Common-Sense meets Status-Quo: On-The-Record Voting
September 24, 2008
I’m not sure why Speaker Harrell decided not to run for Governor, but after reading a release from his press shop today commenting about On-The-Record voting (or lack thereof), I’d tell him he probably saved himself alot of money.
That release (spin) stated: “Demanding that we should spend taxpayer money to take a roll call vote on a resolution congratulating a state championship high school team is not true transparency, it’s pandering…”
Well, sure. IF that’s what Representative Haley and I, Ashley Landess (Executive Director, SC Policy Council) and other common-sense legislators had been talking about last year, this summer, and all day today; I’d agree. However, that is NOT in this legislation and not what we’ve been talking about last year, this summer, and all day today during a four-city stop around the state with Governor Sanford lending his support.
Representative Haley sent a letter to EVERY House Member last week (124 members) and stated SPECIFICALLY that the bill does NOT include resolutions, recognitions, or congratulatory acts. What her bill WILL require are on-the-record votes for:
* all second readings
* any amended third readings
* all conference committee reports
* every section of the budget
Did that confuse anyone? Apparently some status-quo Columbia politicians (or their press shop) couldn’t keep up.
As elected officials we get alot of mail, so I’ll give some slack here because maybe those folks didn’t actually read the letter. But every Republican sure heard the details this summer in Caucus , and again today at every stop - Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Columbia. The message was crystal clear. Representative Haley repeated that no resolutions, congratulations, etc. were included.
Here’s what’s dissapointing in politics: when good, common-sense policy has to overcome personal vendettas and egos.
It’s no secret that there were only THREE Republicans to speak up in support of this legislation this summer. It’s no secret the tone of the “debate” that day was very personal , attacking, and unprofessional. If it’s not status-quo versus common-sense Republicans, it’s House/Senate Leadership versus the Governor.
The question though is WHY is this legislation facing ANY resistance? Open Government knows no party. This isn’t a partisan issue. In fact, let me mention the 15 current sponsors (10 Republicans, 5 Democrats): Haley, Ballentine, Wylie, Stringer, Ted Pitts, Garry Smith, Rice, Huggins, Frye, Danning, Kirsh, Miller, Whipper, Knight, Robert Brown.
That’s right folks. Only fourteen House Members had the courage to buck “power” and support what our government needs and our public deserves: On The Record Voting. Many have put a plum-committee assignment at risk because of possible retribution. They should be applauded for not “going along to get along” but instead knowing good policy that can help restore the public’s trust and confidence in our state leaders.
What we have heard for months is that many voters thought we recorded every vote - but we don’t. Many voters think this is a no-brainer (which is should be); but it’s not.
Simply put how voting works the majority of the time is this: 70 people say “yes” in the chamber and 50 say “no”. When that happens, the yes votes pass but NO ONE is on record. NO ONE knows who supported the bill or who was against the bill. How is that accountability? This must change.
I was pleased at each stop today to see other House and Senate members show up and stand next to Representative Haley, myself, Ashley Landess and other elected officials and show their support. It’s my hope that they’ll add their name as co-sponsors and join the small group that has already begun the fight.
Folks, we need your help. If you’ve never made a call to your elected official (or don’t know who he/she is) make this the time to get involved and demand accountability. Ask if your Representative/Senator supports Representative Haley’s bill or if he/she’d rather not have their votes on record for you to see.
Comments
17 Responses to “Common-Sense meets Status-Quo: On-The-Record Voting”
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I certainly expect my Representative, Kenny Bingham, to sign onto this legislation. Sounds like an excellent bill and very much needed. We see where lack of oversight has gotten our nation into financial troubles the past couple of weeks. Good post Nathan! I will follow up on this one.
The picture is oddly fitting. Don’t be afraid to fight “the man” and his bullying tactics.
We are proud of your stand for what is right and hope others will join in the fight. You spoke well at the press conference yesterday!
Keep up the good work. I’m proud to call Nikki Haley MY Representative, as I live in her district.
Dear Nathan:
I hope all is well with you and your family.
I very much enjoy your blog and I certainly appreciate your efforts in the legislature. Please keep up the hard work. I have emailed my two legislators in the House and the Senate expressing my support for this bill. Hopefully, common sense will prevail!?!?!Hope this next session can be a very productive one.
