Term Limits : Your thoughts?
December 28, 2008 | 26 Comments
Surfing the net the past few days and reading the prefiled bills in the House and Senate, I saw a friend of mine in the “Upper Chamber” (Senator Ray Cleary) has prefiled a bill to limit SC officials’ terms in office .
Senator Cleary and I have worked together in the past (successfully) with companion bills for the senior citizens of our state as well as autism treatment for our state’s children.
Should we join together with this cause as well?
I”m considering filing his bill in the House and would like to know your thoughts – here at Nathan’s News or email me directly at Ballentinen@scstatehouse.net if you’d like.
In the past, I’ve heard from many of you about the need to keep elected officials from becoming “career politicians”. Granted, every election is a chance to “term limit” officials out of office if you disapprove of their actions; but I believe everyone would agree that ousting an incumbent is no small feat for a challenger. So, should we limit the number of years a person may serve in each chamber?
Is there a downside to this? Do we indeed get “wiser in office” or do some folks lose touch on what they were sent to do and who they represent?
After all, we do have term limits on our Governor (Executive Branch). Why not on us, (Legislative branch)? Aren’t we supposed to be part-time, citizen-legislators?
Information on other state’s limits can be found here at TermLimits.org
Meet The Lighthouse Marina : A SC Clean Marina
December 27, 2008 | 1 Comment
SOUTH CAROLINA CERTIFIES TWO NEW CLEAN MARINAS & FIRST CLEAN BOATYARD
Charleston, SC – At the South Carolina Marine Association’s Annual Meeting last Thursday, the SC Clean Marina program awarded certification to Lighthouse Marina in Chapin, SC, and Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal, SC. The state’s first Clean Boatyard Certification was awarded to The Charleston City Boatyard in Wando, SC. This brings the total number of Clean Marina facilities in the state to twelve.
“The program has stagnated for the last couple of years,” said Bob Pilcher, SCMA President. “SCMA got together with the Department of Health & Environmental Control and the Department of Natural Resources to revitalize it with a new guidebook and checklist. This first round was a learning curve for both the committee and the applicants.”
It was clearly evident from the inspections that the facility managers — Stan Jones at Lighthouse, Rion Salley at Port Royal, and Ron Gift at the City Boatyard — and their staffs had worked diligently to prove themselves and their businesses as good stewards of the environment.
Clean Marina designations must be recertified every five years. SCMA plans to recertify the existing Clean Marinas next. The program will be open to new applicants in January 2009. Those interested should contact SCMA.
The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary program promoted by NOAA and others. It helps reduce pollution in US waters by encouraging environmentally-friendly marina and boating practices. The various state programs offer information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on Best Management Practices that can be used to prevent or reduce pollution.
Related links: Lake Murray Association Home Page
The Purpose of Christmas
December 24, 2008 | 1 Comment
Merry Christmas! As you open your gifts tomorrow and spend time with family and friends, please remember the true reason for the season. Nathan
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“This book, The Purpose of Christmas, is the most clear definition of Christianity – of what it means to follow Jesus, what it means to be saved – of anything I’ve ever written,” Warren says.
Using Christmas, the book explains why Jesus Christ came to earth – which Warren says can be summed up through the three statements given by the angels that appeared at the first Christmas.
“First, he (the angel) said ‘I bring you good news of great joy.’ It’s a time for celebration,” explains Warren. “And then he says, ‘for on this day is born to you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ It’s a time for salvation. And then he says ‘Peace on earth; goodwill toward men.’ It’s a time for reconciliation.”
“Jesus Christ came to the earth for celebration, salvation, and reconciliation,” Warren says. “In other words, to make peace with God, to make peace with ourselves, to make peace with other people.”
The 125-page Purpose of Christmas follows Warren’s bestselling Purpose Driven Life, which has sold 52 million copies since its release six years ago. Described as the best-selling nonfiction hardback book in history, the 2002 devotional book rocketed the Southern California pastor into national prominence and was also most identified in a Barna survey of American pastors and ministers as the book that was most influential on their lives and ministries.
Even compared to it, however, Warren says The Purpose of Christmas is “the most evangelistic book I’ve ever written.”
“It’s the clearest presentation of the Gospel,” he says.
“We’re going to be praying that this book is used widely to win many people to Christ.”
(To read more about this book, check The Christian Post )
Inside Moves: Part Two of Three
December 22, 2008 | 2 Comments
Sorry it’s taken over a month to get around to this post but between the high-school antics of some members of the State House and well, historically-low mortgage rates keeping me busy at my paying job, I almost forgot about this three-part series. Thanks to the readers for reminding me…
To rehash, you can read Part One of Three here.
Tonight, THE BATTLES
1) Democrats v. Republicans
First, and interestingly enough the LEAST hostile, is the battle between Democrats and Republicans in our State House. Of course, that’s if you can actually figure out who are the Democrats and who are the Republicans. Don’t let the (D) or the (R) after the persons’ name fool you though. As one NathansNews reader told me: There’s not much difference anymore.
