Richland County Democratic Party

2011 SCDP Democratic Weekend

Wed", "13" "Apr" "2011" "21:45:41" "-0400

On April 29th and 30th, the South Carolina Democratic Party will have its 2011 Democratic Convention. It is a wonderful opportunity to get out and mingle with people who truly want to create a better South Carolina.

The 2011 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel (200 Stoneridge Drive). There will be a tribute to the Honorable John and Jane Spratt with their family-friend, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), delivering the keynote address. The Richland County Democratic Party will have a table at the dinner. If you are interested at sitting in the Richland County Democratic Party section, please indicate that when you purchase your tickets.

Please click here if you are interested in attending.

Congressman Jim Clyburn's World Famous Fish Fry will be held at the Carolina Field House (941 South Stadium Road) starting at 7:30pm, near Williams-Bryce Stadium.

The Convention will begin at 10am on Saturday, April 30th at the Carolina Coliseum. Delegates and Alternates please check in at between 8:30-9:30 on the Carolina Coliseum Concourse. As many of you know, this convention will have a major impact on the state of South Carolina. As Republicans have run this state into the ground for the last two decades, many are calling for a change in leadership in this state. They want leaders who truly want jobs, who understand that education is vital, and who are honest and trustworthy.

At this Convention we will elect new Democratic Party leadership to help the people of South Carolina get rid of elected officials who collect criminal charges, lie on their tax information, and appoint only those who contribute campaign dollars. This convention holds dire importance and we hope to see you there!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2011 South Carolina Democratic Party Convention, please feel free to send an email to rcdp@richlandcountydems.com or call the SC Democratic Party at 803.799.7798.

House Democrats Refused to Support Irresponsible Republican Budget Plan

Wed", "02" "Jun" "2010" "12:55:17" "-0400

[Columbia, SC] - The members of the South Carolina House Democratic Caucus voted again Wednesday against the irresponsible Republican Budget that will have substantial lasting effects on the future generations of South Carolinians.
This budget contains cuts at an unprecedented level that force teacher layoffs, cripples law enforcement agencies around the state, and cuts vital health care programs for seniors and children.

At the same time, the Republican members are depending on unlikely funding from the federal government to balance the budget and offset cuts while ignoring a growing annualization problem in excess of $1.2 billion. Republicans in the legislature refuse to face the problem and instead want to pass the buck off to a non-election year.

House Democrats refused to support any GOP budget that failed to make the necessary and responsible investments in our future. This train wreck was conceived, planned, and executed by the Republican majority. Democrats will not stand for this irresponsible behavior. It is our duty as legislators to make prioritized cuts that do not jeopardize our children’s education and the well-being of South Carolinians.

Democrats in the House think South Carolinians deserve better. Democrats will continue to defend the rational, responsible, transparent budgetary processes. We will not stand for the Republican majority running this state like their own kingdom, and ignoring the voice of “We the People.”

Rob Miller’s Restoring Faith in Government Platform

Tue", "27" "Jul" "2010" "14:41:19" "-0400

Reforms will save taxpayer dollars and increase transparency

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today Marine Corps combat veteran Rob Miller held a press conference to detail his platform for restoring faith in government. The platform, designed to increase transparency and save taxpayer money, will be one of Miller’s top priorities as a Member of Congress.

“All through the 2nd District, one of the main themes I’ve encountered is that people have lost faith in Congress,” Miller said. “South Carolinians are tightening their belts and doing more with less because we’re in a recession. Washington should do the same. Taxpayers have the right to know how their money is being spent.”

Miller’s Restoring Faith in Government platform centers around seven areas of reform.

Slash congressional pay

Institute an immediate 10 percent pay cut for Members of Congress.
Miller pledges to refuse any new congressional pay increase until the budget deficit has been erased.
Miller will donate any new congressional pay increases back to the United States Treasury until the federal deficit has been erased.

