one person’s name make that much difference? Or, is it the candidate himself and his message, abilities, experience and/or passion to serve, that make the difference?

Ever since I became a public servant, I’ve held true to my stance not to endorse candidates in local races. With races at the local level – Mayor, County Council, Town Council, School Board, etc – I believe you, the voter, have the time and resources to follow the race closely and weigh all the candidates. You also have a chance (or should) for one-on-one face time and Q&A sessions with each candidate at local events.

In statewide or national races, you may not have those opportunities. Where candidates aren’t as accessible here locally and there is less of a chance for you to get to know the candidates and their positions, I feel it appropriate for me to assist you with my public support and opinion. In the past I have endorsed Lt. Governor Andre Bauer for his statewide races and most recently Govenor Mitt Romney for his Presidential race.

While I’m in the minority of state policitians supporting Governor Romney, I am pleased to be joined by several conservatives here in the Midlands: Representatives Nikki Haley, Chip Huggins, Ted Pitts and Senator Ronnie Cromer.

Regardless how things end up with the Presidential race, Republicans will “endorse” the same candidate for the General Election. Now how much weight will that carry??

I’d be curious as to your thoughts. Do endorsements matter? Are you more willing to vote for someone because of who’s backing them? If you don’t have the time/resources to vet the candidates (like Presidential), I’m guessing endorsements do make a difference. In local races, I’m thinking they don’t. You’re smart enough (and close enough to the candidates) to form your own opinion.

I think people, not politics matter. Now if you hear your neighbor is supporting a candidate, that’s a whole other type of endorsement in my opinion. One that matters!

With less than a month to go before Republicans go to the polls in the Palmetto State, I figured I’d write tonight about the contest for the GOP Presidential nomination.

First, I have no idea how this thing will end up. If anyone tells you they know, they’re lying – or just trying to impress you with their prognastication skills.

Most national pundits will tell you it all hinges on the early states and that some candidates are better positioned there than others. Will that momentum carry on to Florida, California, etc? Who knows? Could someone be shutout of the early states but come on strong in the larger ones? Who knows?

How will the votes shift when candidates start withdrawing from the race…after Iowa…after New Hampshire…after South Carolina? (Don’t forget about Michigan.)

What I do know is this: on any given day you see different information from different reports. And there has been alot of movement for almost all the candidates during the past several months.

Using quick google searches, here’s what I’ve found in the early voting states.

On the national level (NBC/Wall Street Journal poll), it appears Rudy’s lead has slipped and now Governor Mitt Romney has tied him for first.

Personally, I don’t give the national polls much weight since the votes in the primary come in on a state-by-state basis and momentum can change quickly if someone falls behind too quick.

In Iowa (the first state to vote), The Washington Post/ABC poll has it down to a two-man contest between Governors Huckabee and Romney – with no other candidate garnering double digits.

In New Hampshire (the next in line), Rasmussen has Romney in the lead with McCain gaining ground after Democrat/Independent Seantor Joe Lieberman endorsed his colleague from Arizona.

Right here at home, there’s conflicting reports but mostly they appear to point to again Governors Huckabee or Romney. Rasmussen has them tied for first while CBS has Huckabee first and Romney second.

As you know, my guy is Romney. He’s been the one that’s been attacked from Day One and so far he’s done very well. Others have surged or fallen but he steadily has impressed voters once they get to know more about him.

How many of you actually had heard of him until the past few months? He didn’t carry the same name-recognition of others but his message is obviously resonating with Americans.

Particularily it seems folks appreciate his tough stance on illegal immigration. Recently, I learned that SC may also be at-risk to having illegal aliens awarded scholarships or in-state tuition and I plan to file legislation to close any loopholes that may exist in current law. (Senator Kevin Bryant and I plan to file companion bills).

For me, several things led me to Governor Romney.

* He’s a proven leader with executive experience.

* He’s not a Washington Insider. He’s a successful businessman who can fix our spending problems.

* He’s a problem solver (Erased Massachusetts’ $3 billion dollar debt and rescued the scandal-plagued Salt Lake Winter Olympics).

* He’s not going to embarrass us (scandals, personal problems, etc).

* He has a vision for a positive future – stronger economy,stronger military, stronger families.

Regardless who you support, please remember to get out and vote next month in either the Republican or Democratic Primaries in SC. Both primaries should have a huge impact on the national landscape and will probably determine our next President.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God created us with one mouth and two ears. Of course, it’s not always easy for each of us – especially elected officials – to remember this reason.

