Elise Partin

Candidate for Mayor of Cayce, SC

Elise Partin was born and educated in South Carolina. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree in public health from USC's Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health. Partin, a resident of Cayce for nearly 15 years, is a proponent of grassroots efforts that educate people about local issues and then empower them to achieve change. She has served as a leader in numerous local organizations and coordinated the meetings that grew into the effective Avenues Neighborhood Association. She has also served as an adjunct professor at USC and her research has led to speaking engagements on community health issues at national conferences. She and her family are active members of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.

She is married to Gene Partin, who works at Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists. They have two children, Joseph and Zoe. Three years ago, before Zoe was born, Partin, who had attended school or worked since she was a teenager, decided to take a hiatus from full-time employment and stay at home to care for their children. As many families know, this decision is not an easy one, given the professional and financial implications. That did not mean the end of her involvement in community issues, for it was in this time that she worked to start her neighborhood association, grew more active in her church and continued to participate in community activities, always learning, questioning and observing.

Here are Mrs. Partin's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

Why you – why now for this position?

I grew up with a great respect for leaders at the municipal level. No other politicians or government officials have as great an ability to make a difference in the everyday issues that influence our quality of life. In our city, the Cayce government has lost its bearings, has forgotten that it exists to improve the life of its citizens as it focused instead on a series of large and controversial land annexations. As a proud and involved resident of Cayce for nearly 15 years, I studied the issues and met many people who shared my view that the city was not focused on the issues that mattered.

Now I believe it is time to use my knowledge, experience and dedication to lead a Cayce renaissance. That is why I have become a candidate for the open mayor’s seat vacated by Avery Wilkinson. I’m running because I believe in this community and in creating a comprehensive vision for our city’s future that is informed and shaped by my fellow citizens.

What is your leadership style?

On the municipal level, we have a far greater opportunity to see how democracy really does work. That is why the foundation of my leadership style is empowering others. But I also know there will be times when I have to make difficult, sometimes even unpopular, decisions. And I will be able to do so, knowing the decision is fact-based and incorporates input from Cayce’s citizens.

How much money will you need to raise?  If you were not running for office and had that amount of money where would you spend it?

I plan to raise $15,000. The majority of my donor base will be like-minded people in Cayce. But I also believe my campaign will make sense to people across the region. I would far rather give this amount to the Epworth Children’s Home, libraries and other organizations that help children. The reality is that candidates must build awareness about their positions. Just as important, candidates need to create dialogues with voters. That means meetings and advertising and posters.

I also want people to know that I understand these are tough economic times for all of us.  If you can’t give money but believe I can make a difference in the quality of life in Cayce, then consider giving me a few hours of your time to mobilize support.

Has political office been a life long goal/dream of yours?

My husband says I told him on our first date that I wanted to be mayor.  I just didn’t think it would be now. But it turns out, 2008 is when I must run. When I started questioning certain activities, and suggesting alternative approaches, I realized there were many who felt as I did. It became clear to me that if good leaders didn’t get involved now, Cayce would never realize its potential.

I couldn’t stand by and watch that, so I talked with my husband, my family and many mentors. And then I prayed about it. We finally decided that running for mayor was right, for me, for our family and we firmly believe, for Cayce.
  
Tell us something your friends would be surprised to learn about you?

I played basketball with my 6th grade team against the Harlem Globetrotters. Even at that young age I was able to recognize the gift they had.  Not just that they were fabulous athletes, but that they were so good at what they did they were able to include others, namely our basketball team, in that joy.  That same energy, skill and enthusiasm is what I bring to leading Cayce and working with fellow citizens.

Your mother always said... 

"This too shall pass."  It is a tenet that reminds us that God doesn’t want us to waste our time worrying about things that we can't control.  Just as important in shaping my viewpoint was her insistence that her children learn how to get involved and make a difference in situations we can control. That's why I'm running for mayor of Cayce.

To learn more, visit Elise Partin's Website- http://www.elisepartin.com/