Slash discretionary spending

A 3 percent to 5 percent across-the-board cut in discretionary spending. The cuts would apply to all discretionary spending with the exceptions of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reform the earmark process to enhance transparency and accountability

Legislation banning earmarks for for-profit companies to ensure Members of Congress do not steer taxpayer money to campaign contributors. In March, the House Appropriations Committee wisely amended the rules to stop for-profit earmarks. This rule change must become law.
Legislation requiring the creation of a single, searchable database, maintained by the House and the Senate, listing all earmarks included in funding bills. Currently, the information is cryptically buried in committee reports and the public must rely on good government groups to aggregate the information.
Legislation requiring every Member of Congress to disclose all of their earmark requests in a uniform, searchable database on his or her website. Currently, the only information made public is a list of earmarks a Member successfully secures in a funding bill. Under this proposal, all requests – those granted and those rejected by the Appropriations Committee – will become public record.

Require lobbyists to disclose contact they have with Members of Congress

Require lobbyists to submit quarterly reports detailing every contact they have had with a Member of Congress, staffer, or Committee.
Require lobbyists to disclose which client a lobbying contact was conducted on behalf of.
Require lobbyists to disclose what issues they discussed with Members of Congress or staff.

Extend the “cooling off” period before former Members of Congress can lobby

Extend the so-called “cooling off” period, during which former Members of Congress may not lobby Congress, to five years after a Member leaves office. This will help prevent former Members from trading on their former positions and relationships with current Members to benefit special interests.

Reform congressional perks

Ban Members of Congress from billing taxpayers to lease vehicles. Too many Members of Congress, including Joe Wilson, have stuck taxpayers with the bill for excessive car leases. That practice must end.
Ban Members of Congress from billing taxpayers for cell phones.
Restrict Members of Congress from using franked mail privileges after their primary elections.

Reform congressional per diems

Track all per diem payments distributed to Members of Congress and staff.
Ban Members of Congress from using taxpayer money on gifts.
Ban Members of Congress from keeping left-over per diem funds.
Require a searchable, online database detailing all per diem payments received by Members of Congress and how they spent the money.

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Miller Campaign Launches New Office

Tue", "24" "Aug" "2010" "23:16:59" "-0400

We are less than 90 days away from electing New Leadership in South Carolina, and now, more than ever, we need your time and your help.

Team Miller has just opened a new office in Northeast Richland County. Our new headquarters is located at 110-D Columbia Northeast Dr., Columbia, SC. We are located in the Fortune Square shopping center, adjacent to Dunkin’ Donuts on Two Notch Rd.

We need YOU to come and be a part of Team Miller. We will be canvassing Monday through Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. We will be phone banking in three shifts, beginning from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

WE CANNOT WIN THIS ELECTION WITHOUT YOUR HELP!!

Take action and volunteer with Team Miller as we engage our communities and fight for a better 2nd Congressional District.

To volunteer please contact: Ashford at 803-210-9720 or Ashford@RobMillerforCongress.com

Richland County Democrats Elect New Leadership!

Tue", "16" "Mar" "2010" "00:23:48" "-0400

For Immediate Release Contact: Boyd Summers

March 9, 2010

Richland County Democrats elect new leadership

Columbia, SC-This past Saturday saw the Richland County Democratic Party host its biannual convention at the Dreher High School Auditorium. The convention offered an opportunity for citizens all across Columbia to hear from both state-wide and local Democratic candidates. Hundreds of Democrats from all over the county gathered to represent their precincts and elect new leadership to take the county's Democratic Party into the next couple of years.

The meeting began at 10am and included Rep. Anton Gunn (D-Richland & Kershaw Cos.) as the keynote speaker. He is a bright spot in the General Assembly and has been a key leader in the Richland County community. Following the speech the delegates of the Democratic convention elected its leadership for the next two years which resulted in the following:

Chair Mr. Boyd Summers

First Vice Chair Ms. Saundra Carr

Second Vice Chair Ms. Adell Adams

Third Vice Chair Mr. Sam Johnson

Exec. Committee Man Mr. Frank Caggiano

Exec. Committee Woman Ms. Audrey Snead

Alt. Exec. Committee Man Mr. Wil Brown

Alt. Exec. Committee Woman Ms. Carol Dodson

If you would like more information regarding the political events going on in Richland County, the candidates, or if you would like to keep up with news please feel free to visit www.RichlandCountyDems.com or follow us on Twitter @RichlandCoDems.

