Mayors of Main Street
Welcome to Mayors of Main Street—the podcast that delves into the heart of American communities by exploring the experiences and insights of some of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Hosted by Mayor Kristine Lott, this podcast brings you compelling stories of public service, community challenges, and the triumphs that define local leadership.
Mayor Kristine Lott, the first woman to hold the mayoral office in Winooski, Vermont, is no stranger to community engagement and leadership. Her journey into local politics began in 2017 when she was appointed to the Housing Commission for Winooski. In 2018, she took a bold step by running for a City Council seat, which she won and served with distinction. By January 2019, the incumbent mayor's resignation paved the way for her to run for mayor, and she was elected on March 5, 2019, with a platform centered on financial sustainability, housing affordability, and active community involvement. Since then, she has been re-elected and continues to serve her community with vigor and vision.
Throughout her tenure, Mayor Lott has made significant strides in formalizing and expanding community engagement, improving local ordinances to boost voting participation and housing affordability, and steering through key infrastructure projects despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable projects under her leadership include the revitalization of Main Street, the rehabilitation of a community pool, and the development of a municipal parking garage, hotel, and workforce housing.
Born in Southwest Michigan, Mayor Lott earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. In 2009, she moved to Vermont, where she now resides with her husband, a lifelong Winooski resident. Balancing her mayoral duties with her role as Director of Operations for an education non-profit, she embodies dedication and resilience.
Join Mayor Kristine Lott on Mayors of Main Street as she interviews fellow mayors delving into their personal journeys, the issues they face, and the impactful decisions they make every day. Each episode provides an in-depth look at the unique challenges and rewards of leading a community, offering herself and listeners valuable insights and inspiration from the frontlines of local governance.
Mayors of Main Street
Mayor Elise Partin, Cayce, South Carolina
Join Mayor Kristine Lott on "Mayors of Main Street" as she sits down with Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce, South Carolina, for an insightful conversation about her remarkable journey as the city's first female and longest-serving mayor. Mayor Partin, first elected in 2008, shares how she's cultivated a "cleaner, safer, and healthier Cayce" while maintaining its unique small-town charm amidst a bustling region. This episode explores the power of nonpartisan local governance, emphasizing community engagement, effective communication, and the vital role of connection in fostering a thriving city.
Discover Mayor Partin's surprising entry into politics, driven by a community issue, and how her background—including lessons learned from her mother, who worked for a long-serving mayor—shaped her approach to public service. She highlights the importance of incorporating citizen voices into decision-making, from simple agenda adjustments to comprehensive planning, and discusses how her focus on fundamental community needs transcends political divides. Mayor Partin also touches on the critical balance of leadership and operational expertise in a council-manager government, offering a candid look at the challenges and immense rewards of serving one's community.