I’m only 37 years old but tonight I sounded like my grandfather when I told my wife “$100 for family night out for dinner and movies?! Are you kidding me?!”

I wish I were making it up, and when you find out where we went you really will be shocked.

Tonight, Karen, Sarah, JC, Emma and I had Family Night and it started with dinner at……ChicFilA. Yep, we really went all out, huh? (We love going to Guido’s Pizza in Ballentine but we were trying to save a litte and were rushed to make the 7:25 show after I got home from work. If you haven’t been to Guido’s, you really are missing GREAT pizza!)

After that we just drove 1/2 mile (thank goodness, with gas now $4/gallon!) to Bower Parkway to see Space Chimps and have some candy, ONE tub of popcorn and TWO drinks.

Dinner……………$28
Tickets……………$36
Candy,etc………..$28
Way2Save ……….$ 3

I kid you not! Crazy, huh? Or am I just that cheap ?

Also sounding like my grandfather, I thought it was pretty neat that you could skip waiting in the ticket line out front and go inside and buy the tickets quickly at a kiosk. (This concept has probably been around for awhile but we don’t really get out that much!)

Tonight reminded me of why we usually rent from Movies on Demand ($5) and stay at home!

You won’t catch us out that much…and when we do, definitely no candy or popcorn or drinks!

A few weeks ago, Ashley participated in the National Young Scholars Program in Winston-Salem, NC.

She’s a rising 5th grader at Oak Point Elementary School and made straight A’s again this year in Mrs. Kicklighter’s class!

She sent me what her typical schedule was that week….whew….I’d have been worn out after days like this!

7:15 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:10 - 9:40 Leadership
9:50 - 11:50 Discovery Strand
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
12:45 - 1:00 Teambuilder
1:10 - 3:40 Discover Strand
3:50 - 4:35 Recreation
4:45 - 5:45 Leadership
6:00 - 6:45 Dinner
7:00 - 8:20 Team Time

She certainly learned alot at camp and is no doubt going to have a great rest of the summer and wonderful 5th grade year starting this fall. I know her parents, Mark and Lisa, are very proud of this young lady from our community!

Ashley also represents Oak Pointe Elemenary as a member of the District’s Honor Choir.

I look for great things from Ashley in the future!

Unfortunately I can only put one State Champion picture above, but the Irmo Little Leage actually has two State Champions this year!! Minors and Coaches Pitch!

Visit the league site to learn more! Good luck Minors in West Virginia!

I was never really a fan of Dr. Frasier Crane but his “Hello Seattle, I’m listening” did kinda grow on me. I prefered Norm Peterson on Cheers and now that I have kids, the voice of Cliff Clavin has grown on me too (if you have young children, you’ll understand what I’m talking about).

Anyway, we just wrapped up the end of a two-year session weeks ago and I’m already doing research for possible legislation next year.

By the way, the best “research” is listenting to your constituents.

I’ve been hearing from many of you about changes we can make in our state and I appreciate the opinions, ideas, and willingness you have to share with me.

Here’s an early list of topics I’m researching. What are your thoughts on these?

You play the role of State Representative. What legislation would you propose if you could?

EDUCATION

Lottery Funding K-12: Why doesn’t more go to K-12? Simple. The law specifies where the money goes. I want to look at this and see what can be done. Obviously, with all the higher-education scholarship money we set aside, you don’t want to adversely impact that.

Graduation rates/Drop Out rates/SAT scores: Any way you look at it, we rank at (or very near) the bottom. What can be done? More money? (We spend alot as it is). How about incentives to graduate? What about incentives to get tutoring?

Note: Next Tuesday, the Education Finance Act Study Committee will meet to continue talks about how to best fund state education. I’m sure legislation will come from this committee for next session.

MORE SUNSHINE IN STATE GOVERNMENT

Candidate/Official Filings: In April the House and Senate joined our Constitutional Officers by filing our campaign disclosure forms electronically. Why aren’t all local officials required? Why is it optional for some? What about filing dates? Why the “dead period” weeks before elections and runoffs?

Qualifications for office: What education/experience is needed to hold certain positions? What’s the minimum requirements needed to be a Sherrif? What about a Coroner? What about an Auditor? Treasurer?

In 1980, I was ten years old and Captain and Tennille climbed the charts with “Do That To Me One More Time”.

In 1980, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated the Coastal Plain of ANWR could contain up to 17 billion barrels of oil and 34 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

(Sadly, I knew more about the Captain and his lady than I did oil and natural gas in 1980.)

Today is different.

America has changed our musical tastes since then. Changed our clothing styles, our hairstyles, our jobs, where we live, what we drive, what we eat. Most importantly, we’ve changed (and grown) our dependency on foreign oil and energy.

The one constant during all this though is we haven’t drilled in ANWR.