Article from The Columbia Star, 5.15.2009

Thu", "14" "May" "2009" "18:59:09" "-0400

Boyd Summers, Richland County Democratic Party Chairman

"To whom much is given, much shall be required."

Thirty- nine- year- old Boyd Summers learned this lesson, found in the Gospel of Luke, from his politically active family during his youth. And it's a lesson he recalls daily in his service as Richland County Democratic Party Chairman and in the professional world.

Since receiving his masters degree in public administration from USC in 1995, Summers has been an active public servant as a member of the Columbia Rotary Club, Shandon Presbyterian Church, and a handful of other community organizations. He now builds his community as a brokerage associate at the real estate firm, Colliers Keenan where he also serves as a member of the local, state, and national realtors' associations.

But Summers' interest in politics began when he was a boy growing up in Columbia, where he spent his free time flipping through an encyclopedia of U.S. presidents. His father, a director for the Academy for Pastoral Education at S.C.'s Mental Health Department, and his grandfather, a former judge in Orangeburg County, are two heroes who instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community.

But the 2002 U. S. Senate race sparked Summers' professional interest in politics. After the race he decided to run against incumbent James Harrison (R- Columbia) in 2006 for the S. C. House of Representatives. Harrison won by approximately 900 votes.

Summers may run for public office again if the opportunity presents itself. "I think I have public service in my blood," says Summers.

But serving public servants is another central idea Summers is committed to. Using the Obama campaign's grass roots approach as a model, Summers hopes to empower the party's volunteers to drive the party to success. To have a system in place for the 2010 "Get Out the Vote" drive where party officers and elected officials empower volunteers to boost voter turnout is one of Summers' goals.

Summers is optimistic about reaching voters from across the political spectrum. A focus on economic development and public education is key to reaching these voters, some of whom feel disenfranchised from the Republican Party. But Summers says Democrats have an opportunity to offer clear vision for a path to prosperity in the state. He says prosperity can be found through a commitment to recruiting industry, to education, and to looking past an old Southern mentality of the political realm.

Looking ahead to prosperity in S. C., Summers will continue to impress upon public servants in the Democratic Party the value of their service. To follow the Richland County Democratic Party, visit www.richlanddemocrats. com.

RCDP Precinct Meetings

Sun", "15" "Jan" "2012" "16:10:00" "-0500

For Immediate Release

The beginning of 2012 marks the election cycle ramping up into full steam. South Carolina's First in the South Presidential Primary is right around the corner and we will make our choice for President Obama to continue leading our country back to the stellar promise that we know it to be. On Saturday, January 28th at 10:00am, we will take an important step in our country's future and head to the polls to re-elect President Obama.

All across Richland County we will join our fellow community members and begin the process of selecting our President. The precinct meetings will not only be your opportunity to vote for President Obama in the primary, but to begin organizing your local community for the upcoming elections not only in 2012, but for 2014 as well. Also, this will be the first mandatory step in becoming a delegate for the 2012 Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte.

"This year we have a grand ole' field of unelectable candidates on the Republican side. From 'flip-flop Mitt' to the baggage of Newt, our country can't afford to lose the momentum that our country has gained from having President Obama at the helm," Richland County Democratic Party Chair Boyd Summers said when asked on the turnout expected for the democratic precinct meetings.

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The below precincts will meet at the following locations in order to efficiently conduct the precinct organization process for the 2012 electoral cycle:

