Community Homebuying Seminar: Monday, March 29th
March 25, 2010 | 1 Comment
Community professionals, Jeff Riley (Russell and Jeffcoat) and Smokey Brown (Law Offices of Smokey Brown) will be hosting a Homebuyer Seminar next Monday at the Irmo Library (see picture above for more details).
You may not be aware; but there are only a few weeks left to write a contract for a house and benefit from the Tax Credit Extension and Expansion. Check with a realtor or tax advisors for specifics.
Our community is home to several professional, knowledgeable Realtors who can help you find your next home! I’ll be at the seminar wearing my “paying job” hat to answer any mortgage questions you have.
* Remidner: if you have community events, you’d like to share, please contact me here at Nathan’s News!
Be kind, please Rewind
March 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A colleague asked me today on the House floor, “when are you posting again?” (You may recall when I started this site years ago, most politicians acted like they didn’t read or visit. It’s good when many ask and appreciate the perspective I share with my constituents).
My apologies for not having The Weekly Rewind(s) up in March. After Thursday, the House has two-consecutive furlough weeks (and since Karen, the kids and I have no Spring Break plans), I should have some time to update the site and share more of what’s going on in state government. Of course, by then it may be stale but there should be some information and perspective you may not have read about – particularly regarding this year’s state budget debate.
Hang in there, I’ll write soon. In the meantime, follow me on Twitter of Facebook if you’d like more frequent updates.
For a recap of earlier weeks in the House this year , simply click on the following Weekly Rewind links: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five, Week Six.
Rep. Nathan Ballentine Continues the fight for people, not politics
March 15, 2010 | 2 Comments
Thank you for your continued support!
March 14, 2010 | 2 Comments
Contact: Nathan Ballentine
Monday, March 15, 2010
(803) 732-1861
Rep. Nathan Ballentine seeks re-election
Continues the fight for people, not politics.
www.nathansnews.com
IRMO, SC – One of the state legislature’s chief proponents of fiscal discipline and increased transparency in state government will file for re-election Tuesday.
Representative Nathan Ballentine has served the people of Irmo, Chapin, and Dutch Fork in the SC House of Representatives since 2005 and wants to return to the state capital to continue his work on behalf of the taxpayers and to further his efforts to restore people’s trust in government.
“It’s well documented how leadership punished me last year for standing up for my constituents’ right to know how elected officials vote in Columbia. That was a fight I would do again to get the results we finally achieved”. On-the-Record voting was another common-sense reform that Ballentine led in an effort to provide greater transparency in the political process in South Caroilna. Because of his efforts, more votes than ever are now recorded for the public to see.
“I think the good-ol’ boys thought I would back down and get in line after what they did to me. They were wrong. I work for the people of District 71, not the politicians in Columbia”.
In yet another fight for good government, Ballentine worked to pass his bill that will reform the state’s Campaign Finance Disclosure laws. The bill passed the House last month and will provide sunshine during the current “blackout period” two weeks before election where special interest money had been hidden from public view until after voters have gone to the polls. The bill also requires more elected local officials and candidates to file on-line with the State Ethics Commission.
Every year in office, Ballentine has been recognized as a “Friend of the Taxpayer” by the SC Association of Taxpayers. In addition to his fiscal conservatism, he has received high marks from the conservation community, the State Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations around the state. Ballentine continues to honor a pledge he made six years ago by donating his legislative salary each year to the Irmo, Dutch Fork, Chapin, and Harbison communities – including several educational scholarships.
Ballentine’s focus will continue to be on People, Not Politics – the belief that led him to seek office six years ago. “While it’s nice to be recognized by various organizations for my hard work; it’s more important to me that my constituents are pleased with my service and that I continue to vote for the best interests of our people.”
For more information, please visit www.nathansnews.com where Nathan openly discusses issues of importance to House District 71 and the Palmetto State.
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When a distraction isn’t a distraction
March 10, 2010 | 2 Comments
Today, the much talked about “Texting While Driving Bill” received a full floor debate in the House and, in the end, passed by a vote of 98-18.
Of course, for those hoping to stop the problem, I don’t think they’ll be pleased to learn exactly what passed.
