You really shouldn’t be surprised
May 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Last night I was watching Hannity’s Waste 101 which singled out a measley 101 earmarks (out of who knows how many) from this year’s federal stimulus bill.
Because I know everything reported on Fox gets brushed aside by folks on “the left”, I didn’t really think much about it or even posting anything; even though it was disheartening to hear just a few of the items found tucked in the bill that was rushed through Congress .
Before folks from across the aisle post it, I’ll save them time. Republicans in Congress haven’t done their part either. There’s plenty of blame to go around.
When a member of our community forwarded me a similar link today (which was reported by ABC over a month ago), I figured others might be interested. The clip speaks for itself folks. I’m not pointing fingers here just at Congressman Murtha. What I’m getting at is how much of your tax dollars is getting spent by earmarks getting tucked into bills that you may never even know.
Surely, no one watching this clip would think this particular airport is worthy of our federal tax dollars? Did every member of Congress know about it? Probably not. Would it have mattered? Probably not.
2009 Ballentine Scholarship Winners
May 29, 2009 | 1 Comment
For more information contact:
State Representative Nathan Ballentine
803-734-2969
Ballentinen@scstatehouse.net
For Immediate Release – May 29, 2009
REPRESENTATIVE NATHAN BALLENTINE AWARDS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Since his election in 2004, Representative Nathan Ballentine has continued to honor his pledge to return his legislative salary to worthy causes in the community.
For the past four years, he has also dedicated funds to providing scholarships to worthy high-school seniors from House District 71. The scholarships are named in memory of his family members and their respective colleges or universities.
Serving again on this year’s scholarship committee were: Susan Mazur – Chariman (Dutch Fork Middle) , Ann Ballentine – Past Chairman (retired teacher), Louise Burkholder (Chapin High School), Nancy Epting (retired teacher), Melba Hawkins (Dutch Fork High School) and Sherri Murdock (Homeschool parent).
This year’s scholarship winners are:
Zach Baker(Dutch Fork High School)
Bernard Carroll (B.C.) Ballentine Scholarship
$1,000 Univeristy of South Carolina
Graham Temples (Dutch Fork High School)
John Dewey (J.D.) Winburn, Jr. Scholarship
$1,000 Clemson University
Past winners include:
Bernard Carroll (B.C.) Ballentine Scholarship: 2008 Chris Campbell (Irmo), 2007 Logan Ross (Chapin), 2006 Zach Brunson (HomeSchool)
John Dewey (J.D.) Winburn, Jr. Scholarship: 2008 Ashlyn Ruczko (Chapin), 2007 Kristin Lekoske (Dutch Fork), 2006 Jessica Corley (Dutch Fork)
Theodore Nanney Scholarship: 2008 Michael Hicks (Dutch Fork)
Margaret Jane Winburn Clarke Scholarship: 2006 Chelsey Moses (Dutch Fork)
For more information on the scholarship program, please visit www.nathansnews.com. Scholarships applications are accepted each year from any high school senior who resides in House District 71 and meets the criteria for each scholarship. Applicants are screened by the Scholarship Committee and finalists are then chosen to meet with Representative Ballentine and his wife before a winner is selected. Up to five scholarships are awarded each year.
#71
The Head Ball Coach gets it
May 28, 2009 | 3 Comments
I’m with ya’, Coach! It’s frustrating sometimes .
A year ago, you’d have been hard pressed to hear the word “transparency” come out of an elected official’s mouth in our state. Back then, you could count on one hand those leaders pushing for more transparency with voting-on-the-record and also with opening the books on finances at state and local levels . Fortunately a few brave souls got “on record” quickly while many still wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.
Nathan’s News readers know a lot has happened in the past year regarding transparency; but apparently the American Footbal Coaches Association wasn’t paying attention and wants no part of it.
While some of us push for more accountability and sunshine in politics, this “good ole boy club” of football coaches apparently favors hiding some of the most important votes made by its members.
From Today’s State (Joseph Person)
College football coaches who vote in the USA Today coaches poll will be able to keep their final regular-season ballots secret beginning in 2010, although Steve Spurrier made no secret about what he thinks of the change….”That was surprising. I thought we would stay public with that last vote…I think we ought to stay public. It keeps everybody pretty honest.”