During budget debates, you’re sure to see battles over where to spend (or rather this year, cut) your tax dollars. That’s a given. And I imagine we’ll see some discussion over cigarette tax again this year; however, it will pass again because few Rs will vote against whatever plan the Speaker finally blesses this year and the Democrats will take anything that will pass.
Outside of that, the partisanship seems (at least to me) to be a little toned down – for now. After our Reorganization the Dems seemed to get their “due” in exchange for voting as certain members wanted. If you really pay close attention you’ll see more Democrat subcommittee chairman where there once were one (or none even). Wonder how that happened??
Outside of that, the only battles forthcoming in January seem to be the battle on who will represent James Island – (D) Anne Peterson-Hutto or (R) Wallace Scarborough? As I’ve shared before, the decision will soon rest in the full body of the SC House of Representatives. Wonder if that’ll be a partisan vote?
Also, after the most recent shenanigans during Reorganization , there’s now a vacant seat on the Ethics Committee. Currently the breakdown is 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat. For several years, there had been 4 Republicans and 2 Democrats so we’ll see if it ends up like that again or if the Republicans push one of their own, hand-picked members. If the Republican wins, it’ll mean a 5-1 Republican hold and it will mean there will be no African-American members on the committee. Read more
Was it a voice-vote or roll-call vote? Get this – Neither!
December 20, 2008 | 4 Comments
If you haven’t heard by now our Congress is set to receive a $4,700 pay raise next month.
Wondering how your US House member or US Senator voted? You’ll be looking awhile.
The reason is because there will be no vote. This is an automatic increase (apparently since 1989) and the only way to stop it is…well, someone has to bring it to a vote. Long odds there.
On another related topic to transparency, check out what the Virginia State House is doing. They are going to recorded votes in SUBCOMMITTEES. Heck, we haven’t even got it straight yet on the full House and Senate floors here in South Carolina and Virginia has it down to the subcommittee level!
Folks, if there’s one MUST HAVE bill this year, it is transparency of our votes. A few of us are “paying the price” for continuting the push to get this done but we feel our state will be better off because of it. HOPEFULLY this season a LAW can pass. We already have to fix the disastrous-rule that passed the House earlier this month but even by fixing that rule with a new rule it’s not what is ultimately needed for our state. Remember, rules are governed from within. LAWS are governed by the people of our state!
The Ballentines’ Christmas Dance
December 15, 2008 | 4 Comments
Ok, so my wife had some spare time tonight on the computer. After seeing this “widget” on another site, she couldn’t resist.
So enjoy Karen, me, Sarah, JC, and Emma doing a little Christmas Diddy for ya!
(Thanks Office Max / Jib Jab. I think this disappears in two weeks though).
Political Landscape of 21st century
December 13, 2008 | 4 Comments
I think its pretty obvious that I continue to want more transparency in state government (On-The-Record Voting, Campaign Finance Reform, Earmark Reform, etc) but I’m just wondering when more elected officials will realize that voters want it too.
In this day and age (when you can sit on the beach with a mobile phone or wireless laptop and email someone on the other side of the world in literally seconds), constituents demand and deserve to know “what’s going on?”
I think we’ll ultimately fix the flawed rules change the House just passed but let’s talk about how elected officials and voters can stay in touch on a more frequent basis.
I’ve only been an elected official for four years now but when I started my campaign, I knew I needed a website. At the time, the site was basically like an Atari 2600 in the world of websites. Nonetheless, it helped me get my message to the voters, allowed the voters a way to contact me 24 hours a day, and well, let’s be honest – it was inexpensive. ( You know how much a tightwad I am. Plus, the constituent surveys, issue pieces, constituent service-night invitations, etc. all cost lots of money AND I’m not even mentioning the costs to campaign when elections are upon us).
About two years ago, Wes Donehue approached me about improving my site. I’m glad I decided to finally upgrade and basically turned in my Atari 2600 for let’s say an Xbox of a site. It allowed me an even better way to communicate with my constituents through regular blog postings, videos AND enhanced ways for my constituents here in the District (and our state) to contact me for help, suggestions, ideas and support.
Wes had pushed me to “Twitter” over a year ago but, like most non-tech-savvy folks, I said (a) I don’t know how and (b) I asked WHY should I? I finally found out why. Not only do I get to know my constituents on a more personal level, they get to know me better as well. Inside and outside politics.
Then it was Facebook. Again, I thought it a little “stalkeresque” and definitely “Big Brother” but….it is also another way of staying in touch with voters.
If this past election cycle taught us anything it’s that there are thousands of voters that would not be “dialed-in” to politics without the web. Heck, I’m even reading reports that newspapers and other main-stream-media outlets are taking bit hits because readership/viewership is down while people continue to stay informed through other channels.
All this said, nothing trumps the best way of keeping voters informed, the face-to-face conversations at church, grocery store, ballfields, HomeOwnersAssociation meetings, etc.
In 2008 (with 2009 around the corner), if an elected official isn’t allowing his/her constituents “ultimate transparency”, they need to reconsider. Yes, it’s difficult to keep it all going – updating, communicating…while also working your paying job and family life but…if an elected official truly wants to represent you, he/she needs to stay in touch constantly – not just at election time!
Here are the other House Members that apparently believe in transparency too.
