Gene Partin, Justin Strickland, Sheriff Metts, and Mayor Elise Partin Nearly 150 residents, friends, and supporters ignored the June 29 summer storm to come to Southern First Bank to meet their mayor, Elise Partin. It was a kickoff fundraiser for Partin’s re–election campaign, though the Mayor herself preferred to call it a “friendraiser.”

Justin Strickland, Southern First president, joined by some prominent Cayce residents and area elected officials, hosted the event and encouraged everyone’s continued support of Partin. “She just burst on the scene a year and half ago, and she hasn’t slowed down since,” Strickland said. “She really cares about businesses and individuals and wants to make Cayce the best place to be in South Carolina. We need to keep Elise Partin in office!”

Partin addressed the crowd and reminded them of her original campaign promises. “In less than two years, we managed to accomplish or begin to address just about every element of that platform,” she said. Flanked by Mayors Bobby Horton and Pat Smith (West Columbia and Springdale, respectively), Partin pointed to one success in particular. “I’m happy to announce that Cayce, West Columbia, Springdale, and Lexington County came together with the support of the rest of the Midlands to work on the Airport Corridor – the gateway to the Midlands. And I am also happy to announce that we just got approval for a Department of Transportation grant to get started on that improvement!”

Mayor Horton and Mayor Smith both spoke on Partin’s behalf and urged supporters and volunteers to keep her in office. Partin promised she would continue to work on issues such as:

• Ensuring fiscal responsibility and guaranteeing open communication and transparency

• Fortifying Cayce neighborhoods to continue to attract business

• Prioritizing the public infrastructure investments—sidewalks, drainage, safety, and more so that we can improve the quality of life in Cayce.

“My family and I love Cayce,” she said. “It is my privilege to serve you, and I am humbled by your support for my leadership. It motivates me even more to work with you, for you.”

For more information on Mayor Elise Partin, visit her website: www.elisepartin.com, find her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter @elisepartin.

Hosts included Wanda and Bill Banning, Jan and Mark Burt, Margaret and Mike Causey, Joyce and Dave Coleman, Beth and Paul Giugliano, Sandy and L. Dale Harley, Pat and Johnny Jeffcoat, The Honorable Leon Lott, The Honorable James R. Metts, Carol and Ted McGee, Carol and John Roof, Mary and Ray Sharpe, Debbie and Bud Summers, and Barbara and John Wise.