Cayce City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Tim James announced in an email, Thursday, that he will not seek reelection. He is also the President and CEO of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Below are the contents of his email.

Gay (Tim’s wife) and I have given much time to this decision, and feel it is indeed time to step aside, allowing others an opportunity to serve.  Tomorrow (Aug. 1) begins the time to sign up if one wishes to run for office, and I know we have some great people ready and willing to serve- and need to let folks know that I do not plan to seek re-election.

Dear friends,

For more than four decades, it has been my honor to serve the City of Cayce—as a volunteer, an employee, and an elected official. At every level, I’ve been grateful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me.

God has blessed me with health and a heart for service, and I firmly believe that as long as we are able, we should serve others. For me, holding public office has always been about stewardship, not ownership—and part of stewardship is knowing when it’s time to pass the torch.

After thoughtful prayer and discussion with my family, who have stood by me every step of the way, we have decided that I will not seek re-election this fall to represent Cayce’s District One. While this may be the closing of a chapter, I do not see it as the end of the book.

The faith and support shown to me by the citizens of Cayce; as a child growing up on the Avenues, to becoming a cadet, police officer, and later their Director of Public Safety, then serving several terms as councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem; please know how very precious each service has been to me, it is indeed an honor that I hold dear.

Cayce—God’s Country, as I often say, has a bright future ahead, and I remain committed to supporting our city and its people in any way I can. Please know that I will always remain ready to serve wherever I am called.  

Blessings,