Kentucky’s Rich Brooks, a former voter, appreciated the transparency and believes the changes are a move in the wrong direction. “I just think people should be accountable for what they do”
Bingo!
Granted, I care more about whether my Gamecocks will finally beat Vanderbilt and Clemson this year than I do how the Head Ball Coach votes; but at least it’s good to see he gets it. As do most our state’s voters.
While the House and Senate passed “rule changes” in their respective bodies this year, there’s still the bill sitting in committee waiting to become a LAW.
Just like Spurrier isn’t satisfied with 7 or 8 win seasons, SC voters shouldn’t be satisfied with rule-changes over laws. Some of us in the chamber will keep pushing for more open votes and we’ll need your help to get us to the goal.
Maybe ‘next year’ will be the year for transparency to finally become state law and maybe my Gamecocks will take out the Commodores and Tigers, too. We can hope, right?
Governor visits “It Kids” at Dutch Fork High School
May 28, 2009 | 15 Comments
Governor Mark Sanford delighted students at Dutch Fork High School on Wednesday by meeting with Kelly Payne’s Current Issues Class (known more recently as the “It Kids” ). Governor Sanford fielded several questions from students and shared his vision for the future of the state.
Mrs. Payne’s class has turned into a “must visit” for elected officials this year as her students are always keeping a watchful eye on the actions at the State House.
Sanford’s visit capped a long list of public figures who visited the class this year. Other speakers included Education Superintendent Jim Rex, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, House Speaker Bobby Harrell, House Minority Leader Harry Ott, Representatives Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Anton Gunn, James Smith, Nathan Ballentine and Nikki Haley, SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd, and other state politicos.
“Bringing leaders like these into the classroom has given my students the rare chance to meet and interact with some of the most powerful people in the state,” Payne explained.
“We’ve been looking forward all school year to having the governor visit,” said Payne. “Whether or not you share his stand on all issues, you’ve certainly got to admire the unflinching courage of his convictions. And his comfortable use of facts and logic to explain his stands really impressed my students. It meant so much to them that he took the time from his busy schedule to speak to them.”
Almost 100 students packed the room to hear from the state’s Chief Executive Officer. Rebecca VanMeter and Nathan Bell were the lucky students to greet the Governor at the front office and walked him to Mrs. Payne’s class where he discussed major world civilizations such as the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, the Greeks and creation of democracy, the Ottoman Empire….and their declines. He referenced The Truth About Tytler : democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury.
Students were obviously thrilled to have the Governor take time to visit and he made an impression by illustrating how much of the taxpayer’s money goes to the government. True to form, he also used a chart for illustration during his visit; but this time it was one he drew on the board.
Sanford taking time to meet with our state’s future leaders did not get lost on these bright students. Many said they couldn’t believe how approachable he was and how he seemed like a “normal guy” who believes in doing what he feels is right based on principles.
On behalf of Dutch Fork High School, thanks Governor for the visit to our community!
Meet Stephen Davis: Former NFL Pro Bowler Gives Back
May 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Not sure if many of you know this – right here in Irmo is former NFL Pro-Bowler Stephen Davis. Yes, the incredible running back from Spartanburg who played his college days on the plains of Auburn but who came back to the Palmetto State after a professional career that led him to St Louis, Washington, and the Carolina Panthers.
I don’t know Stephen but we do say hello in Publix occasionally and actually spoke for awhile last year while standing in line voting in the General Election. I’ve never heard a bad thing about him and everytime I see him, he always seems to be in a good mood and is “low key” about “who he is.” Refreshing when you think of how most professional athletes carry/handle themselves. Anyway….I received an email today that I had to share because…again…I think it shows what a good person he is. Someone giving back to his/our community.
Stephen Davis Youth Football Day Camp
Former NFL Pro Bowler Stephen Davis will be hosting a Youth Football Skills Day Camp Saturday, May 30th at Crossroads Middle School Athletic Fields in Columbia, SC from 9am to 1pm.