As I shared from the well of the House, today we passed a bill that (a) bans only one distraction but not others (b) does not allow for any evidence in court other than visual and (c) places a “whopping” $25 fine for penalty with no points on license or information shared with insurance. Of course proponents may be excited to learn this will be a PRIMARY offense on our roads.
Nevermind, we have several other offenses our depleted law enforcement ranks should be on the lookout for and nevermind that – even supporters of the bill admitted – it will be very hard to determine who is and who is not texting. That is, unless they are swerving or driving recklessly. Which brings me to the point opponents shared – don’t we already have reckless driving laws on the books ? Do we really think a $25 fine with no points or insurance implications is going to fix the problem?
I’m no libertarian; but to me and others I heard from, this bill just screams of more “nanny government” and “feel good” legislation rather than a law that could actually solve a real problem. That problem? Inattention behind the wheel. THAT’S the problem, folks. I even learned that back in high school because of my actions as a young driver that lead me to spend a day in defensive driving class to earn points back on my license. Inattention and distractions are the problem we face and it’s more than just texting.
Don’t get me wrong. Is texting while driving a bad thing? Yes. Are there other things we do while driving that are bad too? Yes. But apparently elected officials decided that those things aren’t the same as texting. You know..things like “talking on the phone”, “putting on or taking off clothes”, “eating”, “putting on makeup”, “shaving”, “lighting a cigarette/smoking”, “using GPS equipment”, “using iPods”, “having a laptop on”. Those distractions must apparently be ok because they were voted down during the debate.
In my brief speech, I mentioned how a lady is either pregnant or not pregnant. She’s not “kinda pregnant”. Likewise, a driver is either distracted or not distracted. Not “kinda distracted”. Today, we said we’re ok with being “kinda distracted”…just not texting.
Oh well. A state Senator told me the bill is DOA in the Senate; but I guess at least several House members can tout passing a bill that’s all-the-rage across our country and feel good about it in the process. It isn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last.
Here’s my statement for the House Journal :
As an active supporter of “Alive @25″ , including donating personal funds to pay for the inaugural class at Irmo High School, I am well aware of the risks each face driving on the roads of South Carolina. In particular, the risks to our youth (and by our youth), who do not have the years of experience that our adult drivers possess.
For that reason, I would support a ban on texting and mobile phones for those under 18 years of age.
The bill seems to be a duplication of laws already on the book (reckless driving). Furthermore, the bill would create additional burdens on law enforcement (to actually enforce the legislation). Lastly, the votes cast today do not seem consistent with providing true safety, awareness, or enforcement of other equally distracting events drivers see every day on our roads.
Distractions are distractions.
Whether it is 5 seconds or 15 seconds averting our eyes off the road or simply changing the radio station or putting a CD in the player. Whether “correcting” children’s behavior in the back seat or females putting on makeup or males shaving. All are actions everyone will agree are not only dangerous but also put lives in jeopardy. “Inattention” is the true danger while driving and it comes in more shapes than texting. Today we did not acknowledge that.
It was and is my intention not to vote for legislation that “feels good” – especially when it comes at the expense of more government intrusion, duplicity, and ineffective penalties to curb the problem.
Rep. Nathan Ballentine
Meet the statewide candidates that call our community home!
March 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment
While most folks won’t start paying attention for a few more weeks (months), the 2010 campaign season has been in full swing for many Statewide and Federal offices.
The US Congressional candidates and Gubernatorial candidates are getting most the attention, but I’d like to bring to your attention two statewide candidates who call our community home: Kelly Payne and Morgan Reeves .
Ms. Payne (Republican) has her sights set on improving our children’s education in the state while Mr. Reeves (Independent) has his sights on being the chief exectuive officer of our state. Since both candidates live in House District 71, I want you to know when they are having events in our community so that you can attend and learn more about their candidacy.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 9th) , Kelly will have a Meet and Greet at The Cotton House from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. As of yet, I haven’t heard of any events for Morgan but when I do, I will pass along.
