What does Cayce need to handle growth? Here’s what the candidates say
By Nov. 7, voters in Cayce will choose whether to re-elect their mayor and two of four city council members.
The growing city on the west bank of the Congaree River has to consider how it wants to manage that growth, especially how Cayce can attract and retain businesses in the community. Incumbents and their supporters point to the revitalization of the community in terms of new businesses moving in, while opponents say red tape is holding back growth that the city could have.
Here’s what candidates had to say in their own words.
Mayor of Cayce
Abbot “Tre” Bray
Age: 39
Occupation: Owner/program manager, Indigo Group LLC
Education: B.S. in business, Limestone College; OCS, Palmetto Military Academy; MBA, USC Aiken
Prior experience: Current Lexington 2 school board member
Website: VoteForBray.com
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
I love Cayce, and I have a vision for the city to reach a potential we haven’t seen yet. I am running to provide the citizens a proven alternative to a 15-year incumbent. I believe in term limits and that no city should have life-long politicians. I don’t think people realize our citizens haven’t been presented with an alternative since 2010. This lack of competition stifles ideas and innovation.
I want to jump-start our economic development across the entire city. Currently, our vision is too myopic. I want buy-in from our constituents by hearing, and prioritizing what they feel will enhance their quality of life. Of course we will not please everyone, but I want those who may disagree to say, “While I might disagree, I am aware of what is happening, I know how to ask a question and feel confident I will be heard and responded to respectfully, I have faith my city is operating in an ethical manner, and I trust that our city is not afraid to course correct to get to the best results possible.”
I am committed to making Cayce a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We will have cops patrolling the streets again. Our parks will become places we can be proud of, and places that draw visitors from outside the city limits.
Lastly, in recent years, our city has leaned into a strong mayor model; I will seek to restore our council-manager form of government to enhance transparency and empower our citizens through their elected council member. We will minimize close door meetings and operate in a client-focused manner whether we are listening to a constituent or a CEO. We will empower the city manager to manage city operations.
I will work tirelessly to rebuild relations with local municipalities and agencies to find ways we can help each other deliver for our constituents.
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
I have had local small business owners, and large businesses, come to me looking for change. We, as a city, are far from business friendly. It starts with a culture change at the top. We will begin treating businesses as customers again. We will work to develop all regions, with emphasis on mixed-use development, sustainable infill, and updated overlays. I am very interested in making a small-business hub along the Frink Street corridor. It is exciting to know how many viable and innovative options exist. I cannot wait to see where we can be in 4 years!
Elise Partin
Age: 54
Occupation: Adjunct faculty, University of South Carolina
Education: Masters in public health, University of South Carolina
Prior experience: Mayor, City of Cayce 2008 - Present • National League of Cities, Women in Municipal Government Board, 2022 - present • Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities, Advisory Board, 2018 – present • Riley Mayors Design Fellowship Advisory Team, 2018 – present • Central Midlands Council of Governments Board, 2008 – present; Executive Committee, 2017 – present • Cayce Beautification Foundation, founder and member, 2010 – present • River Alliance, Board, 2008 – present • Lexington County Development Corporation, board, 2008 – present • National League of Cities, Small Cities Council, 2020- 2022 • EngenuitySC Board, 2016 – 2021, chair 2020, 2021 • Municipal Association of South Carolina, board, 2011 – 2019, president 2017 • Mayors Institute for City Design Fellow, October 2015 • Leadership South Carolina Class of 2015 • Furman University’s Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative Fellow, spring, 2012 • University of South Carolina Provost’s Committee on Women’s Issues, co-chair, 2003 • Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Leadership Columbia, president, board of directors, 2002 • Leadership Columbia Alumni Association, president, board of directors, 2001 • University of SC’s Women’s Mentoring Network, mentor, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 • Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries, president, Board of Directors, 2000 • AIA Columbia Presidential Citation Award, 2022 • International Women’s Forum, 2021- present • Capital City/Lake Murray Country 2021 tourism advocate • Mayors Institute for City Design 2.0 Fellow, 2020 • Columbia Regional Business Report 2020 Women of Influence • Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year, 2019 • Columbia Business Monthly: “50 Most Influential,” 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 • Free Times: “The Power 50: Fifty People Who Get Things Done in the Capital City,” 2014, 2015; “The Next 50,” 2018, 2019 • Southeast Small Business Magazine: “Top Women of Influence,” 2014 • Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands “Woman of Distinction,” 2013 • Palmetto Center for Women’s TWIN Award nominee, 2012 • Columbia Regional Business Report’s “Outstanding Woman of Influence,” 2011 • Glenn Jacobus Leadership Award, Leadership Columbia, 1999
Website: ElisePartin.com
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
I first ran for mayor because I love Cayce, and I genuinely wanted to improve my hometown. I’ve worked hard and dedicated myself to making Cayce a better place, and I honestly believe I’ve been able to make a real, meaningful, positive difference.
