Lexington-Richland Five will hold a Teacher Recruitment Fair on Saturday, February 4 from 8:30-11 a.m. at Irmo Middle School.

No appointment is necessary. Certified teachers should bring 20 copies of their current resume and 20 copies of their current teaching certificate.

Certified Application Procedure

A school district attains exemplary status by way of its employees. School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties is a leader among schools throughout the state and the nation because of quality faculty and staff.

Would you like to join this great district? Please review the job opportunities that await you. Our current vacancies can be reviewed by viewing our job vacancy listing.

All candidates will go through a State Law Enforcement Division background check and a Sexual Registry check before being approved for hire.

The state application for certified employment can be completed at www.winthrop.edu/scteach .

Application Process

1. Complete on-line application at: www.winthrop.edu/scteach
Three (3) professional references are required online

2. Complete an on-line interview at: https://gx.gallup.com/teacherinsight.gx
Enter district code: 20868381

Contact me once your application is completed or if you have any questions:Winnie Brown, Coordinator of Certified Personnel (wbbrown@lexrich5.org)

Obtain information about and/or to apply for South Carolina teacher certification at www.scteachers.org.

SCDOT will be replacing a collapsing cross line pipe on Hwy 76 (Chapin Road) next week between Sid Bickley Road and Crooked Creek Road.

You’ve probably seen the message boards indicating a minor detour from February 1st to 3rd from 8am to 4pm.

Plan accordingly.

HOUSE WEEK IN REVIEW
January 27, 2012

The House of Representatives approved and sent to the Senate H.4627, a joint resolution addressing the actions taken by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to allow DREDGING IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER that would make a portion of the waterway suitable for navigation by large ocean going container or commerce vessels so that a new maritime port facility may be constructed in Georgia. Through the joint resolution the General Assembly, exercising its exclusive authority to suspend laws granted under Section 7, Article I of the South Carolina Constitution, suspends the authority of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for all decisions subsequent to 2007 related to all matters pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal, and related collateral issues concerning the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River, in particular the approval by DHEC of the application of the United States Army Corps of Engineers for a Construction in Navigable Waters Permit for the dredging of the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River, because the authority of the Savannah River Maritime Commission superseded DHEC’s responsibilities for such approval, as established by Act 56 of 2007, and DHEC’s approval could present imminent and irreversible public health and environmental concerns for the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River.

The House approved and sent to the Senate H.4636, a bill establishing the BLUE ALERT PROGRAM within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as a means of rapidly disseminating information to assist in apprehending a suspect who allegedly kills, seriously injures, or abducts a law enforcement officer. The program is designed to make use of the Amber Alert infrastructure established for the rapid recovery of missing and abducted children, including messages to motorists posted on South Carolina Department of Transportation electronic traffic signs and releases to broadcast media, to distribute information that can help locate a fleeing suspect who poses a serious public safety threat.

The House concurred in Senate amendments to H.3864 and enrolled the bill for ratification. The legislation modernizes the state’s FRESHWATER FISH AND GAME laws, with an emphasis on making the provisions more consistent and user-friendly. These provisions have not undergone a comprehensive update in over thirty years.

The House amended Senate amendments to H.3124, the OMNIBUS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE BILL, and returned the legislation to the Senate. This legislation authorizes the issuance of several new special license plates: ‘Distinguished Service Medal’ Special License Plate; ‘Second Amendment’ Special License Plate; ‘Historic’ automobile special motor vehicle license plate for use on a private passenger motor vehicle or a motorcycle that is at least 25 years old; ‘Distinguished Service Cross’ Special License Plate; ‘Department of the Navy’ Special License Plate; ‘Parents and Spouses of Active Duty Overseas Veterans’ Special License Plates; ‘State Flag’ Special License Plates; ‘South Carolina Highway Patrol-Retired’ Special License Plates; ‘Eagle Scouts of America’ Special License Plates; ‘I Support Libraries’ Special License Plates; ‘South Carolina Educator’ Special License Plates; ‘Beach Music’ Special License Plates; Citadel Alumni Association ‘Big Red’ Special License Plates; ‘Largemouth Bass’ Special License Plates; High School Special License Plates; ‘South Carolina Wildlife Federation’ Special License Plates; ‘Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’ special license plates; Gadsden Flag Special License Plates; ‘Active Duty Members of the United States Armed Forces’ Special License Plates; ‘Combat Related Disabled Veteran’ special license plates; and, ‘2010 11 Baseball National Champions’ special license plate. In addition to creating these plates, the legislation adjusts special license plate fees and revises other provisions relating to special license plates.

The House amended, approved, and sent to the Senate H.4475, a bill to provide that TRAIL RIDING IS INCLUDED UNDER EQUINE LIABILITY IMMUNITY PROVISIONS which afford an equine activity sponsor or an equine professional immunity from certain legal liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting from an inherent risk of equine activities, such as steeplechases, rodeos, polo matches, hunter and jumper horse shows, and equestrian competitions.

The House approved and sent to the Senate H.4434, a bill that changes the name of the Pendleton District Agricultural Museum to the “BART GARRISON AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM OF SOUTH CAROLINA”.