Maybe it’s because the environmentalists still hold those little muskrats (or caribou) dear to their hearts? Who knows?

I do know one thing: gas prices weren’t $4 a gallon in the 80s and MAYBE if we had drilled then, we wouldn’t be looking at $4 a gallon now. Or maybe if we had pushed for energy alternatives almost 30 years ago, we wouldn’t be sending billions of dollars overseas.

Sure, to the cynics the Drill Here, Drill Now movement screams of more political pandering. To many Americans though it’s common sense. And if there’s one thing I feel we need more of in politics, it’s common sense.

Last week I put two simple maps on the blog to show what exactly everyone’s been talking about.

Many argue drilling in ANWR will have negative effects on the region. I would argue (as I’ve read during research) that particular argument is similar to saying an airport in Greenville would have a negative effect on the state of South Carolina. That’s the relative sizes we’re talking about.

I won’t bore you with statistics. At this point, if you’re not on board with America exploring onshore/offshore drilling you never will be.

I’ve learned (in life/politics) that if statistics support your position - they are valid. If statistics oppose your position, they are erroneous and biased.

Such is the case in state government with the cigarette tax, or better yet, income tax reductions to spur growth, school choice, and other “progressive” ideas so that we may actually move our state forward instead of waiting 30 years when situations are even more dire than now.

Like those important items in South Carolina, oil exploration and enery independence require action. Congress must act now that Bush lifted the White House ban on offshore drilling. Congress must do what they should have done years ago. If they don’t, we’ll be right back here singing the blues again.

Kinda like we are with many issues in state government.

Take time today to email your Congressman about this important issue and, please, email me anytime on state issues important to you.

It hit me tonight. Before I start writing about Federal Issues that need fixing, I should share a recap of what we did this past session for South Carolina. You know, the you sent me to do.

While I’m flattered (I think?) that some of you think my role is serving you in Washington, I really only drive about fifteen minutes downtown for my public service job. Luckily I’m home every night too.

I’ll write more in the coming week(s) about particular bills to give you a “behind the scenes” look. For now though, you can see the “official recap” on the “major issues”, by clicking here.

As cynical as I am most the time, we actually did deliver on many of the items I shared in January .

Issues/bills I’ll write about during the summer are: Earmark Reform (again), Illegal Immigration (again), Budget Vetoes (again), and Cigarette Tax (again).

As I shared on SCETV in January , I began this year with the feeling that this could be “the year of transparency” for South Carolina politics. In keeping with that thought, I’ll continue to help shed some more light on the actually makings of how “it” really works in our state.

Today, I wanted to get you closer to what all the talk has been about. When you look at the map above, notice that “ANWR” and the “ANWR Coastal Plain” are two different areas.

Most people hear ANWR and think of the larger part of the picture above but, today, let’s “drill down” and focus on the Coastal Plain portion of that map (it’s in green above).

When you’ve found that, “drill deeper” and notice the red dot (3.13 square miles). Can you see it?

Please keep this red dot in mind when I come back later to share more.

ANWR: Artic National Wildlife Refuge

In the next few days, I’ll put in words what I (and many others) have known for some time now.

SOMETHING must be done, not only to reduce our energy dependence in the world; but also to help Americans out at the fuel pump.

SOMETHING should have been done years ago.

Today I share the photo above and ask you to notice the yellow spot on the map. It’s small, but you should be able to find it. You’ll have to look closely though.

If you have events you’d like me to share on the site, please email me at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net and be sure to put the word CONSTITUENT in the subject line so that I can reply to your email before the hundreds of others I receive daily.

STATE HOUSE

While the General Election is still months away, we have already seen much change as a result of the statewide primary races last month.

In total, 9 incumbents (House and Senate) were voted out by their own party. That may not sound like a lot to you, but in politics that’s a big feat. (Trust me. I know first hand how tough it is to beat an incumbent).

When you add that figure to what could happen in “swing districts” in November and include the handful of retirements already, about 20% of the General Assembly could be new faces when we return in January.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ve seen my posts already about this subject and how I am looking forward to continuing to bring positive change to our state. If new folks are willing, great! We’ll work together. If “veteran legislators” are not, voters will let them know their feelings at the ballot box.

I would like to point out something that many of you may not know. For the first time since Reconstruction, an African-American Republican Legislator will be serving in Columbia! Representative Elect Tim Scott (R - Berkeley/Charleston) and I have talked a few times and traded emails and it appears we are like-minded on several issues for our state. I am looking forward to working with him!

YOUR MONEY

Richland County is considering a 1% sales tax increase to help fund roads, bike paths, and public transportation. We already had a public input session in our community and there will be another one countywide on July 15th. For more information, contact our County Councilmember, Bill Malinowski .

Richland County is also considering a bond for the Recreation Commission. The cost appears to exceed $50,000,000.

