“Leading with Heart in Hard Times”: Cayce Mayor Elise Partin Shares the Power of Local Government

Cayce, SC – On the latest episode of The Good Government Show, Mayor Elise Partin delivered a candid and inspiring reflection on her 16 years of service leading the City of Cayce. In conversation with host Dave Martin, Mayor Partin offered listeners a window into the beauty and complexity of municipal leadership—where sidewalks, stormwater, and community trust intertwine to shape daily life. “I love municipal government,” she said. “It’s beautiful and you can touch it and see it and feel it and know that you’re making a difference for people.”

Mayor Partin didn’t shy away from recent turbulence in city politics but emphasized her focus on long-term impact over short-term distraction. “I continue to stand up for integrity and for our staff, who do an amazing job,” she said. “We have a lot to be proud of in our city.” She credited her commitment to transparency and public engagement for helping citizens stay involved—even when challenges mount. “A good city is built with the voices of its citizens,” she said. “And having those people be involved—that’s what makes us stronger.”

During the interview, she highlighted several hallmarks of good government in Cayce: from revitalizing the city’s downtown core to investing in public safety and stormwater infrastructure. One standout initiative is the city’s successful bid for a federal brownfields grant, which will help restore neglected or contaminated properties into productive use. “We’re working with property owners to unlock opportunity—so these spaces no longer sit idle, but can come alive again,” she explained.

Mayor Partin also spoke about her love for Cayce’s Riverwalk and the city’s growing reputation as a creative, culturally vibrant hub. “Public art is an economic engine,” she noted. “It creates a sense of place, and people remember where they took that picture in front of a mural. That joy matters.” Whether it’s murals or modernized fire trucks that reduce homeowner insurance rates, she sees the tangible power of local government to enrich lives.

Asked why she continues to serve despite political headwinds, Mayor Partin was resolute: “I didn’t get in this because it was easy. I got in to serve my community. Our citizens deserve a government they can trust—where they feel safe, informed, and heard. And that’s what I’m still here to deliver.”