Several of Stephen’s NFL and College teammates will be assisting with this one day camp insuring that all camp attendees will receive professional instruction and mentoring. The camp is for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. Registration begins at 8am. The cost is only $25 per child. For details call Ron at 803-467-8497. The camp will focus on 40 yard dash, QB drills, LB drills, Cone drills, Shuttle run, RB drills, DB drill and much more. Please do not miss the opportunity. The camp is tailored for kids of all skill levels. www.northwestpanthers.com
The Stephen Davis Youth Football League Northwest Panthers was founded in 2008. The SD Football League is an all volunteer organization serving children from 6 to 15 years old from all around the Columbia, SC area. For the 2009 season SD Youth Football League will field 5 teams (Mighty Might, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget and Midget) also the league will field 2 cheer squads that will support the Jr. Pee Wee and Pee Wee teams.
SD Football League, a volunteer organized and operated non-profit organization, depends upon volunteers, parents and participants to raise funds on an annual basis to offset the cost of insurance, equipment, and field costs as well as funding scholarships for underprivileged children.
My floor remarks on the SC budget (ETV)
May 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When I ran for office years ago, folks often said they never knew “what went on in Columbia”. They either said they didn’t pay attention or didn’t know how to find the information about their representative.
Nathan’s News readers already know where to go to (here or of course the State House website ).
If you’re so inclined you can even watch live-stream video of House and Senate via ETV and…. thanks to the new transparency rule changes adopted this year , the House and Senate Journals now show more recorded votes than ever!
For those that don’t have the time (or care, really) to watch live, here’s a clip from a few weeks back when I spoke on an “alternative budget” amendment presented by some of us in the House and the Senate.
Not only did the amendment fail, the House wouldn’t even agree to take a measley 24 hours to review it and just CONSIDER the idea of an alternative to what we received earlier that day at lunch. Nathan’s News readers already know that the amendment before this one (which was basically “the budget” put together by a few folks from House/Senate) was handed to us at lunch and we had to vote on that just hours afterwards . Again, with no time to review/consider/discuss with constituents and others.
Sometimes legislation takes years (cigarette tax, restructuring, etc); but other times the train gets on a fast track and…well….not sure which way is better now that I think of it.
Meet Michel McNinch: Local Artist
May 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
A few weeks ago, Karen and I had friends in town that wanted to “go out” for dinner. Those that know me, know “dinner” to me is something like Moe’s or something at home; but they wanted to “go out” and decided to go somewhere we/they wouldn’t normally go. They chose Motor Supply Company and then they asked to go to Nonnah’s for dessert. I’ve been in Nonnah’s maybe three times in my life (two to speak to Vista Nights Rotary ) but I decided to roam around and check out the artwork. I’m glad I did.
By chance, I happened to see work by Michel McNinch and noticed she’s a member of our community.
From her website:
Michel McNinch followed her creative desires to pursue a life as a professional artist. She has seen the artistic inclinations she had as a child grow into a successful career.
Michel specializes in portraits, landscapes, and works in series. She enjoys painting realistically with an interpretive style. In her portraits, she strives to create figures that are realistic and uses symbolism to reflect the personality of her model. Constantly inspired by the life and beauty found in everyday surroundings, McNinch conveys that inspiration onto the canvas and seeks to connect with her viewers in the resulting images.
She has been educated largely by inspiration. While many art classes in high school and college taught her the basic elements and principles of art, other artists and the world around her continue to teach her how a painting communicates. “I am hoping that the viewer will connect emotionally to my paintings.”
McNinch has been included in many regional and national shows and won numerous awards. Her work received “Best in Show” awards at the Hub City Exhibition – Spartanburg County Museum and the Belton Center for the Arts Annual Standpipe Exhibition. She is represented in corporate and private collections all along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida and also in Germany, Sweden and the Cayman Islands.
Reaching Out
Inspiring others to create is a favorite pursuit. McNinch is an artist who is dedicated to sharing the pleasure of making art. Michel has a successful history teaching art to all age groups. Her lessons are taught with the principle that everyone can learn to communicate visually. She developed an art program at District Five’s Alternative Academy where she taught part time to at-risk middle and high school students. She has also taught art at Midlands Technical College to adults in the Continuing Education Program where she was selected as Adjunct Faculty of the Year and for the Caring Colors Program, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and the South Carolina Arts Commission .
