Editor’s Note: The Tryon Daily Bulletin has collected biographies of all candidates running for Polk County Commissioner.  Please see Wednesday’s paper for the Sheriff biographies.

 

Shane Bradley

I am a native Polk County; I live in Saluda with my wife Robin, my oldest son Lane and my youngest son Grayson. We live on the same property that has been in the Bradley family for generations.

I attended Saluda Elementary and Jr. High School. I graduated from East Henderson High School in Flat Rock, N.C. In 1984 I joined Saluda Fire & Rescue, as a junior fire fighter. Today I am currently serving in the position of Chief. This is a position that I have held for the past nine years. Over the years I have served on many volunteer and advisory boards. I am currently serving on the Farmland Preservation Board in Polk County.

In 1991 I started working for Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc. I started on the floor as a production worker and then in 1998 I was promoted to manager of the production plant.

In 1992 I married Robin Nelson, a native of Hendersonville, N.C. Many of you may remember her from Mountain 1st Bank in Columbus, where she worked for 2 ½ years.

In 1994, our first son, Lane was born. He attended Saluda Elementary School, Polk County Middle School and is a graduate of Polk County High School. Our youngest son, Grayson, was born in 2003. He attended Saluda Elementary School and is currently attending Polk County Middle School.

Polk County has been a great place to live and raise my family. I have seen many changes come to Polk County over the years and I know that many more will come in the future. I would like to do my part to make sure that the changes are positive and that they are what is best for residents of Polk County.

Ray Gasperson

I have served on the Polk BOC since December 2008.  I am a past Chair (2 years) and Vice Chair (1 year). I have also served four years on the Board of Trustees of Isothermal Community College and Isothermal Planning and Development Commission Board.

I am a native of Western North Carolina. My education was in the public schools and the University System of North Carolina.
My wife Sue and I have been married for 41 years. We feel blessed to have all three of our adult children and their families living near us in Polk County.

 

Keith Holbert

I am the oldest son of Thaxton and Sadie Rhodes Holbert.  When my father returned from World War II, he and my mother settled in a home on Henderson Road where I, and my two brothers grew up.  I attended Stearns Elementary School, and graduated from Polk Central High School.  After high school I attended both Gardner Webb and Wofford Colleges until I left for active duty service with the United States Air Force.  I served nine years active duty and reserve time that gave me duty assignments to many of the European Countries.

On release from the military I lived and worked in Spartanburg, S.C. until I returned to Polk County in 1988.  I have worked in the Insurance Industry for the past 37 years and opened my own agency in 1992.  I have experience in managing a business and have a background in estate and financial planning.

I am familiar with the challenges that Polk County faces and I feel with my experience I can contribute to the future of our county.  Collectively we will be able to continue to preserve our heritage and plan for a bright future for our children and grandchildren while preserving the beauty of our county.

Doris and I have attended Gowensville First Baptist Church since 2007, prior to that we attended Mill Spring Baptist Church.

My hobbies are travel, motorcycle riding, gardening and reading.

 

Bill Ingham

I was born in Greenville, S.C. and lived most of my adult life in Columbia, S.C., before moving to Polk County 16 years ago to open the Coffeehouse in Tryon.

I am the father of three beautiful daughters, six grandchildren, and the adopted parent of a dog and five cats.

I enjoy working in my yard and the company of many wonderful, supportive friends.

As commissioner, I will work to keep government small, efficient and effective.

Polk County deserves leadership that can work together to protect and provide services for all citizens, with the common sense and common courtesy needed to build consensus and make wise decisions for the future of our county.

 

Lee Mink

Hey neighbors. My name is Lee Mink and I’m running for County Commissioner. I live in Mill Spring and am married to April Pauley Mink, a Registered Nurse, and have three daughters and three grandkids.

I am a sustainable farmer who actively supports our area’s expanding farm industry. Currently, I teach sustainable farming and farm related business and marketing classes in Polk County and Western North Carolina. As a resident, I have developed a deep love for Polk County, the rural character, the natural beauty and the diversity of the land and people. More so than anything else, our rural heritage binds us together as a community. It is our value, our worth. Polk County is our home and like all my neighbors I embrace what this county has to offer with gratitude and thankfulness. I consider it a blessing to live here. It is the best place to live in this entire country.

I served as an Airborne Infantry Paratrooper from 1980 to 1984. I was selected as an Honor Graduate of the 18th Airborne Corp NCO Academy and also as Southern European Task Force Solider of the Year. After leaving the military, I put my business education to work in management positions in a variety of industries including steel distribution, industrial construction and maintenance, finance, retail and information technology. I have worked in both corporate and Small Business Organizations.

After a career of working in management I saw the opportunity to trade my tie for a spade and began farming in earnest. Farming has been one of the most difficult but rewarding professions I have had but I enjoy immensely providing good quality food to my neighbors.

 

Teddy B. (Ted) Owens

Personal Background:

Polk County Native; Hometown – Tryon

Mill Spring High School Graduate- Attended Wofford and Furman

United States Navy Veteran- Petty Officer- had duty in the Persian Gulf

Married to Elna Lynch From Sunny View

Three Children and six Grandchildren

Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Cooper’s Gap Baptist Church

Retired executive of Milliken & Co.  (50 years)

Consultant – Author of Technical Articles for the Laundry Rental Industries.

Part owner of a company – Wash-A-Way

Civic and Political Background:

Mayor Of Columbus – four Years

Polk Co. Commissioner – 13 Years   (Chairman for three years)

Chairman Of Polk Co. Republican Party -six Years

Boards Served on:

N.C. Association Of County Commissioners – (represented four counties)

Library

Polk Co. Little League-Coach and Treasurer

Polk Co. Recreation Committee – Chairman

St. Luke’s Hospital Board of Trustees

District Health

Polk County Historical Association

Independent Textiles Rental Association -(received their highest award)

N.C. Association Of Textiles Services – (recognition award)

Polk Vocational Services

N.C. Association of County Commissioners’ Economic Development Task Force.

My Beliefs:

Conservative

County Govt. should not outspend its growth

Elected officials should serve all the people with humility and honesty.

I appreciate your vote.