The photo above is from this past Saturday when I helped Jerry Fowler (and the Results Team) on his radio show, Real Estate Focus. (Jerry also is an elected official and serves as a Board Member of Lexington/Richland School District Five). In my role as a State Representative, I’m often asked to be a guest on radio or TV and, if my schedule allows, I always oblige.

The best part of these visits is the chance to hear from the public about their concerns, opinions, and advice. Sure, as a leader I have a vision and idea for what I think would best help our state; however, I also understand that there are great ideas out there and that if we’re not listening to them or looking for them, they may go overlooked and our state may miss an opportunity for improvement.

I often tell folks that “just because I was elected to serve as your State Representative, doesn’t mean I was given all the answers”. (Now, some folks I work with may not admit to this. They seem to have ALL the answers!)

My “expertise” is in banking, finance, insurance, mortgage – business fields. While this background certanily helps me in my role as a public servant, there are hundreds of other bills where I need the expertise of others – specifically the people of our state – in order to do my job very well.

If every public official (or employee, spouse or parent for that matter) would remember this simple anatomy lesson; our world would be a better place.

Listen more. Speak less. Learn something new.

Today was the last day for House Members to pre-file legislation before we return in January for the last year of the 117th session of the South Carolina General Assembly.

While I have other bills I plan to introduce this year, today I wanted to file legislation that best illustrates what we you have told me we need to fix in government – a lack of transparency and questionable spending procedures.

H.4356 can help accomplish this for our state. When you elected me three years ago, you asked me to lookout for your taxdollars and also work to bring common-sense back to government. This bill does both. This bill is about people, not politics.

As you’re aware, U.S. Senator Jim Demint is actively pushing similar reform in Washington and it applies here locally as well.

I’m proud of the handful of colleagues who already cosponsored the legislation before we even begin our 2008 session. We’ve been working on this before summer and are hopeful for passage this year.

In addition to this earmark reform bill, House Speaker Bobby Harrell and I introduced a similar bill. Representative Michael Thompson (R – Anderson) has also filed similar bills as well.

(To see all House bills pre-filed today, click here)

As always, any input or advice is appreciated. For those that visit this site from around the state, I encourage you to ask your House Member to cosponsor this effort!

Note: You can also ask your Senator to cosponsor the companion bill S.896, pre-filed today by newly-elected Senator Shane Massey (R – Aiken).

General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Ballentine, Harrell, Mulvaney, E.H. Pitts, Haley, Bedingfield, Lowe, Duncan, Crawford, Shoopman and Talley
Document Path: l:\council\bills\bbm\10238htc08.doc

Prefiled in the House on December 12, 2007
Currently residing in the House Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: Not yet available

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date Body Action Description with journal page number
12/12/2007 House Prefiled
12/12/2007 House Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-7-67 ENACTING THE “APPROPRIATIONS BILL EARMARK DISCLOSURE ACT” SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION SURROUNDING EARMARKS REQUESTED BY MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR INCLUSION IN AN APPROPRIATIONS BILL, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE FOR THIS DISCLOSURE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Chapter 7, Title 2 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

“Section 2-7-67. (A) This section may be cited as the ‘Appropriations Bill Earmark Disclosure Act’.
(B) For purposes of this section:
(1) ‘Appropriations bill’ means the annual general appropriations bill, a supplemental appropriations bill, the joint resolution appropriating revenues of the capital reserve fund, a bill appropriating contingency reserve fund revenues, or any other bill appropriating state revenues while these bills are under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee or Senate Finance Committee, or any subcommittee thereof, and any free conference committee on an appropriations bill. For purposes of this definition, a bill includes a joint resolution.
(2) ‘Earmark’ means:
(a) an appropriation for a specific program or project requested by a member of the General Assembly not originating in a written agency budget request;
(b) language in an appropriations bill requested by a member of the General Assembly directing or steering the expenditure of funds appropriated to an agency for a purpose or to a county or municipality not included in the agency’s budget request.
(C)(1) A member of the General Assembly requesting an earmark in an appropriations bill shall make the request in writing on a form designed jointly by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. Minimally, the form must include the member’s name, the specifics of the earmark request, including the county or municipality to which the earmark is steered if not statewide, the purpose to be accomplished by the earmark request, and such other information as the form may require. The form must be filed with the clerk of the House Ways and Means Committee or Senate Finance Committee, as appropriate. All earmark requests must be date/time stamped at the time of filing. The committee shall maintain for public inspection during normal business hours a register containing a copy of each earmark request filed in order of filing and a copy of the earmark request must be published on the General Assembly’s website within three business days of filing. In the case of an earmark request while an appropriations bill is under consideration by a committee of free conference, the form must be filed with the designee of the chairman of the committee of free conference and this filing applies, mutatis mutandis, in the manner of filing with a committee clerk for purposes of consideration of the earmark request in a committee of free conference. An earmark may not be considered in the House Ways and Means Committee or Senate Finance Committee or any subcommittee thereof or in a free conference committee for inclusion in an appropriations bill before the filing of the earmark request form required pursuant to this subsection.
(2) The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, the chairman of a subcommittee of those committees, and the chairman of a committee of free conference, while these committees are considering an appropriations bill, shall enforce the requirements of this section.”