REPUBLICANS
Dan Hamilton: Blog. Twitter, Facebook.
Jeff Duncan: Blog. Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Gary Simrill: Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Ted Pitts: Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Eric Bedingfield: Twitter, Facebook.
Tommy Stringer: Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Joey Millwood: Twiter, Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Wendy Nanney: Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
DEMOCRATS
James Smith: Twitter, Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
Anton Gunn: Twitter, Facebook. Co-sponsor of transparency bill in House.
(Note: I listed those folks who have at least “two transparent things” I’m aware of: blog, twitter, facebook, or co-sponsorship of transparency bills. If I have left out any, please let me know.)
Meet Kelly Payne: Dutch Fork High School
December 12, 2008 | 72 Comments
Representative Nikki Haley (R-Lexington) and Mrs. Kelly Payne (Dutch Fork High School)
This week I had the chance to visit with Dutch Fork High School students to talk a little about current events and SC politics. Taught by Mrs. Kelly Payne, this group of students certainly stays informed about what’s going on in the Palmetto State!
I’ve known Mrs. Kelly Payne for the past few years and she is certainly someone who is making a difference in our community – particularly the youth of our community.
Born and raised in New York/New Jersey, she graduated from USC with degrees in political science/history and a master’s in education/social studies/economics. She is definitely putting that experience to work and has been teaching Social Studies-World History for 9th and 10th grade and Current Issues 9-12th grade at Dutch Fork High School for the past five years.
If that schedule doesn’t keep her busy enough, she still finds time to be a member of the Lake Murray/Irmo Rotary Club (she’s a Paul Harris Fellow), be the Rotary Club Interact Advisor , AND Alive@25 District 5 Coordinator.
Last year her students were active in watching “Alive@25″ legislation work its way through the Senate chamber. This year, I hope to help them see their bill become state law.
Most politicos will tell you “if you’re running for public office in the Midlands, you must go to the Chapin Labor Day parade.” What they’ll soon be saying though is “you must visit Kelly Payne and her Dutch Fork High School classes too!”
Students and Mrs. Payne – thanks for letting me talk, listen, and learn during our visit.Will , I appreciate the advice and thank you for sharing it with us yesterday!
Introducing the first batch of 2009 House Bills
December 9, 2008 | 4 Comments
Years ago, Schoolhouse Rock actually did a good job explaining the process. While this little ditty is about Congress, it pretty much works the same way at the state level.
Today more than 100 House bills were pre-filed for next session. Tomorrow, the Senate will have their first pre-filing dates.
The House will have another day next week and the Senate likewise the following day. After that, no more bills can be introduced until the first day of session.
Remember, these bills have a full two-years to work their way through subcommittees, committees, the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s Office (and sometimes back again if vetoed). After two years, if they aren’t laws, they “die”.
I encourage you to find bills of interest to you and follow them closely. Testimony is usually allowed at all subcommittee meetings (but not full committees). Get involved. Come to Columbia and let us know what’s on your mind! Or at least email and call your local official.
(NOTE: You can also find out what bills your Representative has introduced – primary sponsor – and also what bills he/she is a cosponsor for by clicking here.
COMMUNITY UPDATE: December 2008
December 9, 2008 | 7 Comments
If you have events you’d like me to share on the website, please contact me directly through NathansNews and I’ll be happy to see how I can help pass along the news.
Hopefully you received our Christmas card this week! As the kids get older, it’s a little easier to have them stand still and actually look at the camera. Emma, of course, had to do her thing this year but maybe next year we all get it right?
STATE HOUSE
I won’t rehash last week’s Reorganizational Session but let me simply say it was basically politics as usual! Well, if by “usual” you mean that members (four that I’m aware of) were punished for tough stances we took on issues important to us and our constituents. And if by “usual” you mean passing bills (or rules) that are sold to the public as doing one thing but in reality they aren’t even close to what the public and our state needs. Apparently, the “status-quo” likes to keep things the way they are and don’t want anyone trying to speak out or stand up to those in “power” inside the chamber.
Two of us were moved off committees and placed on “lesser” committees we never asked to serve on. Another was reassigned to a different subcommittee and yet another member was removed of his subcommittee chairmanship and reassigned to a different subcommittee too. (At least they got to stay on their same committee though unlike two of us). The last time a member was moved to a “lesser” committee that he didn’t ask for was when that member physically assaulted another member. Is speaking up for constituents and beliefs now considered the same as physical assault? Who knows?
What did we actually do to have us removed? Well, we apparently did things that status-quo politicians didn’t want and so we “had to be taught a lesson.” Some of us pushed for On-The-Record Voting, better health care through a cigarette tax , and reforming how lawyers are regulated. Oh, and apparently offering the average-citizen a look inside the goings-on in state government is a no-no, too!
Individually we’ll be fine. These small “losses” are nothing compared to the big picture. My fear (and other citizens’ in the state fear too) is that because of these vindictive actions, some elected officials might no longer speak up for their constituents or their personal beliefs because of fear of retribution. If this should happen, God help us. Be sure you’re letting your elected official know to speak-up and not just show-up, go along, get along, and get a paycheck! Read more