DOBSON — Two people filed Thursday to run for the Dobson Board of Commissioners. But the incumbents for the two seats that are affected in this year’s town election have been no-shows.

The candidates’ filing period ends today at noon at the Surry County Board of Elections, not only for Dobson races but candidates for offices in Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain.

On Thursday, John D. Lawson, 58, officially threw his hat into the ring for Dobson commissioner, as did Ron Atkins, who also is 58.

Lawson is employed by Lance Inc., while Atkins is associated with Images Studio, a photography business in Dobson.

Atkins, a 25-year resident of Dobson, said Thursday that he wants to play a role in continuing recent positive developments in the town and generally helping it to grow.

“I’m just really interested in the town, I always have been,” he said. “I know the people. I love this area and the town.”

As far as local government issues, Atkins said he is happy with recent developments in Dobson. “In the last couple of years, our town manager and the board have taken a couple of large steps forward,” the candidate said. He mentioned sidewalk repairs, tearing down old buildings and other projects that have beautified the town overall, in addition to an interest in water and sewer gains.

“I just don’t want to see us fall back,” Atkins said. “I think Dobson is going to grow.” But he also favors the county seat maintaining its small-town charm.

Lawson could not be reached for comment regarding his reasons for pursuing the seat on the town board or issues he is interested in addressing.

The two slots on the five-member Dobson governing board affected by the 2009 municipal election are now held by Clarence Collins and Wayne Atkins, a former town manager. Along with not filing, neither has publicly provided any indication as to their re-election plans.

Four people are officially vying for the two seats as of Thursday’s filings, also including Kermit Draughn, 80, and T. Jonathan Snow, 62. Draughn served on the Dobson board for 20 years before losing a re-election bid in 2007.

Draughn’s son Ricky, 54, the mayor of Dobson, has filed for another term, and Kenneth Earnest, 51, is challenging him.

In Mount Airy as of Thursday, three candidates have filed for mayor, Gene Clark, Paul Eich and Teresa Lewis. Incumbent Jack Loftis has opted not to run for re-election.

Jon Cawley also has filed for re-election as North Ward commissioner and Stephen Yokeley is seeking to fill a South Ward council vacancy created with a decision by David Beal to retire from public service.

In Pilot Mountain, both Carolyn Boyles and Andrew French, the holders of the only offices involved there, two seats on the town board, registered for re-election on the opening day of the filing period on July 6. No one else has done so since.

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