I know Kelly would love to see friends and neighbors stop by, as well as other members of our community who have not yet made their decision on whom to support for State Superintendent of Education. Several folks have told me they plan to attend my Meet and Greet for Nikki Haley at 6 p.m and after that (8pm) will head over to visit Kelly at the Cotton House (just a few miles away)
Since I plant to be at both, I hope to see you tomorrow night!
COMMUNITY UPDATE: March 2010
March 4, 2010 | 2 Comments
*** STATE HOUSE ***
We’ve almost completed two months of this year’s session and have passed several reforms in advance of the upcoming Budget Debate in two weeks. For a recap of each week in the House, simply click on the following Weekly Rewind links that I post every week: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five, Week Six. (This week’s rewind will be posted Sunday)
*** YOUR MONEY ***
Monday, March 9th, the budget (as passed by the House Ways and Means Committee) will be on our desks for review. This will be the first chance all 124 House Members get to see the final version – before we begin full debate the following Monday, March 15th . One thing we shouldn’t have to worry about in this year’s budget are any hidden earmarks . Simply put, this year’s budget will be the “ugliest” our state has seen for many years. There are certainly no winners and there are several losers…specifically deep cuts to several agencies. When you’re faced with over $1 billion in revenue shortfall, every decision is critical.
The amendments are always interesting every year. Fortunately, I know of one amendment that is sure to pass: “fixing” cuts that were slated for DDSN . After that, it’s anyone’s guess what may change in the plan that has been worked on for months. Usually amendments RARELY pass. Obviously, there are many attempts to move funds or remove certain provisos (one year “instructions” tucked in the budget); but usually they all fail to muster enough votes to pass.
I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s my hope that my colleagues will further understand that when we ever see a “windfall” in revenues, we will be more responsible in our decisions and put the state’s interests ahead of bringing pork back to our districts. I’m actually impressed to see that in this session, there has been less focus on pet-projects and more discussions/debates over what the primary functions of state government should be.
What is very distrubing though is the thought about what will happen when we return in 2011 and the budget is no longer propped up by “stimulus funds”. We elected leaders need to focus daily on how to improve our economy, jobs and education in South Carolina.
*** COMMUNITY***
Tuesday, March 9th is a great opportunity for you and your family to Meet and Greet my good friend , and gubernatorial candidate, Nikki Haley at Wild Wing Cafe on Bower Parkway (off Harbison). I’ve asked Nikki to give our community this special chance to learn more about her and her vision for South Carolina in a up-close setting. For too long, our state has made the news for the wrong reasons. Nikki will be a breath of fresh air that will make our state proud with her common-sense approach to fix what continues to hold our state back. If you have not yet determined your candidate, I hope you’ll stop by. The Republican and Democratic primaries are only a few months away!
Speaking of great events in the area! I hope you’ll also join Karen and I next month (April 1, 2010) for the Innagural Keven Cohen Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Kick-Off Cruise aboard The Spirit of Lake Murray located at Dockside Marina in Balletine. The evening will consist of great food provided by The Melting Pot and Alodia’s as well as a live auction and a 3-hour cruise! For ticket purchases ($75 each) please contact Paul Jeter (803) 731-4060 or paul.jeter@lls.org. *** I’d like to point out that Keven is a member of our community, as are the owners of the Melting Pot, Alodias and the Spirit of Lake Murray. Let’s rally behind our community members and this great cause and raise money for a very deserving cause!
For those neighbors that live within the City of Columbia limits, don’t forget to vote for a new Mayor, April 6. There are several candidates, including my friend, Stephen Benjamin , whom I served with in the USC Senate as well as served as his chief-of-staff many years ago. Kirkman Finley , currently on City Council, is also running.
*** SCHOOLS ***
District Five will see several new leaders in our high schools (and on the football fields) next year. Irmo High will welcome Rob Weinkle as their principal in July; while Akil Ross has been named principal of Chapin High , also effective July. On the athletic fields, Dutch Fork’s football team will have it’s second Head Coach in the school’s history when Tommy Knotts takes over for retiring coach/AD Bill Kimrey. Meanwhile Chapin High is still in the process of finding a replacement for first-year coach Scott Earley who leaves after only one season to cross the dam to Lexington High School.