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies for appropriations made for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2008.

—-XX—-

Maybe the war on secularism is finally being won? I hope so.

The past few days have made me hopeful that this could be the case. Maybe folks are starting to “step out” more and are now more willing to talk about religion? Maybe folks are remembering that Christ is the reason for the Season?

Most recently it was my family seeing the nativity scene displayed in our neighborhood and at Saluda Shoals Park. A few days earlier my candidate for President, Governor Mitt Romney, gave a “Faith in America” speech that mentioned how Jesus Christ is our Savior. Just a few nights ago in a national sports setting, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow – University of Florida, spoke first of thanking Jesus for his blessings.

In less than 72 horus, when you see Jesus displayed in a local community park, mentioned in a Presidential Race and again mentioned at a college football awards ceremony, you gotta feel a little better about the world.

Now, if we can only remember to keep him in our daily lives, our homes, and – yes – our schools; maybe it’d be a different world.

My webmaster informs me we’ve had issues with our Contact page not working properly over the last several weeks.

The problems have been now been fixed, so please resend any comments that you had and I will certainly respond to those!

Thanks for your understanding.

Excuse me for the retro-80s flashback but today the House Republican Caucus announced the Party Whips for this upcoming session.

I’m in good company as many of these are officials that I consider among my closest friends in the State House. They also happen to be very intelligent, fair minded, and willing to take stands.

Appointments like these give me hope that true change may be on it’s way to Columbia!

Congratulations to Mick Mulvaney, Phillip Shoopman, Phillip Lowe. They join a group that already includes Eric Bedingfield, Jeff Duncan, and Nikki Haley.

I’m all for helping kids get to the North Pole to see Santa, but isn’t there somewhere outside our community to place a train siding rail spur?

When CSX Railroad decided not to place the siding in Irmo a few weeks ago, many thought our community would not have the issue come back up again.

But for the past few weeks, word has been spreading (you may need to refresh this old link in order to read it) and it appears CSX’s is moving forward with another plan which would place the siding in the Ballentine/White Rock area (perhaps near The Lowman Home and Lake Murray Elementary).

As often happens in our active community, our neighbors get involved and rally around causes. This instance is no exception. Already there have been meetings on how best to stop this from happening – if it can be stopped at all. Leading those efforts are several people such as John Davis, Paul Addy, Gerald Brasington and others who this week met at the Lowman Home to discuss options. Les Tweed, President of the Ballentine-Dutch Fork Civic Association, is also lending a hand but not in the capacity of President but instead as a concerned citizen. Jonathan Harling is believed to be the spokesman for the group.

Senator John Courson, US Congressman Joe Wilson, and I have also been in contact with CSX officials. Our local Richland County Councilman, Bill Malinowski, is also involved as well.

Obviously, CSX officials know our feelings about the proposal. At this point, we are trying to gather as much information as possible. Unfortunately, railroads are a federal issue and therefore out of my state jurisdication; however, I am certainly working to help find a reasonable solution.

Relocating the spur would be the best choice. Next to that, if it ends up in our community I want assurances on several fronts about any increased risks, any increase in traffic count, contingency plans, etc.

One thing to keep in mind is that every property-owner has rights and those rights include the freedom to use/sell their land as they see fit. I will not fault any property owners that choose to exercise their rights to sell and I hope you would also do the same. We definitely do not need our community imploding against our own people.

I do know that there appears to be some misinformation in relation to the exact location, the intent of CSX, and the overall impact on our community. As I learn more, I will certainly keep everyone posted.