One thing in politics that never seems to change is the constant struggle for “power”.

I know what you’re thinking. Is that really what goes on? Shouldn’t the struggle be to improve the quality of life for our people? Well, yes it should…but the reality is that many politicians want to be “in charge”. It’s been that way since I was first elected and I’m sure it’s been that way long before I ever became a public servant.

Whether it’s at the local (city/county) level, state level or federal level….or between legislative/executive branches of government….or President/Congress….or oftentimes inside political parties or bodies….there’s always a battle going on somewhere. Seems everyone wants to be the “top dog”.

Lost in the shuffle last week was a House ruling based on a recent finding in the SC courts that actually shifted some “power” to the state’s executive branch. House Speaker Bobby Harrell shared with us in the chamber that going forward, the required minimum overriding votes on a veto that will be required to override that veto will be 43. (Difficult to write but I hope it made sense). To many, that might not seem like a change. To those that follow South Carolina politics, it is a big change.

Most constituents that read my website know that, oftentimes, elected officials (House/Senate) write “local legislation” that pertains only to their constituents/county or counties. The custom (since I’ve been there and I’m sure long before) is that other colleagues (House and Senate) would not even vote on such matters as it was (and still is) perceived that those local officials should know best how to represent their district(s).

As those bills passed (easily) in the House and Senate (oftentimes with fewer than 10 members voting), they would go to the Governor’s desk to be signed, pass without signature or be returned with a veto.

Prior to last week, those bills would become law one way or another. Why? Because even if the Governor would veto the bills, those same officials (again, 10 or less usually)would override the veto and – again – the rest of their colleagues “stood on the sideline”.

After last week, the House will now require a minimum of 43 members to override a veto. In my opinion that gave much more “power” to a Governor’s veto message. Particularly on local legislation.

Left to be seen though is the impact on budget vetos which historically are easily overturned year after year. Also, will members now help/hurt other colleagues on local legislation that gets vetoed? Instead of sitting out, will colleagues work the floor to muster up the 43 votes needed to have that bill become law?

In any event, if you ask a lot of officials, last week the House just made a gubernatorial veto much stronger than ever before.

More than 500 members of the community packed Seven Oaks Park on Wednesday to hear GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney share his vision for our country! Representative Huggins and I were pleased to see several Irmo and Chapin Chamber members there as well as several small business owners and families.

This week’s visit marks the second time Romney came to our community during this campaign cycle! Last May he made his first SC visit to my home and our area before gearing up for a campaign that has focused on the main objective for Republicans come November: beating President Obama and fixing our ailing economy.

You don’t fix Washington by electing an insider! Governor Romney has spent his career outside of Washington in private business, creating jobs. In his short time as CEO of the bluest state in the country (Massachusetts), he was able to create surplueses from deficits. He also rescued an Olympics (Salt Lake) that was myred in controversy and scandal. Romney has the business credentials and management skills/style needed to break the gridlock in Washington and restore free-market principles our country was founded upon.

For those reasons and more , Karen and I will be casting our vote this afternoon at Lake Murray Elementary for the next President of the United States, Mitt Romney!

Representative Nathan Ballentine introduces Gov. Mitt Romney at a campaign event in Irmo, SC.

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STATE HOUSE
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The General Assembly reconvened last Tuesday for our final year of the 119th session. As you can imagine, there hasn’t been much debate on the House floor because our calendar was cleared when we left last summer and much legislation lies in our committees. Any pending legislation will “die” if does not become law before we adjourn this summer. Our sessions run every two years (as do House members terms) but this year you will also see all 46 Senators up for consideration at the ballot box just like all 124 House members. (Senators serve 4 year terms)

The House passed several bills last year that currently reside in the Senate and we hope our colleagues will consider those bills this year before session ends. In the meantime, my House colleagues will primarily focus on tax reform, pension reform, and of course the annual budget which is expected to have an additional $700M+ in revenues to be allocated.

Many members of our community have already been emailing me and speaking with me regarding those upcoming debates listed above. I hope you’ll also share your opinions with me as well. In addition to contacing me here through the website or calling/visiting me in my State House Office, you can speak with me anytime around town or at my constituent service nights. This year I may try something different to provide more people a chance to participate in constituent service nights. I am considering “tele-townhalls” which allow you to stay in the comfort of your kitchen or den and hear from me and ask questions right over your phone. More details to come.

Personally, I will ask my colleagues to support bills I have filed previously dealing with term-limits , healthcare and property tax relief.

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YOUR MONEY
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For the past several months, I have served on the SC House GOP Tax Study Committee and can share with you that soon we’ll share our proposals and plan for debate and hopeful passage this year with more items passed in the coming years.

First and foremost will be the elimination of more than half the current sales-tax exemptions that several question the real need to our citizens. Unlike proposals and political sound bites of “eliminate all of them”, our intent is to still keep the ones most would feel are not “special interest”. Exemptions like gas, groceries, electricity, etc. With the removal of a majority of exemptions it’s our hope to reduce other areas of taxation to provide relief to citizens, small business, and also lead to further job creation in state.

