A third candidate has stepped forward hoping to fill one of two Salem City Council seats up for grabs this spring -- assuring that the city will have a contested race.

Wayne Adkins, a vice president at Salem Tools and a longtime school board veteran, announced his council candidacy Tuesday.

Salem Mayor Randy Foley and Vice Mayor John Givens said in early January that they will seek re-election on May 4. Their seats are the only openings on council this year. The Salem council elects its mayor from within its ranks.

"Our city will be faced with significant challenges as it confronts declining revenue streams, increased cost pressure and the continuation of the service level that our citizens have grown to enjoy from the city," Adkins wrote in his announcement. "I want to utilize my corporate management experience to assist our city with the tough financial decisions that will have to be addressed in the future."

Adkins was a member of the Salem School Board from 1998 to the end of last year. He was elected vice chairman in 2006.

"I am excited about the possibility of continuing my service to the citizens of Salem by serving them on city council," he said.

Adkins could not immediately be reached for additional comment Tuesday evening. The release did not say if Adkins will run as an independent, as most Salem council candidates do.

-- Neil Harvey