CHINA GROVE — In his bid for a seat on the China Grove Town Council, Shane Safrit says he likes the direction in which the town is headed.

Safrit, 30, is a Spencer police officer, a part-time officer for the town of Landis and a native of the southern Rowan County community.

He is one of five candidates running for three spots on the Town Council. At least one newcomer will join the board because incumbent Mike Upright decided not to run for another term.

If successful in his bid, Safrit said he would work to keep the town on the same path it’s on. Safrit said he would like to focus on luring more businesses to town. There’s always a need for additional jobs, he said.

His wish for new jobs, however, comes with a caveat.

“I don’t want to lose the small-town feel,” he said. “It’s kind of where I grew up, and I think you can grow and bring economic development to the town without losing the town’s identity as a small town.”

Living in a small town is part of what a lot of people like about China Grove, he said.

Safrit said he also wants the town to continue hosting community events such as the cruise-ins on Main Street.

One of Safrit’s reasons for running, he said, is that he’s interested in becoming involved in town government. Safrit said he doesn’t have an interest in running for any higher elected offices.

“I like being involved in the city and the civic-mindedness,” he said.

If elected, Safrit said he would be supportive of public safety initiatives.

Safrit is a graduate of South Rowan High School and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

He’s a member of Eureka Lodge No. 283, a Masonic lodge in China Grove, and the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. Safrit said he volunteers at the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County.

Safrit and his wife, Amanda, attend New Mount Tabor United Methodist Church.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.