Eric McIntyre is a native of Polk County, and graduated from Polk Central High School in 1975. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University in 1980. In 1985 he married his wife, Tammy, and his son Russell was born in 1991. Realizing the importance of raising his son in a small-town atmosphere with an excellent educational system, they returned to Columbus in 1996. Russell graduated from Polk County High school in 2009 and is currently a freshman at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
While serving on the Town of Columbus Planning Board and Zoning Board, he has observed the challenges we are currently facing and the direction we need to take. He ran for the position of the Mayor of Columbus because he believes that with strong leadership, we can preserve our small-town atmosphere while building and securing our future.
Over the past two years the Columbus Planning Board was given the task of creating ordinances that would protect the town during future growth. The Planning Board worked diligently for many hours, both in meetings and individually at our respective homes, on many different ordinances to send to Town Council for approval. They had the opportunity to hear numerous experts in their field speak to them on specific topics under scrutiny before the ordinances were submitted for approval. This was a very educational experience for all of them, and they are grateful for this knowledge.
Budgeting for capital expenditures is a great concern to McIntyre. "I have seen some really great things being done lately in the town that gives the appearance that the town is moving forward, but i have concerns that our current leaders have a passive approach when it comes to maintaining and preserving what we have," said McIntyre during his 2009 campaign. "I believe we need people in office who can distinguish between what the town's needs are and what the town wants to do. Budgeting with foresight is very difficult to do, especially id needs versus wants cannot be differentiated." McIntyre was elected in December of 2009, and is currently serving as mayor.
Magaret Metcalf
Councilwoman
Elected in 2005
Margaret, a native of Polk County and Columbus is currently serving a four year term as council person. She completed the North Carolina School of Government Elected Officials course shortly after being elected. Margaret is employed with the State of North Carolina and she is a member of the Columbus Baptist Church. She is active in the Polk County Democratic party and serves on the Executive committee.
“Shaping and guiding the growth of Columbus is important to me. I feel that having family in the community and growing up here gave me insight as to how to work for the residents of the town.
“I wanted to do my part for a community that has meant so much to me.”
Richard Hall
Mayor Pro Tempore
Richard Hall was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Berea High School in Greenville in 1978. In 1982, he earned a B.A. in Religion from Mars Hill College. He moved to Polk County in 1983. Currently he is the Theatre Manager and Theatre Technical Director at Polk County High School and has served in this capacity for 3 years. He also worked with the Polk County Schools for a number of years before taking this position.
Richard enjoys traditional Appalachian woodcrafts, art and is interested in jewelry manufacture and repair. Richard is married to Angela Flora Hall and they have five children: Rachel 21, Benjamin 18, Noah 16, Abigail 13, and Eli 10. He is a member of Columbus Baptist Church, where he has served as deacon and youth director.
Richard knows that Columbus is the gateway to the Mountains. “After moving here 24 years ago, my wife and I were welcomed into this community, and we have become a part of it. It has been the best place to raise our children, and we consider it an honor to be a part of it.
“As a town leader, I have tried to bridge the gap between the past and the future. We need to preserve our heritage and our history as we make wise choices about the changes we choose to embrace. This is a critical time in the history of Polk County, because what we do today will influence the quality of life for our future citizens. I see myself as a servant of the people. The citizens elected the board and entrusted us with a sacred thing-the running of our town. I pray everyday that God will give me the wisdom to make the right decisions.”
Ernie Kan
Councilwoman
Elected in 2009
Ernie Kan lived in Raleigh, North Carolina until she moved to Columbus. After attending NC State in the early 70's with a major in Botany, she met her husband, Edward, at church. They were married in 1984 and had a son in 1991. Edward and Ernie decided to raise their son Isaac, in a small town atmosphere and moved to Columbus in 2004. To learn about more of the area, Ernie attended as many town and county meetings as possible.
While still living in Raleigh, Ernie worked for the city of Raleigh in the Finance and Health Departments. Later, she worked as an office manager for Citadel Locksmiths (one of Raleigh’s largest locksmith companies.) While staying at home with her son, she started a sewing and upholstery business, and then became a long-term substitute at her son’s elementary school. After coming to Columbus, ernie continued to sew and craft for her booth, “Ernie’s Art,” at the Columbus Tailgate.
Ernie Kan began showing her care for the area by becoming the Executive Director of RE-Expressions of Polk County (a group that promotes and recycles for area events). She served and was trained on obth the Columbus Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. She worked on the “Walkability Committee” and other small committees in the area.
Ernie would like to see Columbus retain its rural atmosphere. “Success of a town does not always mean sprawl or uncontrolled growth. A town’s success requires that the people enjoy living in the town.” The “Ernie’s Art” booth gives her extra contact with the public each week. Ernie has an interest in all of the people living in the area, but her strongest concern is for those on fixed incomes in Columbus. She is available and willing to listen.
Michael Gage
Councilman
Elected in 2007
My father was a contractor, and I worked with him before joining the Navy. He instilled in me the difference between right and wrong and the value of an honest days work. Quality should never be compromised. No person is less or more than you. These are old school values that I pass on to my children today. While on the Town Council, I have learned that we can’t get the job done on our own, it takes a team effort - Council, staff, advisory boards, and citizen input. After graduating High School, I enlisted in the Navy and became a machinist mate on a ballistic submarine, where I proudly served for four years. After an honorable discharge, I worked in construction and earned a license in aluminum fabrication. In search of a better quality of life, my family and I moved to Columbus in 2001. Having a great interest in the local community, I began to volunteer for various organizations, including the Columbus Town Planning Board. We made significant progress on various topics, including the landscape, sign, and subdivision ordinances. I enjoy working as a coach for Little League Baseball in Polk County. I am a member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. My reasons for running for the Town Council in 2007, was that I believed it was our responsibility and civic duty to give back to our community. I was compelled to live up to the expectations of the people that voted for me, and have given a hundred percent effort to this job - doing my homework, working with others and fighting when needed to preserve our town. I believe in supporting the local economy, infrastructure improvements/maintenance, inter-governmental cooperation, balance with developers, transparency of government, recycling, giving staff the tools they need, and Veterans Park/House of Flags. I believe in preserving personal property, public safety, affordable living, future water supply, quality of life, home town appeal, and mountain vistas. To date, my most significant accomplishments have been to make the budget process more transparent, with the cooperation of fellow council members. Working through multiple workshops and long debates, I have helped lead the way for a sound and just budget allowing for the town “To Live Within It’s Means!” I am honest and sincere. I will listen to - and stand up for Columbus residents- Ensuring that they are treated fairly and with respect. It has been an honor to serve as a Town Councilman- and look forward to serving the citizens of Columbus in the future.
