To the editor:

I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank the Columbus Town Council and all of the citizens and business owners in the town of Columbus.

Being on town council for nine months is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I have ever had. Even though my time was short we made some great decisions as a team all for the betterment of the Town of Columbus.

I want to put this information out for two reasons. One is to reiterate that my name will still appear on the ballot this November even though I have withdrawn from the council race.  Please make sure you vote for the candidate that you think will do the best job for the town. A vote cast beside my name could potentially have a negative consequence in some of the small city election turnouts that we have seen in the past.

Secondly, I want everyone to know that the reason I am withdrawing from the election is to accept an open employment position with the police department here in Columbus. Obviously, this would be a conflict of interest with me being on council and an employee of the town. I am extremely excited about accepting this position upon my retirement from the North Carolina Highway Patrol. I am extremely grateful for all of the support I was given as a council member and hope to continue these relationships as I become a fulltime employee of the Columbus Police Department.

K. Scott Hamby
Columbus, N.C.