Page 21 - Town Crier November 2016 Rev C

ISSUE NUMBER 161 NOVEMBER 2016
THE TOWN CRIER

Legislative Update
By Representative Jonathon Hill

Dear friends and neighbors,

On August 10th, I attended the opening day for Anderson School District Four.
Besides Dr. Joann Avery’s professionalism, the thing that stood out to me that day
was that she announced that the district would be working on disaster prepared-
ness, particularly for active shooter situations. Little could I, or anyone else present
that day, imagine that there would be an active shooter only a few weeks later—
right here in little ‘ol Townville.

Townville Elementary is a wonderful school. I know some of the teachers, at-
tended the “Leader In Me” day earlier in the year, and have spoken to a couple of the classes. The orderliness and
kindness of the people of Townville Elementary left vivid impressions on me.

I heard the tragic news while traveling out of town on a work assignment. My wife visited the school that evening in
my stead along with other state officials, and attended the evening service that Wednesday at Oakdale Baptist Church.
We thanked God together on the phone that night for His merciful providence: the gun jamming, and Jamie Brock’s
heroism.

People like Jamie make me proud to be from Townville.

A week later, my wife and I were back at the church for the burial of Jacob Hall. I have never in my life experienced
such a heartbreaking funeral. It was standing room only, as the community came together to grieve, and to comfort
one another. Gov. Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, and Sen. Kevin Bryant were all there to pay their respects. When the Gover-
nor left, she was weeping. The saddest part was watching Jacob’s mother, Renae. She was inconsolable. The words of
Jeremiah 31:15 came to mind: "A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her
children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” I pray for the Hall and Osborne
families whenever I think of them. I am thankful to know that Jacob is in heaven, and is spared all the evil to come in
this evil world.

I don’t like it when tragedies are politicized. Out of respect to the families involved, I deferred media questions about
gun control in the 24 hours following this tragedy, only commenting that there will be plenty of time to discuss gun
policy in next year’s session. Yet, between the Charleston shooting and now this, there will be more attacks on the 2nd
Amendment next year. I will use every means possible to block any bad bills that come up, in keeping with my oath of
office to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” I will also be pushing for constitutional carry and
to abolish gun-free zones in our state.

A school should be one of the safest places on earth, and it rocks a kid’s world (parents’ worlds too) when that sense
of safety is shattered. Let us comfort one another and "Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of
Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Let us be reminded of our mortality, and that God knows what losing a Son means, in much more
excruciating intensity than we will ever know. May the innocent shed blood of Jesus cleanse away our sins and make
us loyal, loving, and courageous citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, where there will be no active shooters.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jonathon Hill
864-245-588
http://votehill.com

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