LANDIS — If elected to the Landis Board of Aldermen, Tony Corriher said his No. 1 priority would be getting the town’s finances under control — including utility rates.

“I am for small government with back-to-basics and common-sense decisions,” Corriher said in a written statement.

Corriher, 71, has served two terms on the Board of Aldermen in the past. He has made three unsuccessful runs for the board, the last time in 2013.

Landis Mayor Mike Mahaley was also mayor during Corriher’s previous term, and Corriher said he knows they can work together.

“I served two years previously with Mayor Mahaley,” Corrher said. “I would like the opportunity to work with Mayor Mahaley and board member Tommy Garver to continue to lower operating expenses of the town. That is the only way water, sewer and electric rates can be lowered.”

Town residents have long complained about high utility rates. Corriher also cited high spending by previous board members during an August 2015 conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“We don’t need board members going to Myrtle Beach, staying in high-priced hotels and spending over $500 per night not only for themselves but also for their wives,” Corriher said.

In 2016, the current board instated a travel policy for elected officials and reduced the board’s travel budget from $30,000 to $7,000.

Corriher also said he is not fond of the Corriher Lake Wilderness project, but there is little that can be done about it now.

“Since the former mayor and board committed the town with a matching grant, we have to finish the project. It will be a nice park,” he said.

Corriher said he would like to see Landis get a street repaving program “as soon as it’s feasible.”

Corriher said he would serve without pay for meetings and would donate the money to local charities such as the Rowan County Humane Society or Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary.