Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Eat, Drink and Be Larry

The man who added the catch phrase “Git-R-Done” to the American lexicon is coming to Florence 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Dan Whitney, known better as Larry The Cable Guy, has proven to be one of the most successful comics.

For a limited time, the Florence Civic Center is offering an ‘Economic Recovery Package’ where select tickets are buy one get one free. This offer on select seats is valid Dec. 5 at 10am until Dec. 29 at midnight**.

TICKET PRICES: $43.75 Artist Circle and **Limited Time** 2 for 1 - $43.75, additional taxes/fees may apply
SALES LOCATIONS: Florence Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com
CHARGE-BY-PHONE: 843-679-9333

ARTIST WEBSITE: Larrythecableguy.com
FOR MORE INFO:outbackconcerts.com, florenceciviccenter.com

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Law that bans homosexual adoption ruled unconstitutional

Today, a Miami State Court Judge ruled that a 1977 Florida law that bans homosexual adoption is unconstitutional. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman says that the law violates equal protection rights for homosexuals and that there is no valid reason to consider sexual orientation when approving adoption. The state has already filed an appeal.

News links
Huffington Post Story
CBS Story
US News and World Report Story

42nd Governor's Carolighting

On Sunday, Nov. 30, ETV rings in the holidays with statewide coverage of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Carolighting. The program airs LIVE from the State House steps beginning at 6 p.m.

This time-honored tradition marks the official start of the yuletide season in South Carolina, as Governor Mark Sanford gives his Christmas message and lights the state's Christmas tree.

The program will be filled with the sounds of the season as musicians of every age and from every corner of the Palmetto State perform some of the most beloved Christmas carols, including O Come, All Ye Faithful; Angels We Have Heard on High; and The First Nowell.

Performances this year include selections from the Governor's All-Star High School Chorus and Band, the USC Trumpet Choir, the Palmetto Mastersingers, the Carolighting Children's Choir and the Carolighting Handbell Choir.

Tips on Beating Financial Blues

Kim Snider, CEO of Snider Advisors (which manages approximately 500 million dollars) and author of the new book How to Be the Family CFO: 4 Simple Steps to Put Your Financial House in Order (www.kimsnider.com), advises

1. Plan Prudently – Whether you do your bills online or the old fashioned way, every family can easily see what they owe in bills every month. Gather the paperwork into one stack, or create a computer file that details all your regular monthly expenditures. Combine it with your pay stubs and records of any other income. Now, you have a clear picture of your revenue and your payables. Moreover, you also have due dates for those bills, so you can match your cash flow (when you get paid) with when certain bills are due. Now, simply plan out what you’re going to pay and when you’ll pay it. Most companies mirror this procedure once a week, cutting checks on Fridays. You may not need to do it as often, but if you review your expenses once a week, you’ll always know where your money is and where it’s going.

2. Save Prodigiously – Saving money, to most families, is one of those things that always gets delayed for next paycheck. But saving is more than just trying to create a stockpile of cash for the proverbial rainy day – it’s about weathering the minor drizzles that come along every month. Unexpected car repairs, medical bills, home repairs, clothes for kids who can’t seem to STOP growing – these are all examples of flies in the budget ointment. If you can put away even $10 per week, it can help stem the impact of having your car’s alternator go belly up the same week you’re buying holiday gifts.

3. Invest Wisely – Take true advantage of your employer-sponsored retirement plans and 401K plans by allowing them to deduct the maximum amount from your paychecks. In many cases, employers match that money, so it’s tantamount to saving twice the amount for retirement. Plus, the more you save up front, the more you’ll benefit from the magic of compounded interest. The few dollars in cash flow you sacrifice now (which won’t hurt as bad as you think, because it’s PRE-TAX dollars) will be well worth it when you see your retirement balance grow later.

4. Manage Risk – Your biggest risk isn’t what you might think it is – it’s not about the financial markets or even your house burning down. Rather, the biggest risk for most people is the loss of your regular income. The vast majority of families who are in trouble today aren’t in crisis because of natural disaster or catastrophic illness, but rather, because someone in the household lost a job. You can hedge that risk by keeping your job skills current and competitive, and taking on a disability insurance policy.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Podcast features introduced on SC Department of Education Web site

he South Carolina Department of Education’s Web site today introduced a menu of audio podcasts that offer new ways to access information on South Carolina public schools.

Visitors can listen to the new features via their computers or download them for “on-the-go” listening using portable media players such as IPods and other MP3 devices.

The new podcast features include:

Speaking of Schools – This half-hour program, which airs Monday nights on South Carolina Educational Radio, is now available via podcast. Host Doug Keel welcomes guests who share information on education in South Carolina.

The Afternoon Drive with Jim Rex – Rex periodically shares his thoughts on the state’s public schools during the commute to his home in Fairfield County.

Education News – This periodic feature offers full audio coverage and “behind-the-scenes” interviews on news events concerning public schools. Examples include interviews with Mark Bounds, the Education Department’s Deputy Superintendent for Educator Quality and Leadership, on the topic of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, and with Rex on 2008 PACT scores.

The Week in Review – A summary of the previous week’s news stories about public schools.

Pick of the Pods – Links to popular national podcasts about science, math, English and social studies.

Education Petition

Emails are being sent out for people to sign a petition to support a constitutional amendment to insert the words "high quality education" in South Carolina's constitution, replacing the current standard of "a minimally adequate education."

The petition asks the legislature to allow the people of South Carolina to vote on this amendment in the 2010 election, and the principal sponsors of this legislation are State Senator John Matthews Senate District 39 and Representative James Smith House District 72.

Go to www.GoodbyeMinimallyAdequate.com to view or sign the petition.

Will this make a difference in our schools? Post your thoughts here in the comments.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

American Strongman Event and Jamboree in Florence

The American Strongman event will take place from 1- 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25.

American Strongman “Live” is on the road early this year joining the 4th Annual Kid’s Jamboree in Florence South Carolina at the Florence Civic Center. The event drew 14,000 children and families last year and is complete with entertainment from Snake Master Steve Scruggs, Medieval Times, a giant Slide, rock walls and much, much more. “We are very happy to be part of a fun day for children and families. We expect to reach many new fans and get them excited about non-violent, family friendly sports events.” said ASC Dione Wessels.
“The day is filled with hands on activities and exciting entertainment for the children and we are
beefing up our show this year by bringing in American Strongman,” said Tina Dean, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Florence Civic Center. “The competitions are action packed and we know the kids will love it.”

One Hundred Dollars Fiction Contest

The Piccolo Fiction Open is a literary competition in its ninth year of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. This year the theme is One Hundred Dollars.

The word limit is 1300. Please submit four copies of your original, unpublished work with a postmark no later than Jan. 9, 2009. Include one separate cover page with your contact information and title of the story. At the top of your story, please include your phone number only. A $10 submission fee is required; please make checks payable to the City of Charleston.

$200 will be awarded for the top story, followed by a $150 and a $50 prize, as well as runners-up. One story (or more) will be chosen to appear in Dark Sky Magazine. There are no residency restrictions, though writers who would like to read their work in Charleston during the festival are encouraged to submit.

Submit Application Materials to:
ATTN: PFO 2009
City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
180 Meeting Street, Suite 200
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 724-7305

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Chamber Celebration at 5 today

The Greater Darlington County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the launch of its Grow Darlington program 5 p.m. today at the chamber on the Square in Darlington! Details to come in the Nov. 19 edition of the News & Press.

Farmers’ Conference to Focus on Selling Locally

Selling locally—it’s a solution for farmers seeking new buyers for their products. Learn how at the Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. Offered by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), this sixth annual conference provides farmers with training and networking opportunities they need to sustain their farms in changing markets.

Workshops, ranging from the introductory Marketing Basics for the New Farmer to specialized topics such as Marketing Grass Fed Meats, Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas, and Successful Models of Cooperative Marketing, are about promoting farm products.

Workshops are taught by fellow farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists.

Farmers and those seriously considering farming as a profession should attend. Potential buyers of locally-grown goods are also invited to attend the full conference, or come to network for no charge. Opportunities for farmer/buyer meetings are planned.

The cost for the conference is $30, or $40 per two farm partners if you register before February 1st. The cost is $35, or $50 per two farm partners beginning February 1. Price includes light breakfast, local foods lunch, and resource notebook

For more information or to register, visit http://www.asapconnections.org/MOFF.html or call (828) 236-1282.

South Carolina online learning program ranks 17th in nation

South Carolina is ranked 17th in a new survey of online learning policies and practices across the 50 states. The survey was conducted by the Center for Digital Education to examine what it called “the overall landscape of online learning in U.S. schools.”

The center’s findings are based on interviews with officials from each state. The survey found that 15 states (including South Carolina) offer state-led programs, while 16 states provide multi-district online learning. Two states are in the planning stages and 17 presently have no online program.

Other southern states with high rankings include Arkansas and Louisiana at fourth and fifth, respectively; North Carolina, ranked eighth; and Virginia, listed in 12th place. Alabama is 23rd and Georgia is 26th.

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex pushed for expansion of South Carolina’s virtual school program for online learning in 2007 as part of his plan to offer students and parents more public school choice.

“The virtual school gives more choices and flexibility in what, when and where students learn,” Rex said. “We’ve shown that the demand for online classes can be met without sacrificing quality or accountability. It’s a great example of using innovation to improve student achievement.”

South Carolina has enrolled nearly 7,400 students for online learning, with enrollment growth of 350 percent since the beginning of the program. The state earned favorable marks in the survey for allowing all students to have access to online learning opportunities, for making online learning part of school reform strategy, and for offering teacher training online.

Unlike the online learning programs offered in some other states, South Carolina’s virtual school has a structured curriculum aligned to state standards, state-certified teachers, testing and transcripts.

The Center for Digital Education said its survey and rankings show that online education will become more prevalent as states and school districts continue to face the challenges of meeting student achievement levels, finding qualified teachers and preparing the next generation for
careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

30th Annual Christmas Bird Count

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host its 30th consecutive Christmas Bird Count on Sunday Dec. 14. The National Audubon Society has been conducting this survey for 109 years. The refuge joined the count in 1979 to help provide a more accurate census of the numbers and species of birds present on the Refuge during the winter.

Beginning before dawn and finishing at dusk, participants will identify and tally birds seen and/or heard within a 15 mile circle. The area will be covered by vehicle and on foot with special emphasis on the refuge’s many ponds and lakes, longleaf pine areas, hardwood stands, and open fields. Portions of Lake Robinson are also included in the count area and add to the diversity of habitat types covered on this count. Participants should look forward to a very enjoyable day in the field and expect to see and hear a variety of birds.

Since 1979, a total of 103 species have been recorded. Previous counts have included 15 species of waterfowl, 11 birds of prey, horned larks, Lincoln’s sparrows, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

The count will begin at 6:15 a.m. from the Refuge Headquarters, located 4 miles East of McBee on U.S. Hwy. 1. Persons interested in joining this year’s count should contact the compiler, Nancy Jordan, by noon on Dec. 10 at (843) 335-6026 or email nancy_jordan@fws.gov. A $5 fee helps defer the costs of generating materials for compilers, producing the annual CBC summary issue, and maintaining the CBC website and database.

Grab your binoculars and your field guide, pack a lunch, and plan to spend an enjoyable day in the fresh air of the sandhills.

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a 46,000-acre longleaf pine forest managed primarily for the red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally endangered species. Along with rolling sand hills dominated by the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, the refuge is home to streamside pocosins, open fields, hardwood ridges, wetlands and open water ponds. This mosaic of habitats provides for the needs of more than 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians. More than 800 species of plants have been identified on the refuge, including rare species of pitcher plants, Well’s pixie-moss, and the white-wicky. The refuge is located in Chesterfield County.

Fundraising 101

The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO) is offering a one-hour webinar entitled Fundraising 101: The Basics You Need To Know! at 2 p.m. Dec. 3.

In Fundraising 101, participants will learn basic fundraising terminology (including definitions for annual, major and planned gifts), how to examine the traditional donor pyramid, look at various fundraising vehicles and touch briefly on the ethics and benchmarks in fundraising.

The presenter, Joy Simpson, serves as Director of Development for The Citadel Foundation; she has been with The Citadel since 1998. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with experience in all aspects of development, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, special events, public relations, and communications. Additionally, Joy is an adjunct faculty member for the University of Charleston’s Master of Public Administration Program, teaching their Fund Raising and Marketing course. She is active with the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and served as chapter President in 2007.

Cost to participate in the webinar is $25 for SCANPO members and $40 for non-members. Join us and save time, money and gas while learning valuable fundraising skills from your desk.

To register or for more information, visit www.scanpo.org or call 803-929-0399.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bull Riders Coming to Florence Civic Center

The Florence Civic Center and Ken J Productions are proud to announce the Florence debut of several highly respected and world renowned Bull Riders for the PBR Copenhagen Challenger Tour on Nov. 21st and 22nd.

For the first time in history, Florence has taken the next big step in bull riding … the PBR! The Copenhagen Challenger Tour is one of the most exciting bull riding events in the world and stars all the riders and bulls you see and know on television. There are more than 40 riders scheduled for this event.

Visitors Invited to Experience A Storybook Holiday

Historic Columbia Foundation will present A Storybook Holiday, tours of Columbia’s historic house museums and family programs from November 21 - December 31. Visitors can experience the anticipation of traditional holiday celebrations through historic house tours, candlelight tours, family programming, workshops, and carriage rides. During tours, guides will lead visitors throughout the decorated Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Cottage as they detail the lives of families, social activities and décor from the 19th and early 20th century.

For more information on Historic Columbia Foundation’s holiday events and programs, call 803.252.1770, ext.33 or visit www.HistoricColumbia.org.

NESA Holds Three Day Regional Economic Development Assessment Event

The North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA), an economic development organization encompassing South Carolina’s northeast region, wrapped up its regional assessment event on Wednesday November 5th. The three day event featured a consultant from Silverlode Consulting who offered analysis and advice to counties within the NESA region on becoming more competitive in their responses to Requests for Information for economic development projects.

The event is part of an ongoing NESA initiative aimed at introducing economic development consultants to the region, improving the northeast region’s efforts to bring development to the area and ensuring that those who advise companies regarding location decisions are aware of the incredible opportunities presented by the Pee Dee and Waccamaw regions.

“Through events like this we ensure that the counties in our region consistently receive top-quality advice on the best way to attract new investment,” said Jeff McKay, NESA’s Executive Director.

Overall, Silverlode’s assessment of the NESA region concluded that in terms of site selection the area is very hospitable and boasts a strong infrastructure. The consultants also noted several arenas in which the region could improve and discussed ways to achieve success on those fronts.

“We’ve come a long way in a short while, but there is always room for improvement,” McKay said. “I look forward to working with the counties as they begin to implement the steps we discussed over the past three days.”

Cherry McCoy, Chesterfield County’s Economic Development Director, expressed her intention to incorporate the lessons learned at the event into her county’s operations. “I am confident that by taking what we’ve learned at this event and applying it in Chesterfield County we will continue to improve our economic development efforts,” she said.

“I’ve wanted to participate in a program of this nature for some time and am very grateful to NESA for putting this event together,” McCoy said.

The Silverlode Consulting Corporation provides economic development solutions for public and private sectors throughout North America. The firm offers over five decades of combined experience and has worked extensively with organizations of all sizes and from a variety of industries.

The North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) is a regional economic development organization that serves a nine-county region in the northeast corner of South Carolina. NESA’s primary objective is to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents of the region by creating additional jobs and capital investment within the existing industry base as well as through recruitment of new companies and expansion of tourism related development. NESA’s nine member counties are Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg.

Stroke Recovery Techniques

Roger Maxwell, author of the new book "Taking Charge of Your Stroke Recovery: A Personal Recovery Workbook" (www.takingchargebooks.com), suffered a massive stroke in his late 40's. Advised he could only “cross his fingers and wait” when insurance-paid hospital rehab ended and left him severely disabled, Maxwell realized he had to take charge of his own stroke recovery.

Taking Charge of Your Stroke Recovery: A Personal Recovery Workbook is a step-by-step, home-based recovery method that reveals the techniques of recovery proven in clinical studies to be the most effective. Maxwell calls these principles “Recovery Basics.” He shares the following little known facts about stroke recovery:

1. Far more stroke survivors can fully recover from the effects of stroke than currently do.
2. Stroke survivors need to take charge of their stroke recovery to fully recover from stroke.
3. You can prevent your stroke from becoming a “life sentence”!
4. Good brain nutrition is important.
5. Doing the right exercises the right way is key.

Find out the warning signs of a stroke at the American Heart Association Web site.

Christmas Wars Starting Now

According to Fox News, the Christmas Wars are starting now as the American Humanist Association starts a $40,000 ad campaign on Washington, D.C., buses. The ads proclaim: "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake."

From the story
"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there arhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."
...
In the past five years, groups such as the American Family Association and the Catholic League have criticized or threatened boycotts of retailers who use generic "holiday" greetings.
...
In mid-October, the American Family Association started selling buttons that say "It's OK to say Merry Christmas." The humanists' entry into the marketplace of ideas did not impress AFA president Tim Wildmon.


More on the Christmas Wars can be found at the Pew Forum, at Alternet, at MediaMatters and at Christianity Today.

Debra Fine's Top 10 Conversation Bombshells

Thanksgiving can mean the ideal family get together or a day of awkward moments, uncomfortable silences and eruptions of family feuds. Here are Debra Fine's Top 10 Conversation Bombshells:

1. "Are you two ever going to get married?"
2. “I heard Sarah got into Northwestern…why in the world is she going to Michigan State instead?”
3."No, thanks. I gave up drinking after I saw the toll it took on you."
4. “Why did you two leave that beautiful home for this dump?”
5. “I knew your candidate did not stand a chance, what do you have to say for yourself now?”
6. "Aren't you full yet?" or "Why aren't you eating anything?"
7. "Yes, I know you're a parent. But haven't you ever thought about working?"
8. "I see you still can't be bothered with ironing a shirt."
9. "How is it that your son looks just like you and your daughter looks like she could be from a different family?" Other examples include: “Did your son get into Yale?” and “How is the girlfriend?”
10. "Did you cook this yourself, or did you just thaw it out?"

The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work 2008 By Debra Fine, Hyperion Books
www.DebraFine.com

Have any of these or other bombshells dropped at your Thanksgiving table? Post your stories as a comment here.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

National Family Volunteer Day Nov. 25

National Family Volunteer Day may be the most powerful new holiday for bringing families together in a meaningful way for a shared cause.

This holiday, happening the Saturday before Thanksgiving, inspires families young and old to give back to their communities, in any way they choose − e.g. volunteering with a local nonprofit, helping neighbors in need, or picking up litter at the local playground.

Please comment here or give us a call at 843-393-3811 if you know of any volunteer events.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Vote for Good Health Election Results

Wrapping up ETV Smart Cat’s “Vote for Good Health” on-air promotion, ETV staged an election of a more mouth-watering variety. Throughout the campaign that lasted six weeks, kids of all ages had a chance to get involved in the democratic process by voting for their favorite fruit or vegetable.

Fruit and Vegetable Election Results:
Strawberry 141
Watermelon 126
Apple 95
Corn 55
Carrot 55
Peach 44
Squash 16
Lettuce 6

For more information, visit ETV Kids.

2008 Exit Exam scores released

Link to 2008 High School Assessment Program scores

More South Carolina students passed the state’s high school exit exam on their first attempt this year, according to results released today by the Education Department.

Four out of five South Carolina 10th-graders passed both sections of the state’s exit exam by scoring at Level 2 or higher on the test’s four achievement levels. The average passing rate of 80.8 percent, the state’s highest to date, was a 3.7 percentage-point improvement over 2007.

HSAP serves as both a state-mandated exit exam required for a S.C. high school diploma and a federally mandated testing program to measure high school progress.

Public school students must pass both the English Language Arts and mathematics sections of the High School Assessment Program to meet the state’s exit examination requirement for a diploma. The tests are initially administered in the students’ second year of high school, and students who do not post passing scores on their first attempts have additional opportunities to retake the parts they did not pass.

About half of the states require high school students to pass an exit exam, in addition to earning the state-mandated number of course credits, to earn a diploma. South Carolina also requires students to earn 24 high school credits to graduate; some states require as few as 14.

In addition to functioning as the state-mandated high school exit exam, HSAP scores also factor into high school Adequate Yearly Progress ratings under the federal No Child Left Behind law, which requires that all students score at a level of Proficient or higher by 2014.

McMaster to Hold Fundraiser with Andy Card

Attorney General Henry McMaster will hold a fundraiser in conjunction with the fall meeting of the Republican Attorneys General Association with special guest former White House Chief of Staff The Honorable Andrew H. Card. The event will take place in Charleston at the restaurant Mercato on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 9 p.m.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Poster Design Contest

Charleston Harbor Fest is proud to announce the second annual official poster competition. Artists who are 18 years or older may submit original works for the design of the 2009 Charleston Harbor Fest poster. These designs will be judged by a panel representing both the maritime and art communities and should reflect Charleston's rich maritime history while also featuring attributes that reflect Charleston's modern harbor and highlights of the annual event. Artists are encouraged to capture the look and feel of Charleston Harbor Fest, with its blend of international tall ships from around the globe, classic wooden boats, education village, children's activities and celebration of all things related to the sea. The poster must incorporate the text The Tall Ships are Coming!® and the event title, Charleston Harbor Fest 2009.

