GRANITE QUARRY — Arin Wilhelm, first elected to the Granite Quarry Board of Aldermen in 2013, says he’s seeking another four-year term to continue the town’s economic development and see progress on the central business district’s strategic plan.

“It has been slow progress, but progress nonetheless,” Wilhelm said of downtown improvements.

The board’s efforts at economic development have included working with Rowan County to develop an industrial park off Heilig Road and a proposed residential development off Faith Road.

Wilhelm said he would like to see the town continue with “slow growth.” “It doesn’t have to be rapid expansion, but we need to grow a little bit,” he said.

Wilhelm, 41, is one of six candidates for two available seats on the Board of Aldermen. Those seats are held now by Wilhelm and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Brinkley, who also is seeking re-election.

Other candidates for alderman include Kim Cress, John Linker, Wes Rhinier and Doug Shelton Jr.  Mayor Bill Feather is unopposed as a candidate for another two-year term, though there have been some efforts in recent weeks to encourage a write-in campaign for former Mayor Mary S. Ponds.

Wilhelm, who lives at 1321 Stonewyck Drive, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California Coast University and a master’s degree in theological studies from Hood Theological Seminary. He is a four-year veteran of the Navy and served six years in the Navy Reserve.

Wilhelm is a community engagement specialist for Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.

He strongly supported the town’s purchase of land along Faith Road for athletic fields, and he is leading the newly formed Granite Quarry Athletic Club. He stresses the club is for children and adults in an overall effort to get more people active.

Wilhelm is Granite Quarry’s representative on the Rowan-Cabarrus Transportation Advisory Council. He also is a member of Healthy Rowan.

Through Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and the Rowan County Community Partners Group, Wilhelm is part of a planning committee looking at ways to address the opioid crisis.

Wilhelm and his wife, Anna, have four children.