Much has changed since then. Working together, we’ve made a lot of giant strides… a lot of governmental reforms and quality of life improvements to create a better, brighter future for Cayce. As a result of many people working together, our city is thriving.
— We enjoy a quality of life that is among the best in the Midlands… even as our tax rate is among the lowest.
— Instead of deficits, we now have surpluses…
— We’ve regained our perfect triple-A credit rating, which was one of my highest priorities when I first took office. That’s a direct reflection of our fiscal discipline and sound financial management.
— We’ve brought in a lot of good, new businesses – large businesses and small businesses, from Steel Hands Brewery and Planet Fitness, to Piecewise Coffee — which not only contribute revenue that help us keep taxes low and help revitalize parts of the city, but which are also good neighbors.
— We have one of the best police departments in the Midlands, with one of the best response times — an incredible 2 minutes and 9 seconds for distress calls! (As a result, we’ve avoided the major crime increases that other parts of the state and nation have experienced.) Cayce police are equipped with the most up-to-date technology… they’ve got a capable leader in Chief Cowan.... and Cayce remains a top destination for police recruits.
— We’re in the middle of major infrastructure improvements, including better stormwater drainage. We recently replaced most of our aging water lines.
— Our revitalization efforts are already making a huge difference — especially on State Street, which has seen an amazing transformation.
I’m running because I want to continue those successes… to continue to improve our infrastructure, invest in public safety, revitalize areas of the city, and recruit desirable new businesses, and keep taxes low. I believe I have the work ethic, dedication and leadership abilities to continue to move our city forward.
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
In 2015 at no cost to our city I was invited to participate in the Mayors Institute for City Design. They only take 8 mayor from across the nation at a time. Each mayor has to present an opportunity or challenge. I shared our challenge which was the vacant and shuttered original heart of our city and how we were trying to revitalize it but couldn’t get any momentum. I came away with a new term — previtalization, the art of what’s possible. We had to show people what it could be, how it could have life again and be a vital part of our city. We helped people to see what’s possible by throwing a street party, the Soiree on State. It’s a great family friendly event with food and music, but it’s secretly an economic development engine. We asked the building owners to simply clean out the inside of their building and we would host artists inside. When people went inside to look at the art, they also noticed the cool vacant spaces and before we even held our second Soiree on State we had a business open. And then another one. And then another one.
We have added to that energy with many grants that we have won. We created an Art Lot with additional parking, a shipping container stage, picnic tables and sculptures. More grants have paid for murals that add color and vibrancy to the area. Still more grants create a connection to the area with the trailhead for the Riverwalk. All that hard work has created what is now called the Cayce River Arts District. Check out the interactive map with the improvements and investments.
