Common Sense
June 30, 2009 | 5 Comments
While I will always fight for the same common-sense reforms that the Governor has believed for several years, there comes a time when a new champion must emerge to lead the movement. If not already, that time will soon be upon us. Over the past few election cycles, South Carolinians have sent reform-minded
leaders to Columbia and it will be our duty to ensure that our state’s future will be one with more efficient government and low taxes. One focused on improving education and creating economic prosperity. One where people, not politics, will be the priority.
Come together
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Like most in our state, I was shocked (and disappointed) when listening to the news conference Wednesday afternoon from the State House. I had planned an enjoyable afternoon of golf (first time in months) with a friend. Needless to say, we weren’t that focused on golf but instead on what was ahead for South Carolina.
Sure, we both felt (and continue to feel) for the individuals and families involved, but that is really neither our business nor concern as much as what all this could mean to the rest of the 4 million residents in the Palmetto State.
After all (and sadly), it’s not like this has never happened before in politics.
In recent years we’ve seen that most of America, after the sensationalism has died down from episodes like this, really care more about their wallets and their own lives instead of the actions of politicians, celebrities, and sports personalities.
Just as it was with Brad and Jennifer and “Jon and Kate plus 8″ , these stories gain all the attention for awhile but will eventually fade as people begin to go about their daily lives. Mortgage and rent payments, gas prices, doctor visits, car repairs, grocery bills, church, vacations, homework, ball practice.
The question most are starting to ask is what does this all mean to them?
As I shared with our Governor, Jeremiah 29:11 states God’s plan for us is to prosper and not to harm. While we oftentimes can’t see it, it will eventually come to fruition. The Governor has apologized to several folks, most importantly his family. He seems to understand that changes must come and it’s my opinion that the upside to this episode for our state is that our people may ultimately benefit from the political winds of change.
Nathan’s News readers know my feelings about wanting our state leaders to work together . Could this be the time? Could our citizens see the changes they have long wanted ? Better education, more jobs, improved healthcare?
I don’t expect (or wish) the Governor to change his conservative view on these issues or change his goals for our state, but I do expect that from this, we may see less division and more cooperation from both the Executive and Legislative branches.
If not now, when?
(I will be on vacation for the next several days and apologize for my lack of posts as I try to enjoy time away from politics and my paying job at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)
Your Tweetin’ Neighbors
June 23, 2009 | 1 Comment
Many of you know by now that I was one of the first SC elected officials to get on the twitter “craze” last year (NathanBallentin) . Since that time I’ve pretty much become addicted with over 2,000 updates already. Sure, many updates may be boring to some and some people could care less about my family life; but I share all facets of my life just the same.
Afterall, most would admit that if I just “tweeted” the political stuff, THAT would be boring!
Anyway….today my recent follower turns out to be our school district and I’m glad to see the district coming on board to Twitter and hope they’ll utilize it as a two-way street of communication. Not just getting out information but hearing from those in our community who wish to pass information along to them as well. Twitter is a form of communication and is best used to not only share; but also learn as well (in 140 characters - or less - message updates).
If you’re wondering who’s on Twitter from our community…well…here’s just a few of the folks you may want to follow and see what’s going on (twitter screen names used):
theotrek , paigecoop , shirley8153 , cstegmaier , sctomkat , TreyWalker , tdkelly , CharlieHarden , lawgal21 , ashleygilfillan , cecarey311 , zacandcheese , willfloyd , InTecNic , jplvsd , mckewn , michelmcninch , wshuler , AshleySHunter , mjboozer , foxben , and, my personal favorite: StateHouseWife
Some have been “tweetin” for awhile. Some do it as often as I do (a few times a day), others only maybe once a day or even once every other week. Some have tried it but didn’t like it. That’s the beauty of it. If you like it and if you find someone interesting enough to follow, do it. If not, don’t follow that person. It’s that simple. In the list above we have folks from all walks of life….teachers, state employees, bloggers, realtors, TV personalities, housewives, businessmen, businesswomen, attorneys, artists, and so on.
The impact of Twitter is global reaching - now, more than ever! In fact, twitter has been used to actually keep the West informed of what’s going on in Iran during their unrest. To those who think Twitter is just another fad….it may well be….but everyone’s using it in all walks of life for various reasons.
Give it a shot and see what you think. Oh, there’s also “prank twitter accounts” so be sure you know what’s really going on before you think it’s someone’s “real site”. Some are obvious but others you may never know: SCLegislator , FakeMarkSanford , GovPerrysHair .
If you want to see all the SC Legislators and Politicos on Twitter, try SCTWEETS.COM.
Much room for improvement
June 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
You’re not the only one wondering what South Carolina’s elected officials did this session to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our state. There’s a handful of us officials that feel your frustration. Like you, we’re tired of the constant bickering and finger-pointing that goes on in Columbia. We’re tired of the egos and the name-calling and we’re tired of the status-quo veterans who seem more than content on keeping things in South Carolina the way they have been for years.
There’s an African proverb that says “when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” Those words seem to fit state government – this year more than ever.
As I shared in December, the constant bickering between Republicans/Democrats, Legislative Branch/Executive Branch, and even intra-party feuds in the GOP are standing in the way of true progress for our state.
When I’m in the grocery store, ball fields, or churches in our community, everyone asks what was done this year to help education, jobs, and healthcare? They also ask about accountability and transparency in government? My answers: not much and too little.
