Here’s what you need to know about the candidates running for Cayce City Council
Voters in two Cayce City Council districts will vote this fall to elect their council members.
Both incumbents council members, Ann Bailey-Robinson and Tim James, face challengers in the Nov. 2 election.
Bailey-Robinson faces newcomers Hunter Sox and Kelly Wuest in District 3, which covers the northwestern section of the city toward the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. James has a challenge from Karen Dawkins in District 1, which covers the north central part of town adjoining West Columbia and the Congaree River.
The State asked each of the candidates how they would handle the issues facing the city.
Candidates in Cayce City Council District 1
Karen Dawkins
Age: 56
Occupation: Retired nurse and patient educator
Education: Degree in Practical Nursing
Prior political or civic experience: Past church council president; worked to implement the first “Centering Pregnancy” program in the Midlands; past volunteer at three local hospitals; team parent, classroom parent, PTO member; Citadel Family Association Member
Campaign website: coming soon
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for District 1 pepresentative to advocate for the citizens of Cayce. I want the citizens and residents of Cayce to know that their voices are heard, and I seek to give them a more active role in the decision-making processes that shape our community. I want the people of Cayce to have an equal voice in what goes on in their community; whether they are homeowners or renters they deserve to be heard. I believe that all residents should have opportunities, be aware, and have their voices heard when it concerns the area that they call home.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1. To listen to the citizens in my district and to relay their concerns and suggestions when appropriate, and to openly communicate those outcomes.
2. To involve residents equally in the decision-making process, so each is fairly represented.
3. To work towards making important city decisions, attend meetings, and to create an open environment where information is easily available for all citizens.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Having been a nurse for 30+ years has given me the experience to effectively listen to others and provide solutions that are practical as well as reasonable. Having raised a large family with my husband, I have learned that each individual has a unique set of needs. I have found that taking the time to listen, identifying problems, and finding solutions is key to growth both in our personal lives and professionally.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I absolutely love the history of Cayce, and I am very much interested in preserving the quaintness of the city. I also believe that there is always room for improvement and growth. Right now, information on the everyday workings of the city may be difficult for some residents to obtain. One of my goals would be to make information regarding our community easily accessible for everyone.
Tim James
Age: 57
Occupation: Greater CWC Chamber and Visitor Programs
Education: Bachelors in Criminal Justice, JFK Harvard Leadership School; FBI National Academy; S.C. Municipal Association Leadership Institute
Prior political or civic experience: Active in various community programs, to include service on Cayce Council. Other related experience include Richland Drug Abuse Council, Trinity Baptist Leadership, West Columbia Police Foundation.
Campaign website: email timjamesforcouncil@gmail.com
Why are you running for this office?
Proud to call Cayce our family home for over 50 years, and love the wholesome spirit of our community that defines us — and this is indeed a spirit that is worthy of maintaining. While our city should embrace growth, it is imperative upon leaders to be prepared to manage the growth, so that the growth does not manage us, altering the very reasons we love to call Cayce home. My professional and personal experience allows me to bring that balanced leadership to the table.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Continue to prioritize the mitigation efforts of drainage and storm water issues that face many of the District 1 residents.
Enhance and build partnerships that save tax dollars, while enhancing services.
Embrace, yet manage our growth.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Previously working in leadership roles for state, county and city governments, I have a unique knowledge and skill set that will assist in guiding our city.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
Continue with good financial stewardship that provides great services — as evidenced in the passing of the 2021-2022 budget. We are a full-service city, offering every service citizens could desire, yet it is accomplished with a modest budget, and was balanced this year without a tax increase on citizens. Open and transparent government. It is incumbent upon leaders that our citizens are aware of activities and information that could personally impact their family or the city.
Candidates in Cayce City Council District 3
Ann Bailey-Robinson
Age: 54
Occupation: Health care administrative assistant
Education: Bachelor in Project Management, Certified Medical Assistant and phlebotomist
Prior political or civic experience: Cayce Council Member; Cayce Beautification Foundation Member
Campaign website: None
Why are you running for this office?
I would like to continue being the advocate and voice for our families. The well-being and quality of life of our families and neighborhoods must always be the top priority in representing our district.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
My priorities are: To continue encouraging more citizen involvement in our local government, to continue promoting transparency within our city for the citizens, and to continue encouraging communication from the citizens to Cayce city staff and government.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
By being a long-time resident and interacting with the city and citizens, I know how to listen to our citizens.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I would like to enhance the relationships and communication among small businesses, the city administration, and staff. Preserving small business benefits and opportunities to help our city continue to grow is very important as well.