I think it will be. Keep plugging!
Congratulations to Representatives Haley and Ballentine, Gov. Sanford, SC Policy Council and the few others who have boldly stepped up to support bringing some much needed “sunshine” into the legislative process so that “we the people” can know exactly how our elected officials are voting when it comes to spending our hard earned tax dollars! I was very proud to attend your press conference at the State House along with many other community activists who have pledged to help spread your message and gain more support for this Bill.
We are PROUD of you! Keep fighting for your constituents!
Right on Nathan! I agree with you and Nikki give ‘em hell! I just hope my House member will sign on with y’all. I doubt it. He won’t even return the 5 e-mails I sent about the voice vote last session to raise retirement for legislators. Marion Frye.
The statehouse needs more Nathan Ballentines! Keep it up….
Unbelievable post Nathan. Way to shine the light on things that normal folk don’t get to see. We always hear about the good ol boy network and back door politicing…you are doing a great justice to some real assholes who run this state. I’m just glad people are finally realizing it’s not the Governor…it’s lack of leadership from Harrel and Leatherman. Thank you!
Nathan, Keep up the good work!
All -
Thank you to everyone who has posted today and emailed me concerning this common-sense reform.
Obviously, there’s been alot of talk and calls-to-action in communities throughout our state today and, if these continue, it will make passage of Representative Haley’s bill much more likely.
As I shared at each stop yesterday - don’t be fooled. Many will soon begin to talk-the-talk and say they are for “On the Record Voting” but be sure they don’t give excuses that would water-down the transparency you deserve from Rep. Haley’s bill. You’ll hear “we don’t need it on such-and-such vote…..it will take to long to do it for such-and-such vote…it costs $55 each time….why take time if the vote is gonna be 90-30 or 100-20 or 110-10….”
If you take time to email your friends and neighbors….email your elected officials…write your local paper….you will see democracy in action and you will be able to one day hold each of us accoutable by knowing how we voted in Columbia.
Nathan
Great work, Keep it up. Certainly don’t see my Representative Gulick as a co-sponser. I will call him today.
Wow… way to go Nathan! I guess you’re different… not afraid to stand up for something!
I saw the news clip on TV recently and could not believe Harrell’s attitude. He is against “regular people” knowing how their elected representatives vote???
Thanks Nathan!
It’s embarrassing to have a Speaker as arrogant as this. Does he really think the public doesn’t deserve this right because it’s a waste of money and time. Hey buddy, got news for you…that’s what your paid to do!!! What an idiot!
I want to let you know this is something I will put on top of my list of the right things we should do as Americans and will make every effort to support this fair and equitable legistlation.
Thanks,
Ralph H. Bell Jr.
Midlands Area Coordinaotr
ABATE fo South Carolina
It’s not that I disagree with you, but since ya’ll already meet 6 months a year, want this cause serious delays in the process if you have to roll call all of this?
Paul,
A roll-call vote (by House Rule) last a maximum of 3 minutes.
Whenever the board appears to be overwhelmingly one-sided (let’s say it looks 80-20 for one side - which is obvious when you see the board lit up), the Speaker can (and always does) as for unanimous consent to cut the voting short.
Even if he doesn’t cut it short, it’s 3 minutes tops. Let’s say we have 20 possible votes. That’s one hour. (Keep in mind, it could be 20 minutes if cut to 1 minute due to overwhelming margin).
We are in chamber 3 days a week during the 6 months you mentioned (which is for another discussion as I feel we should shorten our session). Here’s how it works for the most part:
Tuesday (noon) We pray, pledge, roll-call our attendance….leave after an hour for Caucus lunches…somtimes return in afternoon, oftentimes don’t.
Wednesday (10:00) We pray, pledge, roll-call our attendance….might work through lunch to 2.
Thursday (10:00) We pray, pledge, roll-call our attendance, have 2 or 3 congratulatory recognitions (state championship teams come into chamber, etc). Leave by noon.
Oh….and the pray, pledge, roll-call attendance usually incorporates at least 30 minutes most days.
Trust me, “time” is not an issue with roll-call. Of course, it’s one the opponents in the chambers use.
Hope this didn’t come off as combative, just trying to type quickly while kids getting ready for bed.
Thanks for posting! Come back often.
Nathan