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COMMUNITY
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Anytime I learn of a national figure visiting our community, I like to pass that information along. Tomorrow, my candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, will visit our community again and I hope you’ll join Representative Huggins and me there at Seven Oaks Park. The rally starts at 7:15 pm but please get there early and RSVP to let us know you’re coming (803-575-0698)

Congratulations to recently elected new Mayor of Irmo, Hardy King ! Hardy won a spirited contest and has worked tirelessly for the town since first being elected a councilman in 2005. Hardy’s election leaves a vacancy on Irmo Town Council. There will be a special election on March 6, 2012 to fill the vacant Council seat and complete the unexpired term (ending November 30, 2013). Former Councilwoman Kathy Condom and political newcomer Josh Smith are running to fill that vacancy

What’s going on around town? A neighbor (Karen Owens) recently started Chapin Chatter and I encourage you to check it out to stay informed of recent announcements, local businesses, and learn more about our community and neighbors!

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OUR SCHOOLS
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Last month, a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at Chapin High School. While largely ceremonial, the Chapin community looked forward to the event for many months. Parents, students, teachers, staff, and community leaders attended the celebration. A construction contract was recently awarded that will add new classrooms, increase the school’s capacity to 1,700 students, and modernize and expand other existing spaces. In addition, changes will be made on the school campus that will improve parking and traffic flow.

Twenty-three teachers in Lexington-Richland Five recently earned the distinction of becoming National Board Certified Teachers. They join the 333 teachers in the district who previously received national certification, taking the district’s total to 356. The National Board process defines the knowledge, skills and accomplishments that symbolize teaching excellence. It was created so teachers, like professionals in other fields, can achieve distinction by demonstrating through a demanding performance assessment they meet high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. To see the names of these teachers, visit the district’s website.

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THANK YOU
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Thanks again for the privilege you give me to represent the Irmo/Chapin/Ballentine/Dutch Fork community! If you have events or people you’d like me to share with our community right here 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!

Nathan Ballentine
www.nathansnews.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320B Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201

Many recall my support four years ago for a relatively unknown (in our state) Governor and businessman to represent my party in the November 2008 Presidential election. The dominant topics during that campaign cycle were the war on terror and our national defense. When it became clear that another candidate with more expertise in those areas would be the Republican nominee, Governor Romney graciously suspended his campaign in order for Senator John McCain to work towards his impending general election opponent.

Earlier this year though, Governor Romney came to my home in Chapin and shared he was strongly considering another run. Karen and I immediately offered our support! Representative Huggins and I took him that day to meet with local business owners and neighbors who have been struggling in these economic times our country now faces.

While I thought Governor Romney was best in 2008, he certainly is best now when our country needs someone (from outside Washington) to help turnaround this struggling economy! A turnaround much like he did when he turned deficits into surpluses as Governor of Massachussets, when he saved an Olympics mired in controversy, and as he did working in the free-market to ultimately expand business and grow companies and create jobs.

I hope you’ll join me as he visits our community again tomorrow evening at 7:15 pm at Seven Oaks Park for a grassroots rally. Get there early and please let us know you’re coming by calling the office at 803-575-0698.

My very first bill that became law focused on healthcare for our aging population. This year, thanks to input from a constituent, I continue that focus.

As always, I welcome input/suggestions to this proposal.

From The State (1/11/2012)

Bill aims to give help to dementia sufferers

Families hit by Alzheimer’s might be interested in a bill pre-filed in the S.C. House by Rep. Nathan Ballentine, R-Richland.

The bill, H.4483 , exempts from property taxes the house (and up to an acre of land) owned by a person with dementia as long as the person lives in the house.

Studies have shown the general health of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia usually is better if they stay in their homes as long as possible. Exempting that home from property tax might factor into the decision of whether to get dementia sufferers into long-term care facilities outside the home.

Few of the hundreds of bills introduced each year make it through the legislative process to become law, but at least this one could start discussion about the best ways to impact dementia care in the state.

The SC General Assembly returns Tuesday, January 10th, and will convene at noon to begin the second year of the 119th session. All pending legislation must become law before we adjourn the session or the bills die and the process starts over in 2013.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s currently on the House calendar when we return Tuesday. Since it’s our first day back, I’m not sure how much of the calendar we’ll debate that day. You can stay informed throughout the year by clicking here on the official State House website to see current and past House calendars.

In the House, we’ll welcome two new Representatives: Joshua Putnam (R – Anderson, who replaces the seat vacated by former Ways and Means Chairman, Dan Cooper) and Edward Southard (R – Berkeley, who replaces the vacancy left by the passing of David Umphlett).

Most likely you should expect to see more work at the committee level in the first days/weeks of session than on the actual House floor.

I’m hopeful we’ll continue to reform state government’s structure, seek better efficiencies in our agencies and services, and address not only the short-term issues South Carolina faces but also the long-term liabilities that must be addressed for generations to come.

State revenues have increased and the job of prioritizing where the additional revenue is allocated becomes critical. As always, expect lengthy debate in committees the next several weeks before the House Budget comes to the floor for full debate in mid/late March.

There are several important issues facing our state and, as always, I ask that you share your thoughts or suggestions with me by contacting me here at NathansNews.