Precinct Name	Polling Location	Address	City	Zip
Arcadia	FOREST LAKE PARK GYM	6820 WEDGEFIELD RD	COLUMBIA	29206
Ardincaple	EE TAYLOR ELEMENTARY	200 MCRAE ST	COLUMBIA	29203
Ballentine	BALLENTINE ELEMENTARY	1040 BICKLEY RD	Chapin	29036
Beatty Road	ST ANDREWS PARK	920 BEATTY RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Bluff	HOPKINS PARK	150 HOPKINS PARK RD	COLUMBIA	29061
Blythewood #1	BLYTHEWOOD PARK	126 BONEY RD	BLYTHEWOOD	29016
Blythewood #2	BLYTHEWOOD PARK	126 BONEY RD	BLYTHEWOOD	29016
Blythewood #3	BLYTHEWOOD PARK	126 BONEY RD	BLYTHEWOOD	29016
Brandon	ANNIE BURNSIDE ELEMENTARY	7300 PATTERSON RD	COLUMBIA	29209
Briarwood	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Caughman Road	CAUGHMAN RD PARK	CAUGHMAN RD AT TROTTER RD	COLUMBIA	29209
College Place	JOHN P THOMAS ELEMENTARY	6001 WESTON AVE	COLUMBIA	29203
Cooper	ST MICHAELS ALL ANGELS EP	6408 BRIDGEWOOD	COLUMBIA	29206
Dennyside	DENNY TERRACE COMMUNITY	6429 BISHOP AVE	COLUMBIA	29203
Dentsville	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Dutch Fork #1	DUTCH FORK HIGH	1400 OLD TAMAH RD,IRMO	IRMO	29063
Dutch Fork #2	DUTCH FORK MIDDLE SCHOOL	1528 TAMAH RD	IRMO	29063
E Forest Acres	BROCKMAN SCHOOL	2245 MONTCLAIR DR	COLUMBIA	29206
Eastover	EASTOVER PARK	1031 MAIN ST, EASTOVER	Eastover	29044
Edgewood	BURTON-PACK ELEMENTARY	111 GARDEN DR	COLUMBIA	29204
Estates	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Fairlawn	NEW KEENAN HIGH SCHOOL	361 PISGAH CHURCH RD	COLUMBIA	29203
Fairwold	OLD WG SANDERS MIDDLE	136 ALIDA ST	COLUMBIA	29203
Friarsgate #1	FRIARSGATE PARK	1712 CHADFORD RD	IRMO	29063
Friarsgate #2	HE CORLEY ELEMENTARY	1500 CHADFORD RD	IRMO	29063
Gadsden	GADSDEN ELEMENTARY	S GOODWIN LN	Gadsden	29052
Garners	CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CENT	2750 MCCORDS FERRY RD	COLUMBIA	29044
Greenview	GREENVIEW PARK	6700 DAVID ST	COLUMBIA	29203
Gregg Park	SHANDON BAPTIST CHURCH	5250 FOREST DR	COLUMBIA	29206
Hampton	S KILBOURNE ELEMENTARY	1400 S KILBOURNE RD	COLUMBIA	29205
Harbison #1	HARBISON COMMUNITY CENTER	106 HILLPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Harbison #2	NEW HGTH BAPTIST CHURCH	5501 BROAD RIVER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Hopkins	HOPKINS PARK	150 HOPKINS PARK RD	Hopkins	29061
Horrell Hill	HORRELL HILL ELEMENTARY	517 HORRELL HILL	Hopkins	29061
Hunting Creek	LOWER RICHLAND HIGH	2615 LOWER RICHLAND BLVD	Hopkins	29061
Keels	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Keenan	WG SANDERS MIDDLE	3455 PINE BELT RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Kelly Mill	BLYTHEWOOD PARK	126 BONEY RD	BLYTHEWOOD	29016
Killian	BLYTHEWOOD PARK	126 BONEY RD	BLYTHEWOOD	29016
Kingswood	COLUMBIA HIGH	1701 WESTCHESTER AVE	COLUMBIA	29210
Lake Carolina	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Lincolnshire	FOREST HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY	2500 BLUE RIDGE TERRACE	COLUMBIA	29203
Longcreek	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Lykesland	CAUGHMAN ROAD ELEMENTARY	7725 CAUGHMAN RD	COLUMBIA	29209
McEntire	SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL	731 HORRELL HILL RD	Hopkins	29061
Meadowfield	MEADOWFIELD ELEMENTARY	525 GALWAY LN	COLUMBIA	29209
Meadowlake	MEADOWLAKE PARK	1000 BECKMAN RD	COLUMBIA	29203
Midway	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Mill Creek	MILL CREEK ELEMENTARY	925 UNIVERSAL DR	COLUMBIA	29209
Monticello	UPPER RICHLAND COMMUNITY	300 CAMPGROUND RD	COLUMBIA	29203
N Forest Acres	TRENHOLM PARK	3900 COVENANT RD	COLUMBIA	29206
North Springs #1	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
North Springs #2	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Oak Pointe	OAK POINTE ELEMENTARY SCH	1 RIVER BOTTOM RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Oakwood	GETHESEMANE LUTHREN CH	6904 SATCHELFORD RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Old Friarsgate	DUTCH FORK ELEMENTARY	7900 BROAD RIVER RD	IRMO	29063
Olympia	OLYMPIA SCHOOL	621 BLUFF RD	COLUMBIA	29212
Parkridge	HARBISON FIRE STATION	131 LAKE MURRAY BLVD	IRMO	29063
Parkway #1	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Parkway #2	SUMMIT PKWY MIDDLE SCHOOL	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Pennington	ASBURY MEMORIAL METHODIST	1005 ASBURY DR	COLUMBIA	29209
Pine Grove	PINE GROVE ELEM SCHOOL	111 HUFFSTETLER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Pine Lakes	LOWER RICHLAND FIRE STATI	2612 LOWER RICHLAND BLVD	Hopkins	29061
Pinewood	LOWER RICHLAND HIGH	2615 LOWER RICHLAND BLVD	Hopkins	29061
