Editor’s note: The Tryon Daily Bulletin has collected biographies of all candidates running for seats on the Columbus Town Council. Over the next few Wednesday and Friday editions, the Bulletin will also run bios from Landrum, Saluda and Tryon candidates.

Joshua David Denton

My family and I live on Walker St. in Columbus. I am 31 years old and manager of Columbus Plumbing Supply.

Born and raised in Columbus, except for living a few years in Mill Spring, I have been back in Columbus for the last 10 years. I am the grandson of George Denton Sr., who was a Columbus Town Council member for several years up until his untimely death at age 57.

I worked at several part-time jobs while going to school, everything from farming and dairy to medical supply and plumbing, and after high school I completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training School and worked for the Polk County Sheriffs Department for several years, as well as the Columbus Police Department.

After leaving law enforcement and entering the private job force, I am still serving the community as an EMT with the Polk County Rescue Squad.

As a member of the town council, I would like to help the town grow and prosper while being conservative with spending. Adding new ideas to the council and also listening to residents’ concerns and ideas will be a big part of my office if elected to the council.

Margaret Metcalf

Margaret Metcalf, a native of Polk County and Columbus, is currently serving a four-year term as councilperson. She completed the North Carolina School of Government Elected Officials course shortly after being elected. Metcalf is employed with the State of North Carolina and 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.”

She has three grown children and three grandchildren.