Hunter Sox
Age: 25
Occupation: Government relations
Education: Brookland Cayce High School, University of South Carolina
Prior political or civic experience: I am the Legislative Initiatives Coordinator for the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health, a nonprofit that informs health and health care in South Carolina. I represent the institute with members of the General Assembly, their staff, and other elected officials to increase the institute’s visibility and credibility as the go-to-resource for nonpartisan information to inform health policy. I also worked for the South Carolina House of Representatives for four years, have volunteered for various political campaigns, and am a member of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Campaign website: huntersoxforcayce.com
Why are you running for this office?
As a fourth generation Cayce resident and 2014 graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, I have seen the City of Cayce grow immensely over the years while preserving its history, unique charm, and atmosphere. I have become engaged in how the city operates and recognize that decisions we make today will have an impact on residents and families for generations. As Cayce continues to see an influx of new residents, businesses, and tax dollars, it is imperative that we prioritize growth management, improve our infrastructure, and efficiently use our American Rescue Plan Act allocation. Cayce City Council needs effective leadership that is able to unleash the city’s growth potential while preserving what makes Cayce such a unique place to live, work, and explore. I hope to use my profession experience, approachability, and long-standing ties to Cayce to benefit our community as District 3’s next councilman.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1) Prioritize Growth Management — As the city continues to grow, we must ensure that we do so responsibly. We must efficiently use the year-over-year increasing budget to hire an economic development director, who will strategize and coordinate with the planning and development department to attract new business.
2) Improve Infrastructure - Investments have been focused on the Blossom Street entrance for years. It is time we utilize funding to improve other parts of the city like adding sidewalks and proper signage along Airport Boulevard and other key entry points. Along with building new infrastructure, we need to make sure projects are fully completed, unlike the numerous old power lines that have not been removed on Knox Abbott Drive or the materials from the project that are still laying around
3) Effective Use of American Rescue Plan Act Dollars - It is estimated that Cayce will receive $7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. We need to use this money productively and facilitate a public input process like our neighboring cities.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
As a government affairs liaison at the state and local level, and a lifelong resident of the area, I understand how to implement effective policy to fit the needs for Cayce residents. Growing up in Cayce and having long-standing familial ties to the area, I recognize that as the city grows, we must respect the generations that made Cayce what it is today, while making proper investments for future residents and families.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I would preserve our public safety department partnerships with neighboring cities. It is very important that our public safety department, which includes law enforcement and the fire department, are continued to be properly funded to keep our community safe.
Kelly Wuest
Age: 37
Occupation: Nonprofit Professional
Education: Master of Education
Prior political or civic experience: Lexington County poll clerk, November 2020
Campaign website: wuestforcayce.blogspot.com and facebook.com/wuestforcayce
Why are you running for this office?
Since moving to Cayce six years ago, I have grown to love this city and have wanted to be involved with making it better for all citizens. Recently, I have been working with neighbors to engage with the city regarding the development of a lot in our neighborhood. This experience has taught me much about working with local government, and it has shown me how important it is to take a more active role in helping improve our city. I have no plans to become a career politician; I simply want to help our city and my neighbors. I am a servant-leader at heart, and I want to bring a new perspective and my neighbors’ voices to the table.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
My top priority will be communication. Too many Cayce residents are unaware of the processes and decisions happening around them. I want to do more to increase resident awareness and participation because diverse perspectives are important and needed in local governance. Another priority will be continuing to work on helping the city find a balance between growth and preservation. Many of our neighborhoods offer residents peaceful places to live, but the demand for more diverse housing is increasing. The needs of current and future residents are unique, and I believe with the right effort, communication, and teamwork between the city’s government and its citizens, balance can be found to serve both.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Having had careers in both higher education and nonprofit administration, I have a strong background in strategic planning and community engagement. I understand what it takes to truly collaborate with others and listen to a wide range of ideas, opinions, and feedback to come to a reasonable solution. No one person has the right answer, and I thrive in helping people work together. I am also familiar with having to quickly learn policies and procedures and work within structured systems. I know how to then work within those systems to achieve goals and get the work done.
What current practice or policy of the city would you preserve or enhance? Why?
I appreciate the effort of the city in enhancing neighborhoods and developing unique areas like the Cayce Riverwalk and the River Arts District. I think resources like these help to showcase all Cayce has to offer. I would like to see the work expand to other areas of the city so everyone can see and appreciate the charm and variety of Cayce. However, I also believe that the city needs better infrastructure, such as more and improved sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle friendly routes, in order to fully realize the locations that make Cayce such a unique and wonderful place to live.
This story was originally published September 27, 2021 at 4:30 PM.
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