The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Learn Local” Elected Officials Roundtable, Wednesday in the Bill Mooneyhan Room of Savage Craft Ale Works.

State Sen. Russell Ott, Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston, South Congaree Mayor Cindy Campbell, Cayce Councilmen Phil Carter and Hunter Sox and Lexington Two Board Member Craig Aull talked about the reasons they serve. The event was moderated by Chamber President and CEO Tim James, who is also a Cayce City Councilman. 

Also attending were Lexington County Councilman Todd Cockrell, West Columbia City Councilman Mike Green, Cayce City Councilman Byron Thomas, and Lexington Two Board Member Kevin Key.

Carter said he had always had a passion to serve his community and when his sons were in college he ran for office because he wanted to help “build a foundation for the future for children.” He also said public service was his “calling.” 

Ott said he “enjoyed being involved with people.” He also said when he was serving in the SC House, and Senate Seat 26 came open, his constituents pledged support and encouraged him to run. Ott also said he enjoys problem solving. He said his first year in the Senate has been exciting and he’s looking forward to going back. 

Livingston said she has served 27 years. Most of it on Lexington Town Council and the last two years as Lexington’s mayor. She said she serves because she wants to make Lexington a place where her children and grandchildren want to live.  She said “Green Space” is important to her and Lexington County is a place where there is corporation in addressing issues like housing developments and traffic.

Aull said he has been active in coaching youth sports before becoming a school board member. He said he and his wife Tiffany know lots of people in Cayce and he wants to serve children. 

Campbell said she grew up in South Congaree and moved back there from Springdale. She said there were some struggles going on with South Congaree Town Council and she thought if elected mayor she could help improve the image and reputation of the town. She said she is working to help South Congaree grow and be a good place to live. She also said the town needs a park and a new town hall. 

Sox said much of his family is from Cayce. He is a Brookland-Cayce High School graduate and he appreciates the tight-knit community. He was introduced to politics by working at the State House when he was at USC. He also said it’s important to work to make sure there is a good growth plan in Cayce for the future. Part of his approach is to support small business and attract more business to Cayce by being business-friendly and making the process for locating a business in Cayce, easier.

Ott said one of the things he does not like about state government is “unfunded mandates.” 

Carter said he took it upon himself to develop relationships with other government entities. 

Aull said the school board is aware of the report card of all Lexington Two schools every day. 

James reminded everyone of the value of the Lexington Two Innovation Center. He said it trains students for immediate jobs in high-paying vocations. And Small businesses get a benefit from those ready-to-go employees.  

Campbell said she believes females are good leaders because they are good at multitasking. She also said she’d like to bring in more females on South Congaree Town Council.  

Ott talked about the importance of tourism in South Carolina and the economic positive impact tourism has on small business owners. 

Livingston said the traffic in the area is a sign that people are getting out and frequenting small businesses.