GRANITE QUARRY — Doug Shelton, chairman of Granite Quarry’s Revitalization Committee and now a candidate for the Board of Aldermen, says he wants to help the town “keep its character and quality of life going forward.”

“Change is inevitable,” said Shelton, who is seeking one of two available four-year seats as an alderman. “I want to be a voice for the future.”

A retired accountant, Shelton has served on both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Revitalization Committee, but this is his first run for public office.

He supports the Downtown Master Plan, which was completed in 2016. “I agree with a lot of its tenets,” Shelton said. “Some are not perfect for Granite Quarry, but every town must have a vision.”

Shelton said his primary reason for filing as a candidate was to give voters a choice. When he filed, no one had yet stepped forward to challenge incumbents Mike Brinkley and Arin Wilhelm.

But before the filing period ended, Kim Cress, John Linker and Wes Rhinier also became candidates, “and that’s great,” Shelton said. Now the field has six men vying for two spots.

Mayor Bill Feather is the only name on the ballot for mayor, though a write-in effort has emerged on behalf of Mary S. Ponds, a former mayor.

Shelton said his primary goal, if elected, would be to help Granite Quarry businesses and residents deal with change and find the best ways to benefit the maximum number of people.

“I don’t have a specific agenda,” Shelton said. “We have a nice little town, and I want it to stay a nice little town.’

Shelton has lived in Granite Quarry for more than 30 years, and he said it is a great place to raise a family.

Shelton, 69, of 135 N. Main St., is a 1966 graduate of Boyden High School (now Salisbury High). He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a business degree, concentrating in economics and accounting.

During his career, he worked for various industries around the state in management accounting.

Shelton and his wife, Linda, have four adult children and four grandchildren. They are members of Shiloh United Methodist Church.

Shelton’s name on the Nov. 7 ballot will appear as James D. (Doug) Shelton Jr.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.