For Tommy Holmes, the third time was the charm.

Holmes, 61, was elected to the Selma Town Council in November, after running without success in two prior council races.

Through the earlier runs for office, Holmes says he learned the best way to get elected: "Get out and campaign and let the people know what you stand for."

Holmes isn't sure how many people he met while campaigning, but new mayor Cheryl Oliver said she saw his white pickup nearly everywhere she went along the campaign trail.

"To me, it seemed like everybody in Selma," Holmes said.

Holmes, a retired gas station operator, has been in Selma since he was a child. These days, he spends much of his time looking after his grandkids - several of whom he's rearing with his wife - and performing gospel music at senior-care centers around Johnston County.

What music have you been listening to lately? Gospel music - I listen to it all.

What book are you currently reading? About the only thing I have time to read is the Bible.

What are your favorite television shows? The news and the old Westerns.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you dine with? My family would be the first ones, then the mayor and some of the councilmen, and President Ronald Reagan.

Describe a perfect day. Every morning when I wake up, the Lord blesses me, so every day is a perfect day for me.

What is the most fascinating place you've been to? To the beach or to Carowinds (the amusement park in Charlotte). I've never traveled a whole lot. I'm what you would call a hometown boy.

What do you most like about Selma? I love the people in Selma, and I think we have a great town. I tell a lot of people that I've been here so long, I've got spoiled so much I can't get out.

What do you least like about Selma? The way some of the taxpayers' money has been spent lately.

What is something that some may be surprised to know about you? I play gospel music and I try to help the elderly people as much as I can.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? Why? I'm not perfect, and I'll never be as long as I'm in this old flesh. I could be a little more patient, I guess, and I could stand to lose two or three pounds.

What is the one food you can't resist? I love cookies and milk. I'm like a pig, I love all kinds of food.

Compiled by Colin Campbell