EAST SPENCER — East Spencer native Albert Smith is running for office for the first time.

Smith, 60, is hoping to fill the unexpired term of Otis Gibson, who died in December.

Smith was born and raised in East Spencer and said he feels it is time to get involved in his community. He is a graduate of Salisbury High School and studied business administration at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

He is a retired shipping and receiving coordinator for the former American Home Century Fabrics. He is a former member of the Rowan Area Minority Business Association and attends the Church of Christ in both Salisbury and Lexington.

Smith said he believes it should a priority to increase transparency between residents and all administrative departments.

“People want to know what is going on in their town,” he said.

He said he wants to be part of the town board to “bring fiscal responsibility and accountability back to the forefront of the town and make East Spencer a desirable place to live.”

Smith said being on the town board is all about solving difficult problems, treating every resident with respect and dignity, and going in with the mindset that all people matter.

Smith is running for the seat against political newcomer Travis Carter.