Education: Before I was unceremoniously demoted for speaking out for more transparency and accountability with on-the-record voting, I served on the Education Finance Act Study Committee. While the committee continued to meet countless times, no changes in our system came from those efforts. We still use a very antiquated system for funding children and it must be changed. We also did nothing in terms of educational choices for our students/families (public or private). While our community continues to develop tomorrow’s leaders who graduate to two-year/four-year colleges and universities, the military, and the workforce; other communities lag far behind and the gap continues to grow in our state.
Jobs: A bill to reform the Employment Security Commission was sent back to committee (in my opinion, some voted that way just to spite the Governor). This bill was not going to be the “cure all” for our rising unemployment woes but it would have been a good start and personalities/egos kept it from passing
Healthcare: Once again, a modest cigarette tax-increase failed to become law. For yet another year our state is left with several uninsured citizens and more adolescents beginning the path of addiction.
Transparency: At least political opponents realized they couldn’t continue to fight this common-sense reform. In January, Representatives Haley, Wylie, and I were able to pass a rules change that led to more recorded votes than ever in state government. But we’re still not where we need to be. Until on-the-record voting becomes law (instead of a “House Rule”) there will continue to be votes taken with no transparency or accountability. That bill – and my campaign finance reform bill – never made it out of committee this year. One has to question why elected officials would continue to fight against recording more votes and reporting their fundraising activities before an election.
If there’s a silver lining to this past session it is this: there are a handful of us around the state that are determined to see action instead of delay on these important issues next session. For those that are tired of partisan politics, you’ll be pleased to know this group contains Republicans and Democrats. This group also contains leaders who believe like I do, people – not politics should be the focus.
WIS Newswatch (Part Two): June 14, 2009
June 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment
…more from our interview with Ben Hoover….
WIS Newswatch (Part One) - June 14, 2009
June 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Even thought he’s not on Twitter (like most of WIS folks: Judi Gatson , Jackie Faye , Stewart Moore, Drew Stewart , Mandy Mitchell ) I still agreed to sit down with Ben Hoover to talk about this past legislative session (which will end tomorrow when the House/Senate return for a few vetoes and hopefully some conference reports on pending legislation).
While Representative Anton Gunn and I are on opposite sides of the aisle (he’s a Democrat), we are continuing to work on ways to find some common ground on issues and hopefully continue to improve the tone of SC politics.
As I share during the interview, most politicians view compromise as “lose, lose”. Instead, we have to view it as a chance to work together in hopes of improving our state.
And with some this past year (and recent events), that would be some welcome change around our state!
(For more of this inteview, click here )
Romper Room?
June 9, 2009 | 3 Comments
When I wrote last December about what to expect this legislative session, I couldn’t have been more on target. I’m speaking to my Rotary Club (Lake Murray-Irmo) tomorrow and all I can think about is “the battles” this year instead of “the results”.
Executive v. Legislative, House v. Senate, Republicans v. Republicans, Republicans v. Democrats.
Today, I had enough so I sent a reply email to Republican Leadership in hopes we can start to finally act like statesman and not kids.
Here’s my email in full.
***
When will it stop?
I know our state is getting sick of the constant back/forth between Gov and
us….(and I know both bear blame) but we really need to put a stop to it all.
For what it’s worth, I agree with the overrides (payday and Buy SC) in the
release below but do we need to continue separating us and Gov?
Just a simple, here’s my thoughts on vetoes (without referencing governor, etc)
is enough to help members share “their” opinions with constituents.
Granted this release isn’t “that bad” as some we’ve had this year; but still it
gives appearance of legislative v executive.
I also read some “jobs” release that is obviosusly not gonna help the tension
either.
If I can help mediate between the two bodies (legislative/executive) please let
me know.
We need to work together - somehow - and check egos at the door and finish this
session with some real accomplishments for our citizens.
Y’all know how to reach me if you want to.
***
Meet The Spirit of Lake Murray: Maiden Voyage, June 7th!
June 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Ken and Laura Colton, Ballentine residents and owners of the Spirit of Lake Murray , are beginning their Sunday Lunch Cruises this Sunday!
The maiden cruise leaves Lake Murray Marina at 1:00 and goes for a two-hour cruise on The Spirit of Lake Murray. During the cruise, you will enjoy lunch prepared by our Chief Matt Gillespie.
Reservations are encouraged by calling Lake Murray Cruises at 730-3044. Without a reservation it is first-to-come, first-to-board. The price for your lunch and cruise is $39.50 per person. Visit our website for more info www.spiritoflakemurray.com.
The menu this week (June 7)is:
Grilled Atlantic Salmon
Organic Wild Rice Pilaf
Malibu Vegetable Medley
Freshly Baked Cornbread
Pecan Butter
Chef’s Dessert of the Day
Ice Tea or Water
Here’s a peak at upcoming menus for the rest of June! Lunch cruises will be offered each Sunday at 1:00 during the summer.
If you have questions, call Laura Colton at 803-730-3044.
Lake Murray Cruises, LLC
Operating the Spirit of Lake Murray
www.spiritoflakemurray.com
Ken Colton, Owner
1056 Jones Road, Irmo SC 29063
Cell: 803-429-4673
Business: 803-730-3044
“Catch the Spirit!”
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 | Leave a 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