Polo Road	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Pontiac	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Rice Creek	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Ridge View	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Ridgewood	RIDGEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH	5326 RIDGEWAY ST	COLUMBIA	29203
River Springs	RIVER SPRINGS ELEMENTARY	115 CONNIE WRIGHT RD	IRMO	29063
Riverside	VIRGINIA WINGARD METH CH	1500 BROAD RIVER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Riverwalk	EPISCOPAL CH/SIMON/JUDE	1110 KINLEY RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Round Top	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
S Forest Acres	CRAYTON MIDDLE SCHOOL	5000 CLEMSON AVE	COLUMBIA	29206
Sandlapper	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Satchelford	SATCHELFORD ELEMENTARY	5901 SATCHELFORD RD	COLUMBIA	29206
Skyland	PINE GROVE ELEM SCHOOL	111 HUFFSTETLER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
South Beltline	VFW POST 641	534 S BELTLINE BLVD	COLUMBIA	29205
Spring Hill	RIVER SPRNGS CHURCH	1007 W SHADY GROVE RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Spring Valley	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Spring Valley West	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Springville	LAKE MURRAY ELEMENTARY	1531 THREE DOG RD	Chapin	29036
St Andrews	PINE GROVE ELEMENTARY	111 HUFFSTETLER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Trenholm Road	ST MICHAELS ALL ANGELS EP	6408 BRIDGEWOOD	COLUMBIA	29206
Valhalla	RICE CREEK ELEMENTARY	4751 HARDSCRABBLE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Valley State Park	SUMMIT PARKWAY MIDDLE SCH	200 SUMMIT PARKWAY	COLUMBIA	29229
Walden	PINE GROVE ELEMENTARY	111 HUFFSTETLER DR	COLUMBIA	29210
Ward 1	CAPITAL SENIOR CENTER	1650 PARK CR	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 2	MARION STREET APARTMENTS	1930 MARION ST	COLUMBIA	29201
Ward 3	REFORMATION LUTHERAN CH	1118 UNION ST	COLUMBIA	29201
Ward 4	PARK ST BAPTIST CHURCH	2204 PARK ST	COLUMBIA	29201
Ward 5	PACIFIC MEMORIAL PARK	200 WAYNE ST	COLUMBIA	29201
Ward 6	BRADLEY ELEMENTARY	3032 PINE BELT RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Ward 7	W A PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL	2600 BARHAMVILLE RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Ward 8	DAVID SWINTON CAMPUS CENT	1616 OAK ST	COLUMBIA	29204
Ward 9	PRINCE HALL MASONIC LODGE	2324 GERVAIS ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 10	A C MOORE ELEMENTARY	333 ETIWAN AVE	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 11	BEN ARNOLD RECREATION CEN	1100 S HOLLY ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 12	HAND MIDDLE SCHOOL	2600 WHEAT ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 13	ROSEWOOD ELEMENTARY	3300 ROSEWOOD DR	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 14	SIMS PARK	3500 DUNCAN ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 15	MELROSE PARK	1500 FAIRVIEW DR	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 16	DREHER HIGH SCHOOL	701 ADGER RD	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 17	BRENNEN ELEMENTARY	4438 DEVEREAUX RD	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 18	OLD WATKINS SCHOOL	2612 COVENANT RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Ward 19	LATIMER MANOR COMM CENTER	100 LORICK CR	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 20	EARLEWOOD PARK COMM CTR	111 PARKSIDE DR	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 21	ARDEN ELEMENTARY	1300 ASHLEY ST	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 22	EAU CLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL	4800 MONTICELLO RD	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 23	SHANDON FIRE STATION	2847 DEVINE ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 24	KILBOURNE PARK BAPTIST	4205 KILBOURNE RD	COLUMBIA	29206
Ward 25	KILBOURNE PARK BAPTIST	4205 KILBOURNE RD	COLUMBIA	29206
Ward 26	HAMPTON PARK	1117 BRANDON AVE	COLUMBIA	29209
Ward 29	ALCORN MIDDLE SCHOOL	5125 FAIRFIELD RD	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 30	ARSENAL HILL PARK	1800 LINCOLN ST	COLUMBIA	29201
Ward 31	HYATT PARK ELEMENTARY	4200 MAIN ST	COLUMBIA	29203
Ward 32	CHARLES R DREW WELLNESS	2101 WALKER SOLOMON WAY	COLUMBIA	29204
Ward 33	MARTIN LUTHER KING PARK	2300 GREENE ST	COLUMBIA	29205
Ward 34	PINEHURST PARK	2300 PINEHURST RD	COLUMBIA	29204
Westminster	WESTMINSTER PRES CHURCH	1714 BROAD RIVER RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Whitewell	RIGHT DIRECTION CHRISTIAN	1230 ST ANDREWS RD	COLUMBIA	29210
Wildewood	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Woodfield	E L WRIGHT MIDDLE	2740 ALPINE RD	COLUMBIA	29223
Woodlands	WOODLANDS PARK	6500 OLD KNIGHT PKWY	COLUMBIA	29209