Chapin Middle will also have a new leader when Jane Crawford retires. Michael Lofton , currently asst. principal at Dutch Fork Middle, will make the short drive down 76 to become Chapin Middle’s new principal.
Congratulations to Stuart Hope and Nate Polley (both Chapin High wrestlers) on their 3A State Champion titles! Sutart (who went an incredible 52-0 in matches this year) was the 112-pound state champion and Nate wa the 130-pound chapmion. Irmo’s T.J. Dudley also is State Champion in the 171-pound division of 4A.
The Dutch Fork’s girls basketball team had a great run this season (21-6A) come to an end in the 4A Lower State Championship last week but I’m expecting even bigger things from the team next year!
** THANK YOU **
Thanks again for the privilege to return to Columbia and represent the Irmo/Chapin/Ballentine/Dutch Fork community! If you have events or people you’d like me to share with the community through Nathan’s News, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help!
I’m always eager to spend time with you at your Homeowners Association Meetings, Churches, and other civic events in the community! Let me know dates and times and I’ll work to be there!
Please contact my office, 734-2969, or contact me here through Nathan’s News anytime
I can help!
Nathan Ballentine
www.nathansnews.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320B Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221
A Midlands Meet and Greet: Nikki Haley for Governor
March 2, 2010 | 4 Comments
I hope you’ll join me and others in the Midlands for a Meet and Greet with Nikki Haley on Tuesday, March 9th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wild Wing Cafe off Harbison Boulevard (1150 Bower Parkway)!
From the day I learned she would run for Governor, I have supported Nikki and am confident South Carolina will benefit from her vision and leadership for years to come!
Please share this information with your friends and co-workers so they can have a chance to meet Nikki and hear more about her common-sense approach to reigning spending in Columbia and changing the staus-quo that continues to cripple our state. There is no cost to attend.
Nikki continues to gain momentum in across the state and also in national circles as well. For too long South Carolina has made headlines for the wrong things, Nikki is a breath of fresh air and understands what it takes to change the good-ole’ boy system for the better!
From her website:
Nikki Haley, one of the strongest fiscal conservatives in state government, was first elected to represent the 87th District in Lexington County in 2004, when, as a virtual unknown she beat the longest serving state legislator in a Republican primary. In 2008 Representative Haley was sent back to the statehouse with 83 percent of the vote – the highest percentage earned by any lawmaker facing a contested South Carolina election that year.
Her time in Columbia has been marked by conservative leadership and an unwavering commitment to the taxpayers’ bottom line. She has fought wasteful spending at every turn, pushed for smaller, more efficient government, and led the fight for the accountability and transparency that before her arrival was sorely lacking in the Legislature.
For her efforts to cut taxes and slow the growth of government spending, Nikki was named “Friend of the Taxpayer” (2009) by the S.C. Association of Taxpayers and a “Taxpayer Hero” (2005) by Gov. Mark Sanford. She has lifetime “A” ratings from the South Carolina Club for Growth, the Palmetto Family Council, and the National Rifle Association. Nikki has also received the Palmetto Leadership Award from the S.C. Policy Council for her expertise on policy matters and the Strom Thurmond Excellence in Public Service and Government Award from the S.C. Federation of Republican Women for the outstanding constituent service she provides to her district.
Born in Bamberg, S.C., the daughter of Indian immigrants, Nikki’s first job was keeping the books for her family’s clothing store – at the age of 13. She went on to graduate from Clemson University with a B.S. degree in accounting and following her graduation worked as Accounting Supervisor for the Charlotte, N.C. based corporation FCR, Inc. and five of its subsidiaries. Nikki then went back to the family business where she helped oversee its growth into a multi-million dollar operation. Since 2008 she has served as the Assistant Executive Director of the Lexington Medical Foundation.
Nikki and her husband Michael, a full time federal technician with the South Carolina National Guard and an officer in the Army National Guard, attend Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington. She was previously a board member of both the Orangeburg and Lexington County Chambers of Commerce and a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Currently, Nikki sits on the board for Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church, Medmission, and is a proud member of the West Metro Republican Women, Lexington County Republican Party and the NRA.
Nikki and Michael live in Lexington with their two children, Rena, 11, and Nalin, 8.