The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, public recognition, 5 commemorative posters, 10 t-shirts, a VIP package for the event, and the poster design will be featured as the 2009 Official Harbor Fest Poster. The poster art design will be showcased on official retail merchandise as well as posters in storefront locations, posters for sale and various other promotions.

To enter, artists must submit an application with their mounted artwork no later then Friday, December 12, 2008 to the South Carolina Maritime Foundation office at 480 East Bay Street, Suite F, Charleston, South Carolina, 29403. Once submitted, all entries become property of Charleston Harbor Fest and the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Entry into the competition is free.

Also, an additional component of the competition this year will be a student poster competition! We are inviting students from across the Palmetto State, grades 1-8, to participate in creating a poster that celebrates Charleston's magnificent maritime history. Any medium can be used and the winner will receive tickets for their entire classroom and families to come to Charleston Harbor Fest in June 2009! They will also receive a Charleston Harbor Fest gift pack and be recognized in the South Carolina Maritime Foundation publication, Voyage. All entries will be displayed at Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 in the Education Village.

Additional information and application forms may be downloaded from www.charlestonharborfest.org.

A watershed time for state government

An Opinion Piece By Richard Eckstrom, S.C. Comptroller General

When you're spending other people's hard-earned money, it's just common courtesy to let them know how it's spent.

That's not a principle always embraced by government. Too often, tax dollars are spent under a shroud of secrecy, and decisions which affect your family are made out of public view.

Fortunately, this is a watershed time for South Carolina government. There's a growing movement afoot to improve and reform government, and chief among the reforms is increased transparency.

Earlier this year, I implemented a transparency measure with Governor Sanford which allows anyone with Internet access to view spending data on state agencies. It’s linked to the Comptroller General’s Web site -- www.cg.sc.gov -- and contains detailed yearly and monthly spending information for 80-plus state agencies. The premise is that state agencies are far more accountable when their spending is done in the open, and the taxpayers should have as many tools as possible to find out how their money is spent.

Aside from allowing taxpayers to see how their hard-earned dollars are used, it should serve as a reminder to public officials that their spending will be seen, and therefore they should act responsibly with your tax dollars. Sunshine, as they say, is the best disinfectant.

Several weeks ago, a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced they’re renewing a push to have more legislative votes recorded for the public to see. There are too many “voice votes” on important issues, they rightly contend, and so they’re now leading a charge to have more votes cast on the record, in full view of the citizenry.

Like the spending-transparency Web site, this would be a tremendous step toward a more open, accountable government. Elected representatives who truly vote in their constituents' best interests should welcome this change.

Empowering ordinary citizens with the access to how money is spent and how their representatives vote will help safeguard the public trust, hold those in charge of our purse strings accountable and allow people to make better-informed decisions in the voting booth. At a time when many believe there is a real crisis of leadership and trust in our country, these common-sense reforms are more important than ever.

Ultimately, an informed citizenry is the watchdog that ensures sound governance.

In an election year, "change" and "accountability" become political buzz-words, so it is encouraging to know there's a serious challenge to the "business-as-usual" mindset which is pervasive in Columbia. Other good-government reforms which will likely see vigorous debate during the upcoming session include restructuring state government so that it operates more efficiently, and capping the growth in state spending so that overzealous government doesn’t outpace our ability to pay for it.

But if we are to truly change the ways of Columbia, we must first change the way we view the role of government: We serve the people, and they have a right to know how we spend public money and how we arrive at decisions that impact them.

Good government can flourish best in full view of the public.

Insurance Fraud Awareness Week

Governor Mark Sanford has proclaimed November 10-14 as Insurance Fraud Awareness Week in South Carolina. Insurance fraud is a felony in South Carolina and can result in jail time. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau studies indicate 10 percent or more of property/casualty insurance claims are fraudulent.

