Photo by Keith Dixon Elise Parton Cayce's first female mayor, Elise Parton has plans for Cayce, starting with a focus on resident involvement.

Thirty- five other women were elected to the mayoral office out of 270 cities and towns represented across the state.

But Parton's election is particularly timely since it coincides with Cayce's time to revisit its comprehensive plan. Municipal laws require cities to have a comprehensive plan to be revisited every 10 years. The Columbia- based development company, Vismor and Associates is the company that has been chosen to structure the plan.

But it's a plan Parton is asking Cayce residents to help craft also. "I want you involved, and I want everyone to share their vision for Cayce," said Parton on the campaign trail.

This request is something Parton plans to focus on in January and February of 2009 with public input sessions where people can share their hopes for a better Cayce, she said.

The ability to give this input is expected to be popular since the Cayce residents tend to be invested in their city. Parton points out that 60 percent of residents have lived in the city 20 years or more.

Those residents who are particularly invested in their community may have the opportunity to be on "resident committees," committees that are expected to take shape and begin operating by the fall of 2009.