Lastly, Richland County recently increased the cost of garbage collection due to rising fuel costs.

For the record, I represent Richland and Lexington Counties but most of the “dollars and sense” news this month comes from the Richland side of the river.

COMMUNITY

There will be a meeting tonight at Friarsgate Park with law enforcement, elected officials, the Irmo Little League, and parents/neighbors in the area to talk about recent events at the park and the need for safety awareness. If you live in the area or have children who play sports at the park, please attend. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Incorporation? It appears the folks in the Ballentine area will try once again to incorporate. I’m hearing that they have listened to the opposition’s earlier concerns and are working to try to alleviate some of those for the hopeful passage of the new town. On the Ballentine Dutch Fork Civic Association website you can read a proposed “Bill of Rights”. Ironically, the Secretary of State informs me that only one time before has an incorporation effort failed. Can incorporation in our area avoid being the second one?

Kim Sullivan was recently crowned Mrs. South Carolina 2008 ! Sullivan represented Newberry County in the Mrs. South Carolina Pageant. She will travel to Tucson, Arizona in August to represent South Carolina in the Mrs. America Pageant. Not only did she win the overall title; but also she received the physical fitness award and the most photogenic award. During the competition, contestants competed in personal interviews, a state costume contest, a swimsuit competition and an evening gown competition. She entered the pageant to help promote her idea of using the arts to work with children in foster care. An adopted child herself, Kim believes that children in foster care can use the arts as an outlet and benefit from them. She is currently the visual art teacher at Ballentine Elementary and is the owner and art instructor of Art with Heart studio and gallery in Chapin.

SCHOOLS

After seeing all our high school graduates receive their diploma last month, I am just amazed at the students we are sending out to the community, state, nation…and world! They all have their future in front of them: colleges, universities, the military, the workforce, and families.

Our district can be proud knowing the quality of student and citizen that came from our community!

Again this year, there will be another Bond Referendum on the ballot. Since November is a Presidential Election, more people than before will go to the polls. It’s my hope that everyone will have as much information as they need to make an informed decision.

No doubt, there will be much ‘campaigning’ on both sides (for/against) and in fairness to our community I wanted to point you to sites from both camps that may help you cast your vote.

The School District has an informational page on their site and a group of citizens has information on their site.

I encourage everyone in our community to vote this November (President, Federal officials, State officials, Local officials, bond referendum, county referendums, etc). Be sure your voice is heard.

THANK YOU

Thanks again for staying informed by visiting the site! Please let your friends and neighbors know about it so that they can stay as informed as possible, too. As you can see, I try to write often and regularly update photos from our community as well as videos.

You have given me a great honor by choosing me to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives and I remain as committed as ever to staying in touch.

While we will not return for the next session until January 2009, please know I am just a phone call or email away. If you have a civic organization, church, or homeowners association meeting or event - I would love to attend and hear from your members.

Please contact my office, 734-2969, or email me at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net anytime I can be of service to you or your family.

Nathan Ballentine
www.nathansnews.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320A Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221

I first met Bill over 15 years ago when we both were in the South Carolina National Bank Management Trainee Program. He had just graduated from the Citadel and I had graduated from USC. I knew then that Bill was very talented and was going to “go places”.

What I didn’t know was that we would stay in touch and eventually live just miles apart here in Irmo.
I also didn’t know I would be fortunate enough to have him help me become your State Representative four years ago as well as help us pass Ryan’s Law (Insurance Coverage for Autistic children).

Recently Bill started blogging and I encourage you to visit his site, Stewardship Journal. .

Bill McAfee is President and Chief Investment Officer for WHM Capital Advisors . He is a Certified Financial Planner™, and an Accredited Valuation Analyst with expertise in business valuation, succession planning strategies, portfolio management, and quantitative analysis. Bill has been published in professional journals on topics including business investment strategies and business valuation issues, and has been a featured guest on radio and television programs.

Bill began his financial career in commercial banking and held the position of Vice President at Bank of America Private Bank, managing accounts for high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations. In 1999, he was named Senior Vice President at First National Corporation, where he chaired the Trust and Investment Committee and designed portfolio strategies for the Asset Management Group. His portfolio strategies have consistently outperformed risk/return measures in both up and down markets.

Bill works with business owners to determine their overall financial strategy, how business ownership correlates with their financial plan, and how to preserve their wealth through coordinated investment and business planning strategies. Bill is also the developer of A.Q.U.A.®, a patent pending analysis tool for determining risk in the closely held business and its effect on the portfolio decisions of the owner.

Bill is a graduate of The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina where he was a Battalion Executive Officer and Distinguished Naval Student and is an honor graduate of United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. He also served for 5 years on the adjunct faculty at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Bill and his wife, Teresa, live in Irmo, South Carolina with their three children.