The Bray Way
Real Leadership & Transparency
As a former combat veteran, I know what real service and leadership looks like and as Mayor, I will act as a leader and not a political identity. We will work together to be more transparent, responsive, and accountable.
I have a strong track record for transparency and debate, as shown throughout my tenure on the Lexington Two School District Board of Trustees. The Cayce City Council will work as a team to construct all meeting agendas, increase detail for executive session items, and all meetings will be recorded. We will publish the agenda and meeting minutes to an online, easy to navigate, and searchable platform.
In recent years, our city has leaned into a Strong Mayor Model; I will seek to restore a true 5-vote model to enhance transparency and empower you through your elected Council Members. We will minimize close door meetings and operate in a client-focused manner whether we are listening to a Constituent or a CEO. We will empower the city manager to manage city operations.
I will work tirelessly to rebuild relations with local municipalities and agencies. We are better when we work together. Within my first month, I will sit down with local leaders individually to see how we can help each other be better for our constituents.
Responsible Economic Development
Currently, our Economic Development lacks vision; I will increase relationships with the community, businesses, and other stakeholders to attract businesses and organizations that will add value to our citizen's quality of life. We will not have favorites; we will operate above board in every aspect of governance.
The first step to cultivating lasting economic development is to overhaul our current, one size fits all zoning. No neighborhood in Cayce is the same; I want to customize our zoning rules to meet the unique needs and desires of each Cayce neighborhood.
The same goes for businesses and business districts. I will modernize our zoning practices to promote long term growth for each distinctive area of our city.
Infrastructure & Community Spaces
Together, we will modernize our parks, including new equipment, splash pads, and fenced spaces for our furry friends to play. I know how valuable top-notch parks and playgrounds are in building community. Our parks and playgrounds need a complete overhaul to meet the needs of our community.
We will increase patrolling along the riverwalk and parks to deter crime, so all residents and visitors feel safe any time, day or night.
I am passionate about utilizing native plants and trees to make Cayce a more sustainable, livable, and beautiful place to live.
Supporting Public Safety
According to recent data, crime is up in Cayce. Over the past year, calls for service in Cayce have increased by 9%, traffic stops have increased by 22% and arrests have increased by a staggering 43%. At the same time, we are seeing officers that have grown up in Cayce and worked here all their lives leaving the department. Over the past six months, our police department has lost high ranking officers that account for 150+ years of service. Something is broken, and it starts with our mayor.
Having spent 12 years in the 132nd Military Police Company with the South Carolina National Guard, I have worked with the law enforcement community. The retention of our Public Safety Officials will be a top priority-they know our streets and they want to keep you safe. We must reduce response times; therefore, I will reconsider substation locations with the intent of adding one to the western side of Cayce.
I will always advocate for our first responders-they are the last line of defense between you and potential tragedy. I am tired of hearing people say they no longer feel safe walking our Riverwalk or shopping at Parkland Plaza.
Cayce has been my home for all my life. My goal is simple. Make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of Cayce residents by working together for change.
*Figures per Cayce Budget Presentation on April 19, 2023
Meet Tre Bray
A decorated combat veteran, successful businessman, school board member, and proven public servant.
A fifth-generation Cayce resident, Abbott “Tre” Bray III was raised on Indigo Avenue by his mother, Deborah, and his father Abby, who were both teachers.
Tre attended Brookland Cayce High School and went on to serve 12 Years in the Army National Guard with the 132 MP CO located on Platt Springs Road.
Military Experience
During his time in the National Guard Tre was activated to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005, served as a Team Leader during a combat tour in Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq from 2007-2008, and led his Platoon during the 2015 Floods in South Carolina. Tre graduated from the renowned Palmetto Military Academy. His military decorations include:
Accomplishments including Soldier of the Quarter, Iraq 2008 Q2; Distinguished Honor Graduate OSUT, Fort Leonardwood, MO; Honor graduate, Palmetto Military Academy; NCO of the Year, 132 MP Company; Soldier of the Year, 132 MP Company
Medals including ARCOM w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, AAM, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal w/ two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, South Carolina National Guard Mobilization Support Award, South Carolina National Guard Counter-Drug Medal
Career & Community Service
Currently, Tre manages a nationwide Department of Defense contract valued at nearly $100 million. He and his team of 200+ employees provide risk reduction services including Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention training to the Army and Air National Guard. Additionally, he is part-owner of a Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business providing Child and Youth services for the Department of Defense as well as management consulting services.
Tre was elected to serve on the Lexington School District Two Board of Trustees in 2020 with over 6,800 votes. Tre led the district in removing the mask mandate for Lexington 2 schools; pushed for an IT audit which resulted in entire infrastructure overhaul; and Tre continually advocates for transparency, accountability, proactivity, and sustainable growth for the district.
Personal
A devout Christian with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Tre is a member of Golden Corner Church. Tre is married to Diana Bray, a CPA, and Auditor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Together they’re the proud parents of their son, Abbott (9) and daughter, Josie (7). In his free time, Tre enjoys traveling with his family, birding, and pickleball.
Tre earned a business degree from Limestone University and an MBA from the University of South Carolina, Aiken.
Tre is running for mayor of Cayce because he believes that he can make a difference in the lives of his constituents. He is committed to making Cayce a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
CONTACT
I'd love to hear from you! Please use the contact info below or fill out this form. Please let me know if you would like a yard sign.
803-513-0122
