DOBSON — A former dentist who is now a real estate broker wants to add another job title to the list: serving on the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners.

Stephen Yokeley filed Thursday as a candidate for a South Ward seat on the city council now held by David Beal. Beal announced last week that he will step down when his present term ends in December, after 10 years as a commissioner.

A similar move by Mayor Jack Loftis ensures that the city government will have a different look after the November election. Yokeley is the first candidate to officially declare for the South Ward seat, with the filing period to end one week from today.

Yokeley, 61, a resident of Greystone Lane, said Thursday he was motivated by several factors in deciding to make his first stab at political office, including a desire to give back to the community.

“My wife and I both love living in Mount Airy and Surry County, and we just want to do our part to make things better,” he said after filing at the county Board of Elections in Dobson.

Yokeley was a dentist for 33 years and has been a real estate broker for the past three. He is associated with Rogers Realty & Auction in Mount Airy.

When asked about his specific goals for city government, if elected, Yokeley replied, “Probably the main thing is being sure we’re fiscally conservative.”

The commissioner hopeful also referred to a problem that has continually plagued city government linked to layoffs among major manufacturers, which have impacted employment levels as well as municipal revenues and utility rates. But he said his objectives, if elected, initially will include working to preserve the jobs that have remained in the community, while also building a climate for recruiting companies from outside.

“I want to support our local businesses and employers and make sure we don’t lose any more jobs,” Yokeley said. “We certainly can’t afford to do that and hopefully, we can develop some new jobs.”

Other candidates who have filed for Mount Airy offices this week include incumbent North Ward Commissioner Jon Cawley and Paul Eich, who is running for mayor. Gene Clark, another mayoral candidate, has announced that he intends to officially file for that office next week.

Offices in Pilot Mountain and Dobson also are at stake in the 2009 municipal elections in Surry County.

In Pilot Mountain, incumbent Commissioners Carolyn Boyles and Andrew French are running for re-election for the only positions affected there.

Dobson filings so far include those of Mayor Ricky Draughn and a mayoral challenger, Kenneth Earnest, along with former Commissioner Kermit Draughn. The latter is vying for one of two available seats on the town board now held by Clarence Collins and Wayne Atkins.

Yokeley was the only candidate filing on Thursday.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.