Tim James wins Cayce council seat

By Al Dozier

After a recount of votes for the Cayce City Council District 1 seat, Tim James was certified as the winner Sept. 24.

James barely defeated Tiffany Aull by a count of 180 to 179, according to election reports. The third candidate in the race was Megan Lightle, who received 29 votes.

“The campaign was proven successful by the large turnout by our voters,” James said in a statement. “This speaks to the passion our citizens have for our beautiful city. I am humbled to have been given the responsibility to serve you as your District 1 Council member.”

During the special election campaign James said he had the opportunity to hear the voices of many citizens and plans to move forward to address those pleas.

“I eagerly wish to remain in contact with you, and ask that you call upon me via phone or email with your needs,” he said.

James was recently named president and CEO of the Cayce-West Columbia Chamber and Visitors Center. He has held leadership roles at the Cayce Public Safety Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, SLED and Lexington Medical Center. He has previously served as a Cayce City Council member.

The seat was left open when Tara Almond resigned during a virtual meeting in early July.

Almond said in a post: “It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I have resigned from my seat on Cayce City Council. I have lived my entire life in the Midlands of South Carolina and Cayce will always be considered my hometown but I am in a position in my life to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of living on the coast and enjoying beach life and I am taking this opportunity that has now presented itself.”