Some of the small businesses that are there now bringing jobs and vitality to once vacant spaces:
Swatch Graphics
Piecewise Coffee
Dialed Bicycles
State of the Art Gallery and Pottery Studio
MPA Strategies
State and Frink
Henry’s of Cayce
Salvage Sisters
On The Road Again
Steel Hands Brewery
With more coming soon like;
Trini Lime Caribbean Restaurant
We will continue to recruit businesses to the River Arts District, but also to other areas of our city like Knox Abbott Drive. These efforts have led to a dramatic increase in demand from home buyers, in turn increasing property values and creating even more appeal for businesses to locate in Cayce. We intend to build on this momentum by continuing to pursue grant-funded improvements, making our community even more appealing for businesses. In addition to our personal recruitment efforts, we can attract businesses and development to the Cayce River Arts District by continuing to protect and preserve Cayce’s quality of life.
City Council District 2
Marie Brown
Age: 64
Occupation: Data entry technician, Richland County Clerk of Court
Education: Brookland-Cayce High School, Midlands Technical College, John Marshal Law School
Prior experience: Six years enlistment in the U.S. Army Reserves, a former Board Member of (PAGG-V) Parents Against Gang & Gun Violence also a former board member and treasurer of Cayce Action Group
Website: N/A
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
I grew up in the District-2 Community of Cayce also known as “POKAMO” on Pear Street before it was renamed Julius Felder Street after my great uncle whose parents, Tobe and Angeline Felder, started the New Life Baptist Church still located on Julius Felder Street, in their home, prior to the church being built. NLBC was founded in 1934. My mother, the late Mae Katherine Shivers, A.K.A. “Kat” and “KitKat” by my grandson (SMILE), cared for many children of Cayce while their parents worked. My father, Thaleese Shivers Sr., A.K.A. “Mr. Beatty,” was employed at Brookland-Cayce High School for almost 51 years, retiring in June 2019 at age 84. A sketch of him drawn by a BC Student may years ago, still hangs there in the principal’s office. My cousin, the late Eddie Brown, was the first African American police officer hired by the City of Cayce. After graduating from BC, I attended Midlands Technical College where I studied human services and was employed with the SC Department of Mental Health as a mental health specialist. I later completed the course of paralegal at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, GA. I was employed for 10 years as a deputy coroner with Richland County. My proud family legacy gives me a very personal, loyal and dedicated connection to the residents of our District 2 community and to all of Cayce. I feel that my education and work experience combined with my six years enlistment with the U.S. Army Reserves have prepared me with knowledge of leadership and the strong will to serve and represent the residents of our community. By seeing what I feel to be the possible start of urban decay in District 2 and the loss of pride by our youth regarding the future of our community, I want to work together with the residents and with city council to develop new plans, youth programs, etc, that will encourage hope and pride. I want to encourage our residents to attend city council meetings so that they will be informed and be a part of any discussions regarding any new policies, plans, etc and be present to give their input. I feel that there may also be a need to simply get back to the basics when it comes to things like neighborhood upkeep. I will encourage and stress the need to recycle, especially plastic waste which would help with the downsizing of landfills that contribute to global warming etc. I feel that any positive difference makes a difference. We the residents as well as our local government must all be accountable for our city and its future. I would encourage residents to always complete their 10 year Census forms that tells who we are, where we are and what our needs are in our communities such as more schools, hospitals, etc. I will stress and encourage voter registration and the importance of voting. I believe that “your vote, is your voice!”
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
Better planning and Cayce must also keep close, positive and informed relationships with all business owners and companies, present and future ones to insure a greater volume of new growth and sustainable development.
James “Skip” Jenkins
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired supervisor from CMC Steel
Education: Lake View High School, West Columbia, S.C.
Website: Facebook.com/CouncilmanSkipJenkins
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
I have lived in Cayce all my life and have been honored to serve the citizens of Cayce these past 21 years and would continue trying to make life better for all. My goal has always been to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
Continue to promote the qualities that make Cayce attractive such as lower taxes. We have good school systems, and the city is dedicated to have great relationships with business partners along with its citizens.