While there are organized fraud rings throughout South Carolina, other people you wouldn't suspect, such as a next-door neighbor, co-worker or close acquaintance, are also the causes of insurance fraud and increased insurance premiums.

"We need the general public to fight fraud in our state and not tolerate it," said Brandolyn Pinkston, Administrator of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. "The message is a simple yet powerful one: We all pay for insurance fraud - it's time to fight back."

Officials encourage consumers to use the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline to report cases to the Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division. The South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline (1-888-95-FRAUD) is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is Insurance Fraud?

  • Misrepresentation of the number of miles on an auto insurance application.
  • Failure to report an accurate medical history when applying for health insurance.
  • Fake or exaggerated injury claims to avoid work and draw workers’ compensation pay outs.
  • Falsification or overstatement of injuries in an auto accident to obtain a large settlement or damages award.
  • Staged auto accidents that result in claims for non-existent or exaggerated injuries.
  • Fabrication of relationships to obtain life insurance benefits.
  • Exaggeration of the amount and value of items stolen from a home, business or automobile.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

S.C. Auto Insurance Rates

The average auto insurance expenditure in South Carolina remains below the national average according to a recent study released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. South Carolina drivers on average spend $756.11 per year on auto insurance which is $61 less than the national average of $817.11 according to the latest study from 2006 just released. The average expenditure estimates what consumers in South Carolina spent, on average, for auto insurance in 2006.

The South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation requiring an increase in the minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage which took effect January 1, 2007. Act 395 requires drivers to carry liability coverage in amounts of no less than $25,000 of bodily injury per person, $50,000 of bodily injury per accident and $25,000 of property damage coverage (usually written as 25/50/25).

Neighboring States

Georgia $788.08

Florida $1,069.38

North Carolina $596.39

Virginia $684.52

State Senate

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Gaffney) released the following statement on the outcome of last night’s election:

“Last night was a huge win for the Senate Republican Caucus. The Caucus maintained a 27-19 majority in an election cycle that was focused on change. I believe the Senate Republican Caucus had the right message and the right messengers at the right time. But, now is no time to rest on our laurels. We have watched the national party struggle while South Carolina and the Senate Republican Caucus were able to hold their ground. As a party, we must focus on the real life issues that impact
people every day.

“Senate candidates ran on a host of issues that are vitally important to the state. Issues such as roll call votes, spending limits, government accountability, alternative energy sources, and achieving the right balance between growth and conservation are issues the Caucus and its members are committed to tackling.

“Over the next four years, I think you will see the Caucus advance these and other key issues. Issues that will have a long term effect on the state and the way things are done in Columbia.”

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Darlington County Turnout

Of the 38,536 registered voters in Darlington County, 29,568 cast ballots, a whopping 76.73 percent!

Record Turnout

With an overwhelming number of voters participating in the voting process, the South Carolina State Election Commission estimates a record turnout that is likely to exceed the previous record set in 2004 of 70 percent.

“This is a huge testament to the citizens of South Carolina and their ability to come together at this dynamic time,” said Marci Andino, executive director of the South Carolina State Election Commission. “The fact that this state has more than 2.5 million registered voters, most of whom participated in today’s General Election, is monumental. We appreciate their preparation, enthusiasm and patience as they went to the polls and cast their ballots today.”

“More than 20,000 poll workers and election officials across the state worked diligently in the months and weeks leading up to this election to ensure the day ran as smoothly as possible and we are thankful for their tireless efforts,” added Andino.

The record for total number of voters participating in an election was set in 2004 (1,631,000 voted, 70% participation).

The record for turnout based on percentage of registered voters was set in 1992 (1,237,000 voted, 80% participation).

Election Results

The state Web site has the unofficial results updating throughout the evening too. Here.

Of course, I find it odd that with 0 of 46 counties reporting, CNN and others are calling the state already.

Vote Today!

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

You have 3 minutes in the voting booth, so know ahead of time how you plan to vote. For information on the Races and state Constitutional amendments, click here.

Also, there have been reports of massive turnout in our area. One woman waited nearly an hour to vote. Be prepared to wait in line ... and bring an umbrella!

Monday, November 3, 2008

10 am Absentee Ballot Counts

As of 10 a.m. this morning, almost 350,000 people have voted absentee in South Carolina. Darlington County has seen more than 6,000 absentee votes.

Absentee voting continues at the voter registration office until 5 p.m. today.