By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER – Alderman John Noble III has been on the town board since 1981, left for two years and has served for the last four years. Noble, a native of East Spencer, has filed for a return to the board.

The 68-year-old is a part-time Rowan County courthouse bailiff and has spent 39 years with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office before his 2008 retirement. He ran unsuccessfully for sheriff against longtime friend and current Sheriff Kevin Auten.

Noble said he wants to see the town continue to grow, lower the water and sewer rates as well as continue good police and fire protection. Noble wants to see the town continue what they began this past year in getting rid of dilapidated houses.

“I want to see something good happen with the burned out Dunbar Center,” Noble said.

The historic school building burned in December and although the town does not own it, the town board has been looking at what it takes to reuse the property and, if possible, the existing structure.

The longtime alderman said he also would like to see “junk” cars removed from yards as well as see new businesses come into town “so property tax can be lowered.”

Noble is a graduate of Dunbar High School and Shaw University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, also certificates in basic, intermediate and advanced law enforcement. He is a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, a gospel quartet — the Gospel Lyrics, Western Star Lodge No. 9, is a 32nd Degree Mason, and a musician in his church.

He has two daughters, Deedre Cuthbertson and Angela Lindsay.

Newcomers Brint Polk filed Monday for a seat on the board and Rhonda Kerns, who filed for mayor last week. Current Mayor Barbara Mallett filed for re-election on Friday. There are three aldermen seats up for grabs. The filing period ends Friday.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.