In his first bid for public office, Stephen Arthur is focused on improving the local economy and helping to reduce the crime rate.

Arthur, 30, works at Food Lion’s distribution facility in Salisbury and as a pizza cook at downtown restaurant Romo’s Pizzeria. He is one of 16 candidates running for the Salisbury City Council in 2015. All five seats will be up for grabs, and two incumbents have declared their intent not to run.

Arthur said he is running “because it is time we elect someone who has a backbone and courage to stand up for the best interests of every citizen in Salisbury. When I am elected, I intend on focusing on improving the local economy and working to help reduce the crime rate.”

He is a Rowan County native and an East Rowan High School graduate. He also received degrees from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Capella University.

Arthur is not married.

His community involvement includes volunteering at Rowan Helping Ministries with Delhaize and Food Lion.