W.J. “Jeff” Watkins says he is taking a shot at elected office in hopes to improve relationships between residents of Salisbury and elected officials.

Watkins, 47, is part of the record 16 candidates vying for five seats on Salisbury City Council.

He is the general executive director at Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home and manager of The Perfect Smoke cigar shop. He hasn’t previously held a publicly elected office.

If successful in his bid for the City Council, Watkins said his priorities would include improving relationships between the city’s elected officials and its residents.

Watkins said he has a desire to see residents of Salisbury better served through easier access to public amenities. He also hopes to promote equal opportunities for Salisbury residents to feel safe and receive an education. Watkins also listed neighborhood beautification as a priority.

He is a member of Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association and Western Star No. 9 Prince Hall.

Watkins is a graduate of North Rowan High School.

Watkins and his wife have have three children and one grandchild.