GOP Talking Tax Reform...Yet Again!

Sun", "09" "Oct" "2011" "11:16:00" "-0400

This legislative offseason our GOP-controlled state legislative leaders are talking tax reform. That's right…they are talking tax reform yet again. Some of you may remember that two years ago our General Assembly approved a study of South Carolina's tax structure termed the Tax Realignment Commission.

Initially handicapped in scope and not allowed to look at what is widely considered to be the albatross around many South Carolinians' neck, the infamous Act 388, the TRAC issued its report in December of last year. Now you may ask, 'what happened with this report?' The answer, it has sat on the shelf after our GOP state leaders determined they were not happy with the results that they received. So where do we find ourselves today? We find ourselves discussing doing 'something' on tax reform.

Be sure to check out this article today in The State newspaper on tax reform. The article discusses Richland County attorney Matthew Bodman's SC Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of the 78 tax exemptions to the state sales tax.

In the article, The State quotes an excerpt of a brief House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell have filed with the regarding the case with the Supreme Court:

“Any tax restructuring that is done in South Carolina should be performed in the halls of the General Assembly with careful consideration and input from the many affected businesses and industries in South Carolina and not pursuant to the sole input of one single resident of South Carolina.”

Those independent consultants and participants of the tax commission resulted in saying that our state's tax structure was antiquated. We give tax breaks to parties that are no relevant which results in robbing our state of possible revenue that could potentially be helpful for our citizens. Revenue that could be used to help with workforce development with our high unemployment rate, education for our children, or infrastructure to spur our economy. We must demand that our state have leaders address the issues of today!

It's a Great Day in SC?

Sun", "02" "Oct" "2011" "15:51:00" "-0400

Remember, elections have consequences! Make sure to thank Gov. Haley for mandating state staff use the salutation, 'Its a great day in SC…!' It really makes a difference.

