As part of our continuing effort to bring relevant local news to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for Tega Cay Mayor and City Council. We’ve provided them with a series of questions designed to provide the answers you need in order to decide on the candidates who will occupy the available seats.
Each week leading up to the election on Tuesday, November 4, we will feature one of the candidates along with their responses to a list of questions provided to them. We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide them to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice. The order in which they’ll be featured was determined by response time to our inquiry.
Today, we’ll feature Carmen Miller, candidate for Tega Cay Mayor.
Please refer to the following article for the list of additional candidates: https://tegacaysun.com/2025/09/06/york-county-municipal-elections-who-is-running/
Name: Carmen Miller
Occupation: Small business owner and current Council Member/Mayor Pro Tem for our city.
How long have you lived in Tega Cay?
I have lived in Tega Cay for more than 20 years.
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
The City Council’s role is to represent residents by listening, making informed decisions, and ensuring that our policies, budgets, and priorities reflect the best interests of our community.
Council provides policy direction and fiscal oversight while working through and with the City Manager, who is responsible for day-to-day operations. I believe our Council should strive to serve as the bridge between residents and our city staff, creating open communication and maintaining culture and accountability.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Council member?
As your Councilwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem, I have worked with Council members and staff to guide our city’s budget, infrastructure planning, and policy making. My professional background has equipped me with the ability to analyze complex information and make sound decisions. I am detail oriented and data driven, and I believe decisions should be purposeful, responsible, and clearly communicated to the public. Most importantly, my time on Council has given me a deeper, more personal understanding of our community’s dedication to our quality of life, and how integrally connected Council, residents and our staff need to be in order to preserve all that we love.
What previous community involvement have you had in Tega Cay or another city?
It is active engagement that makes communities strong. My support in the past has been for our local schools and their programs, our Parks and Recreation Department through annual sponsorships and by showcasing neighborhood businesses and community events via the Talk of the Town video series. I have also been honored to serve and support the Lions Club and organizations such as the Good Life Club, Garden Club and other groups that make Tega Cay a better place to live. I was also fortunate enough to offer two scholarships (one for each high school) graduating seniors who wanted a degree in education.
What do you see as top priorities for the City and why?
Our top priorities should continue to be infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life. That means maintaining and upgrading our existing infrastructure, ensuring the budget is managed carefully, and keeping Tega Cay safe, beautiful, and family-focused. We are full when it comes to residential development. The projects that have already been approved are still in various stages of construction and should optimally complete the remaining available residential land in our city. I do not support the approval of any new residential development. Our focus now should be on maintaining what we have, supporting appropriate commercial growth, and protecting the charm and character that led us all to call Tega Cay home.
Have you previously served on a governing board of any type (business, government, non-profit organization, church, etc.) or as a leader in any organization?
Yes. I currently serve as Mayor Pro Tem on the Tega Cay City Council. In addition, I have held elected and leadership positions with PTA boards as my children were growing up, volunteered and led numerous work-related training and community outreach programs, served on the York County Planning Commission, and served on the City of Tega Cay’s Economic Development Commission.
What do you believe are the three (3) greatest strengths of the City of Tega Cay?
1. Our residents and our sense of community, that neighbors care about each other, volunteer and look out for one another.
2. Where we live and how beautiful our city is (lake, walking trails, golf course & parks).Tega Cay is truly one of a kind.
3. Our city staff, who take pride in maintaining our public spaces and who work tirelessly every day to serve our community and help to provide safety, efficiency and standard of living that we all enjoy. They step up and shine when we face storms and when we celebrate our community together.
Does your interest in serving on the City Council stem from a personal interest or goal?
I was sworn in as a City Council member almost two years ago. That decision came from a deep belief and love for our community. Our city is a community of families, neighbors, friends, who, like me, are committed to living and raising families here. People who love this city and want it to be kept safe, beautiful and thriving. I am proud to serve as a member of City Council, and I will continue to bring the same commitment to service and care to the role of Mayor.
Please list any areas you believe the City of Tega Cay could improve upon:
We can work to increase transparency and communication so residents can feel more engaged with the decisions that are being made. We also need a long-term perspective, including maintaining infrastructure, planning for commercial growth that fits the vision of our Comp Plan and defined priorities for parks and amenities. Progress does not mean bigger; it’s better planning and accountability. We have so much to be proud of as a community, and as a community we have the opportunity to focus forward in ensuring our city continues to be the best place we have ever called home.
Are you willing to take on the responsibility of making difficult decisions that are in the best interest of the public even though they may be somewhat difficult?
Yes. Not only am I qualified, but I have demonstrated that I am capable of making difficult decisions that are in the best interest of our city. Leadership is not about taking the easy path; it is about making informed and thoughtful decisions that are made for the greater good, even when those decisions are challenging. I honor and value the trust placed in me by the residents of Tega Cay. My decisions are grounded in the understanding that I represent an entire community that expects fairness, transparency, and good judgment.
What do you believe is the single most compelling issue facing the City of Tega Cay?
The biggest challenge that we’re facing is ensuring that the city continues to be sustainable over time. Since many of our development options have been approved and are in some stage of development, we need to prioritize taking care of what we’ve built. That includes continuing to be future-focused in our planning and budgeting, so our infrastructure and utilities, our parks, amenities, trails and roads are well taken care of. It also means protecting the sense of safety, pride, and quality of life that make Tega Cay one of the best places to live in South Carolina. We need experienced leadership with a clear vision and commitment to preserving what makes Tega Cay so special while we continue to embrace and plan for the future.
Please tell us about any other activities, specialized skills, knowledge, or professional experience that would contribute to your effectiveness in serving on the City Council.
As a sitting member of City Council I bring a strong understanding of our city governance, budgeting, and planning. As a business owner, I bring years of professional leadership and management experience; I believe communication and actively listening is one of the most effective tools a leader can have, both Council and my professional roles have allowed me to stay actively engaged with residents. As a 20 year resident, I understand the unique culture and history that define our city. I also believe in leaning into the expertise and dedication of our city staff and the shared goal of both Council and staff to serve our city well.
Many are concerned about the growth within Tega Cay. What is your plan to help ensure we maintain a small-town feel while continuing to grow appropriately?
Our city is full when it comes to residential growth, and I do not support new residential development beyond what has already been approved. My goal is to preserve what makes Tega Cay special while ensuring that any future commercial growth aligns with our community’s values and long-term vision. Our city’s new Comprehensive Plan will serve as an excellent blue print for our future planning.
Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself and why the people of Tega Cay should vote for you?
I love our city. It is where I’ve made my home, raised my family and built my life for the past 20 years. I am running for Mayor because I believe our leadership should be about commitment and contribution to actively preserve all that makes Tega Cay so special to us. I have proven that I am willing to do the work, ask hard questions, make the difficult decisions, be a good steward of your tax dollars, and put residents first. My commitment and promise is simple: I will lead with integrity, transparency, and purpose while protecting what makes Tega Cay the community we all proudly call home.
Thank you Tega Cay Cay Sun for the opportunity to share my thoughts and vision for our city. I appreciate the opportunity being given to our residents to learn more about the candidates who care deeply about serving it.