UPDATED AT 3:15 EST

No sooner had I posted this entry did I receive an email from CSX.

Dear Representative Ballentine,

I am writing concerning your interest in the location for a CSX passing siding in the White Rock area of Richland County. In order to maintain a safe and viable network for our customers and the state of South Carolina, CSX is committed to this project and I am pleased to be able to share this information with you.

The United States is currently experiencing a tremendous amount of growth in freight rail volumes. The country is moving more freight, driven by population growth-especially in the Southeast. U.S. consumption is expected to grow by 62% between 2005 and 2020. In order for this growth to be productive, the country needs a strong rail system. At CSX, we are taking steps to ensure a safe, efficient and reliable rail network is in place. In 2007, CSX spent approximately $1.7 billion in capital expenditures and we expect to spend between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion annually through 2010.

As you will recall in 2006, CSX was asked by Richland County and the Town of Irmo to explore alternative locations for a planned siding in Richland County. In response to that request, CSX entered into a thoughtful review process, conducted engineering studies, considered a number of factors, including environmental impacts, and decided on the White Rock location.

The location in White Rock met our exacting criteria for siding development. Its location is important for two reasons:

The location is along a 30 mile stretch of single main track. Placing the siding next to such a long stretch of track will assist with the fluidity of the network and will keep trains moving in the area.

Secondly, because of its close proximity to Columbia, the siding will reduce congestion in CSX’s Cayce Terminal and beyond, to utility, automotive and plastics customers.

The line that currently exists in the White Rock area is part of CSX’s I-26 Gateway. This line carries coal for utilities to produce electricity for South Carolina residents, finished automobiles, plastics, grain and intermodal containers. While I understand the shipment of hazardous materials is a concern, CSX does not release detailed information about these shipments publicly, for security reasons. However, we will provide detailed information to emergency response officials.

We work very closely with emergency response officials to ensure they are prepared and properly trained to respond to railroad incidents. CSX provides this training at no cost to the emergency responders. In fact in October, 2006, CSX completed a hazardous materials drill in Columbia with representatives from the City of Columbia, Richland County and the University of South Carolina in attendance. In 2007, CSX also participated in a brief table top exercise at the Lowman Home, along with emergency response officials, to discuss responses to a railroad incident. I will be glad to work with you to ensure all appropriate emergency responders receive additional information on hazardous materials and receive any additional training they feel is necessary.

As a common carrier, CSX is obligated by federal law to haul hazardous materials. It is a responsibility we take seriously and we strive every day to ensure the safe delivery of these vital commodities. CSX has achieved a better than 99% success rate for transporting those carloads without incident.

Rail is by far the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport goods and is three times more efficient than over the road alternatives. A train can move a ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel. One train can remove approximately 280 trucks from our congested highways. In addition, since 1980, through technology and innovation the railroad industry has improved locomotive fuel efficiency by approximately 80%.

I have attached some additional facts on the proposed siding. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions. I will also be pleased to speak with any of your constituents, should you feel it beneficial for me to do so.

Sincerely,

John W. Dillard

John W. Dillard
Director of State Government Affairs
CSX Transportation
1201 Main Street, Suite 1980
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: 803.748.1280
Fax: 803.748.1338

Facts Concerning CSX Siding in White Rock, SC

Plans call for the siding to be approximately 7,000 feet in length.

The siding will be built on the North side of CSX’s existing main track, opposite of Hwy. 76.

The siding will extend from the East side of Old Hilton Road to the West side of Three Dog Road. It will cross Lynn McCartha Road, Walter McCartha Road and Three Dog Road. CSX has and will continue to work with Richland County to mitigate impacts on local vehicular traffic.

The purpose of the siding is to allow CSX to effectively meet and pass trains. It is not intended as a storage track. Although there may be times when trains occupy the siding for longer periods of time, trains will generally not occupy the siding for extended periods of time.

The switches will be automated and controlled by CSX’s dispatchers. Of note, the incident in Graniteville, SC involved manual, hand thrown switches. The switches that will be used in White Rock were designed to prevent such an accident.

Today, approximately 12 trains a day operate through White Rock. While we do expect volumes to grow, we do not anticipate additional trains on this line immediately. This siding will simply allow us to move the existing traffic safely and with more fluidity.

Main commodities are coal, finished automobiles, grain, intermodal containers.