Michel is actively involved in the artwork being created at the Corley Mill Art Studio . There, she instructs beginner and intermediate students. “Working with the students at Corley Mill Art Studio has caused me to think more creatively about my own work. The friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings are perfect for painting.” For information please call 356-2986.
We got game in District Five!
May 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Dutch Fork Girls Track Team wins State Championship!
Niki Klasnic wins gold in the 3200 meter run!
Taina Laporte wins gold in the high jump!
Dutch Fork Boys Golf Team wins second consecutive State Championship!
Mark Joye wins individual championship.
Chapin High School sophomore, Kyle Koch, wins individual championship and caps an undefeated season.
Irmo Boys Soccer Team finishes 2nd in the state with only one blemish on their incredible season(23-1).
Garrett Anderson (formerly Dutch Fork) has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch-List.
Golfer Dustin Johnson (formerly Dutch Fork) finished tied for fourth at the Byron Nelson Championship. (His third Top Ten finish this season…Northern Trust, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am)
Golfers/brothers George Bryan IV (formerly Dutch Fork) and Wesley Bryan (formerly Dutch Fork) both were named to All-SEC golf teams last month.
Ducks, Dolphins, Whales, Turtles…oh my!
May 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Give me a week to unwind (heading to Black Mountain, NC – inlaws) and I’ll work on a recap of what we did this year in the General Assembly. I don’t want you to have to wait that long though for these two nuggets you might not hear about anywhere else.
I can’t remember where these “must-haves” were placed on most citizen’s “to do list” for this session but we worked hard and managed to deliver them for our state.
Jobs/Economic Development – maybe next time
Restructuring – maybe next time
Spending Caps – maybe next time
Education Funding Formula – maybe next time
Campaign Finance Improvements – maybe next time
Ducks – yep
Turltes – yep
Dolphins – yep
Whales – yep
H.3131 is on the way to the Governor’s Desk for him to veto, sign, or let it become law without his signature.
H.3121 already became law earlier this moth (becoming Act 6 – yes, only six – of the year).
In previous years, we delivered a state color and a state snack. Be sure we know what other “state” item you want for 2010 so we can be sure it doesn’t get bogged down in the other stuff folks are looking for from elected officials.
WLTX: Whether you are for the stimulus or against…
May 20, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Today the House sustained more than 20 vetoes before procedural “do overs” were called for by certain members so that the outcome on some of those could be changed.
After a handful of those sustained vetoes were flipped and overridden, we ended up with 17 sustained at the end of the day. Two of the flips saw votes of 58-58 go to 88-28, meaning 30 members apparently changed their minds in less than an hour. In doing so those vetoes went from being sustained earlier in the debate to being overridden later.
If anything, those reversals (there were more than two) shows that elected officials should have more time on these vetoes and budget. Either members arms were twisted to change their vote from sustain to override (let’s be honest, they were) OR maybe more information was learned in that hour that members had a legitimate reason to change. I’ll even concede some of the latter if others can concede having only a few hours to review a $6 billion version of a state budget (hashed out between a few members) is not enough time either.
Even when the alternative budget was presented last week , we agreed to adjourn to have more time for folks to consider that. We thought that only fair too.
Today though, the much watched “stimulus” vetoes were handidly overridden by the House (and I assume Senate by now) and I fear the worse in the next few weeks.
While some are saying “halleluia, we’re getting the stimulus,” the State Supreme Court may ultimately have the final say-so. If they rule the Legilsature can’t usurp the Governor then Part 3 (where the stimulus money lies) gets thrown out and our state is left with Part 1 only. Some have called Part 1 the ‘chaos budget’ because it’s believed to have been drafted in such a way to garner more votes to take the stimulus just to avoid the ‘chaos’.
Instead of giving strong consideration to an alternative budget that didn’t rely on stimulus funds and funded several agencies higher than Part 1A of this year’s House/Senate budget , our state could be staring at Part 1 should the State Supreme Court rule the legislature cannot usurp the executive branch on this matter.
Stay tuned. I’m sick of it too but that’s what happens when folks are unwilling to give peace a chance .