GRANITE QUARRY — Kim Cress, who retired in 2016 after 19 years as the town’s maintenance director, says he would bring a wealth of experience to the Granite Quarry Board of Aldermen.

“I’ve got the knowledge and experience,” said Cress, who is seeking one of two seats up for election Nov. 7. “I’m the only one who has worked for the town.”

Cress, 62, said in heading the town’s maintenance department, he interacted with residents every day.

“In the past year,” Cress said, “I have witnessed changes that I am not pleased with, such as staffing and waste — I’m talking about spending money with no returns.”

Because he worked for the town, Cress said, “I have a different perspective in regards to town business and employees.” He said residents and their needs must always come first, and they should have more input on how tax dollars are spent.

Back in 1997-98, Cress served briefly on the Board of Aldermen as an appointeet for a vacancy and was chosen by his colleagues as mayor pro tem. He resigned from the board after taking the maintenance director’s job.

Cress’ experience in Granite Quarry also includes 14 years with the Fire Department and two years on the Planning Board. With everything combined, Cress said he has about 20 years of working on town budgets.

Cress emphasizes the need for better code enforcement. He said if he’s elected to the board, personal agendas will be a thing of the past and “transparency will have a new meaning.”

Cress said economic development efforts should be “controlled and well-studied” and the town “should not be in the real estate business.” He said he is a firm believer in taking care of the things the town has and the services residents depend on.

Cress is a 1973 graduate of Salisbury High School. He attended Wingate University and has earned numerous certifications in maintenance and fire-related training courses. He moved to Granite Quarry in 1993 and served on the Planning Board before his brief stint on the town board.

Cress and his wife, Teresa, live at 717 Weldon Lane. They have a grown daughter and a grandchild.

Candidates for the two four-year seats on the Board of Aldermen include Cress, Mike Brinkley, John Linker, Wes Rhinier, Doug Shelton and Arin Wilhelm. Brinkley and Wilhelm are the incumbents. Bill Feather is running for re-election as mayor.