Cayce Mayor Elise Partin to Run for Second Full Term in November 2014

COLUMBIA, SC – Cayce Mayor Elise Partin formally announces her candidacy for re-election for a second full term to the office of Mayor in the upcoming November 4, 2014 election. Mayor Partin has a strong campaign start in fundraising support from both Cayce residents and local and regional businesses.

Elected in 2008 and again in 2010 – the first female to serve in the office of Mayor in Cayce – Mayor Partin has proven herself as a dedicated leader whose priorities include fiscal responsibility, savvy economic development, and open, transparent communication between citizens and city officials.

Rejuvenated by Partin’s forward-thinking leadership and bolstered by a Council and City staff who share these priorities, the City of Cayce has undergone a transformation since 2008 and is now recognized as one of the region’s most up-and-coming small cities, marked by low expenses and high quality of life for residents.

City services have been modernized and made more cost-effective; citizens’ input has been given more weight in city decision-making; and city officials have been able to serve citizens quickly during emergencies, for example incorporating social media as well as traditional means to spread the word about a major water service outage last winter, enabling City Hall to distribute over 600 cases of water to residents.

The Cayce Riverwalk has been extended numerous times and is now a popular Midlands destination for recreation; property values are on the rise; and homeowner’s and flood insurance rates have been lowered. New businesses like Amazon and Nephron Pharmaceuticals have established themselves in the area as well, boosting economic development across multiple fronts.

Celebrating its 100-year Centennial in September 2014, the historic City of Cayce is in the midst of an economic and cultural renaissance.

The City of Cayce has achieved numerous successes since Mayor Partin took office in 2008, including the following:

 

Economic Development

• New Amazon, SCANA and Nephron facilities
• Concord Park, Otarre Point, Lexington Medical Center developments
• Centennial Square at the Brickworks
• USTA Jr. Nationals at Cayce Tennis Center
• New BC High School Stadium
• 12,000 Year History Park in progress

 

Fiscal Responsibility

• City funds in the positive for first time in 9 years
• Expenditures, budget and agendas now transparent and viewable online
• Procured grants for energy efficiency, public safety, economic plan, recycling containers and beautification instead of spending taxpayer money
• Held Green Diamond developers accountable
• Lowered residents’ homeowner’s and flood insurance

 

Open Communication

• Moved the public comment period to start of Council meetings
• Implemented monthly “Meet the Mayor” forum
• Established monthly Neighborhood Coalition meeting
• Implemented new system to communicate urgent news to citizens
• Energized City of Cayce website and added online bill payment

 

Improvements in City Services

• Expanded city’s phone and high speed data
• Brought on Customer Services Manager for Utility Billing and full time IT Director
• Eliminated long-standing “brown water” problem
• Upgraded road repair materials and patch system
• Updated fire and public safety vehicles and gear
• Awarded a grant for Avenues Area Waterline Upgrade Project
• Improved service via state-of-the-art 25 MGD wastewater treatment plant

 

Increased Quality of Life for Cayce Residents

• Opened new sections of Cayce Riverwalk trail
• Partnering with SCANA to develop the Timmerman Trail for public enjoyment
• Commissioned and completed new Cayce Welcome Sign on Knox Abbott Drive
• Gained access to Cayce Quarry for access to Cayce graveyard
• Applied for grant funds for further improvements at Cayce Riverwalk Park
• Implemented recycling rollcarts for Concord Park to encourage green initiatives
• Utilized grant funds for new lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping on State Street

 

 

About Mayor Elise Partin

Elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2010, Elise Partin is Cayce, S.C.’s first female mayor. Mayor Partin prioritizes fiscal responsibility, community needs and economic development, with a focus on empowering citizens, providing strong leadership, fostering open communication and enhancing quality of life in Cayce. Mayor Partin serves on several influential boards in the Midlands and works as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the University of South Carolina. For more information on Mayor Partin, visit www.elisepartin.com.

 

About The City of Cayce, S.C.

The City of Cayce, S.C., is located on the banks of the Congaree River in the heart of the Midlands of South Carolina, just across from the state capital of Columbia. An area with a documented 12,000-year history, the city has several public events, venues, and parks; the beautiful Cayce Riverwalk Park offers more than 46 acres of river park area and 2.5 miles of scenic walkways. Cayce has a Council-Manager form of government; City Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at City Hall.  For more information, visit www.cityofcayce-sc.gov.

 

Social:            Facebook: http://bit.ly/elisepartin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elisepartin

Contact:        Tracie Broom, Flock and Rally, 415.235.5718, [email protected]
Debi Schadel, Flock and Rally, 803.348.8861, [email protected]