By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — Eight years is enough for Mike Upright.

After two four-year terms on the China Grove Town Council, Upright said Monday he does not plan to seek another term.

He is one of three Town Council members whose terms expire this year. The others are Charles Seaford and Brandon Linn.

Terms of the remaining three members of the council expire in 2019.

Upright, a 63-year-old real estate agent, said he likes term limits and that he is imposing one on himself.

“Eight years is plenty,” he said. “That doesn’t mean I won’t be back.”

Asked about his plans, Upright said he’s getting close to retirement age and has some other things he wants to do.

“I think we’ve got some good people at the helm right now, and it’s been a pleasure working with them,” he said. “I think we’re sort of turning the corner right now.”

As a result of the widening of Interstate 85 and associated road improvements, Upright said, China Grove will see economic growth and the addition of businesses.

“I think we’re in great shape, and the growth is going to be there,” he said.

He said one challenge for the town is maintaining roads. It’s an issue that every municipality has to deal with, he said.

“We could go up 10 cents on the tax rate and still not have money to take care of everything,” he said. “That’s going to be a challenge we’ll have to overcome somehow.”

Upright’s decision not to run for re-election means the Town Council will have at least one new member after the 2017 election. Upright said he’s talked to a few people about running for the town board, but he didn’t want to mention names.

Filing for municipal offices started Friday and continues until noon July 21. Election Day will be in November for all municipal races in Rowan County.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.