Byron Thomas
Age: 31
Occupation: Director of outreach for U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson
Education: B.A., public relations, University of South Carolina
Prior experience: City of Cayce Events Committee and the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce Cares Foundation board chair
Website: “Byron4Cayce” on Facebook and Instagram
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
People in the community have been encouraging me to run. They are disappointed in the lack of growth in Cayce and feel our city is falling behind neighboring cities. Residents don’t believe Cayce is living up to our motto, “Time for Life.” They recognize me as a positive hard-working individual who, as councilman, will uplift our city, bring out Cayce’s true potential, and beautify our city. I’m confident, hungry, and motivated to truly bring our motto to life! It’s time for Cayce to invest in its future, and I am the future.
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
We need to build a stronger and more positive relationship with property owners, especially in the River District. Then I’ll work with planning and zoning to identify areas to cut red tape and aid the continual development of the River District. As councilman, I will do all I can to help bring out the best in that district and market it on social media to show why it’s a fun piece of our “Time for Life” pie.
City Council District 4
Phil Carter
Age: 66
Occupation: ERA Wilder Realty
Education: Airport High School, three years at University of South Carolina
Prior experience: Incumbent on Cayce City Council; Lexington 2 school board 2006-2014
Website: N/A
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
To continue the success and be a part of mapping the future of Cayce. I have years of experience in Public Service and I am uniquely qualified for this council seat. We currently have projects that are ongoing that I would like to see completed. A few include the $10 million storm water project as well as work on 12th Street Extension. We need to complete the S.C. 302 corridor initiative and address the U.S. 321 corridor.
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
We need to attract more residential and commercial development throughout the City of Cayce. Our focus must be on all areas of the city. We need to adjust our ordinances to be more area specific. We currently have “overlay” districts that allow certain types of development in specific areas. This needs to be expanded. We have to reach out to developers, commercial real estate professionals, builders, property owners and expand our business recruiting efforts. More rooftops will result in more businesses coming to Cayce! We have a lot of work to do in this area. It is paramount that we engage with these professionals and be a part of the solution. This can be accomplished while maintaining the beauty and charm of our wonderful city.
Melvin Fields
No responses received.
Marcy Hayden
Age: 40
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom, small business owner
Education: B.A. in anthropology, University of South Carolina
Prior experience: I have been involved in civic leadership since I was young. I was an active member of 4-H until high school, attended Girls State, worked with community leaders to advocate for bills regarding Native American Indian tribal recognition in SC when I was in high school and college. I worked for the National Guard-National Youth Challenge Academic for two years before working for the SC Commission for Minority Affairs-Native American Affairs Division, which worked with Tribal leadership around the state, non-profits, the Legislature, federal, state and local government entities for 14 years. During this time, I was a part of Census outreach, voting outreach, and community engagement projects. I worked part-time for DHEC and Wholespire in community engagement and diabetes prevention until I decided to transition to a stay-at-home mom during the COVID pandemic to cover our family’s child care needs. I am currently a commissioner on the Cayce Historical Museum Commission, member of the Women’s Club of Cayce, Cayce Historical Foundation and SC Archaeological Society-Midlands Chapter.
Website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551221429063
Why are you running for election in Cayce?
I am running for the Cayce City Council District 4 seat because I feel we need a change in our representation. I think it’s time we have fresh and energetic leadership that understands and has experience working with families from all backgrounds. I am raising my family here and have a vested interest in making sure that my little 4-year-old continues to have a safe and healthy city that offers family-friendly activities and events that celebrate the people, places and history that make Cayce a wonderful place to live. I want to support our first responders and our city staff to do their jobs while making sure our residents continue to get their needs met. I want to support growth and preservation in our city so that as we grow, we protect and preserve what makes our city great. I want to see our city continue to be a welcoming place for families!
What does Cayce need to do to attract more businesses and development to its river district?
There’s a great deal of opportunity for development along our River District and other areas in Cayce. We currently have several large tracts of land available near I-77 and near city hall. I am supportive of development along the River District and other areas, but believe in cultural and historic preservation. I think that if we look at development with a curated lens and eye on encouraging development that will tie into the preservation of our cities historical areas, that we could have some amazing businesses come into Cayce. I would like to see continued development like what is going on in West Columbia along the State street area and building up our Arts District with additional arts related business, restaurants, and shops.