After electing Gov. Haley to lead our state in 2010 she is focused like a laser on state employee greetings, while our unemployment rate is skyrocketing.

Our schools and educational system are need of repair. Although most Republicans disagree, an educated workforce is vital to creating jobs and opportunities for a community. Educating our children is one of the most important priorities that we have. Companies simply will not come to an area that can't supply a viable workforce.

Thanks to the SC GOP, our state is one of the most corrupt sates in the nation. We have a Lieutenant Governor facing over 100 charges. We have a Governor that lies on her job application and tax documents. We have a former Governor (now of Argentina) that walks the Appalachian Trail instead of leading our state.

It is clearly NOT a great day in South Carolina. We need leadership in this state that is focused on actually creating a better South Carolina. We need someone who understands the reality in which a lot of South Carolinians live.

Miller Out-Raises Wilson; Cash On Hand Equal

Fri", "16" "Jul" "2010" "11:06:53" "-0400

Wilson Spent $17,000 On Ohio Lobbyist
Wilson As Reckless With Campaign Cash As He Is With Taxpayer Dollars

BEAUFORT, S.C. – Marine Corps combat veteran Rob Miller has the momentum in the race for the 2nd Congressional District, having raised more money after the South Carolina primary than Congressman Joe Wilson.

After his primary Wilson raised $152,426.85. In the same period, Miller raised $161,195.76.

Wilson’s $1.7 million cash on hand is even with Miller’s $1.7 million cash on hand.

For his primary, Wilson spent $2.2 million yet performed two percentage points worse than his primary performance in 2008 (85% in 2008; 83% in 2010). Wilson has spent over 56% of the money he has raised for this election.

Notably, Wilson has paid $17,000 to lobbyist group Baker Hostetler LLP in Cleveland, Ohio.

“Joe Wilson is so tainted in Congress that he’s had to pay lobbyists $17,000 to try to buy influence,” said Miller Campaign Manager Lindsay Zoeller. ”Rob Miller clearly has the momentum in this race. Rob has raised more money than Joe Wilson since the primary and Wilson’s support in the primary dropped by two percent.

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Nikki Haley's Tax Plans?

Nikki Haley's tax plan reveals not only her true colors but the true colors of the Republican Party, which has a long history of favoring the most privileged in the vain hope that somehow those privileges will trickle down to the rest of us.

At the same time Haley wants to eliminate taxes on corporations, she supports the SC Tax Realignment Commission's recommendations of eliminating the sales tax exemption on groceries and prescription drugs. Groceries and prescriptions are not luxury items, especially for working families, many of whom unfortunately have to choose between the two. Haley's food-for-corps tax plan will shift the tax burden in our state to working families.

What makes this particularly cruel is that working families are already being hit hard by the Great Recession. But Haley's plan is not only bad morals; it's bad economics. Economists, including those of the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government and Public Affairs, say that our current corporate tax rate (corporations already pay a lower tax rate than individuals) is not a deterrent to new businesses, as Haley insists, and that the way to stimulate business is to stimulate demand. You don't stimulate demand by taking more money out of the bare pocketbooks of working families.

Rev. Dr. Neal Jones

Youth Interested in Politics

submitted by Ashley Page

Attention young people ages 14 to 35!!!

How many U.S. Representatives are there total in Congress?

What is the process of proposing legislation or a bill in South Carolina's General Assembly?

Do you know who your City/County Council representative is?

How long does a U.S. Senator term last?

If you answered none right or even one, two, three, or even all four correctly then Youth Interested in Politics is the right place for you.

Youth Interested in Politics is a new nonpartisan organization by young people and for young people. We will register community members & group members (everyone and anyone) to vote, learn about and discuss political issues, and also partner with politicians by having them speak at meetings as well as staying in contact with the group.

If this interests you join us August 14th at 1pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park located on 2300 Greene St. in Columbia. Feel free to invite as many friends as possible to come with you to the meeting. Your friends do not have to fit in the age range listed but just be willing to discuss politics. There will be political speakers at this meeting as well. So come out and be a member of a new group that's FREE of charge & is on the move: Youth Interested in Politics!

If you have any questions e-mail Ashley Page at abp2009@yahoo.com