Thomas Moss is a staunch supporter of small business.

That stands to reason since he has owned and operated a small trucking company and a restaurant as well as making a living as a farmer.

The lifelong Blacksburg native is the latest to announce his intent to seek the District 7 Cherokee County Council seat.

Lori Batchler, the daughter-in-law of the late James Batchler, who held the council post for nearly 11 terms, and Cherokee County School Board Vice-Chairman Donnie Lee Smith announced last week they would run for the vacant seat. Blacksburg Fire Chief Clay Greer also said he would enter the race.

Smith and Batchler will run as Republicans while Greer will join Moss on the Democrat Party ballot.

Moss, 55, said it's his first venture into politics.

"You can either sit back and do nothing or try to do something," he said.

That something is to fight hard to keep and bring new jobs to the county.

"Cherokee County needs to be aggressive to take care of jobs and support industry," he said.

Candidates can begin filing with their party officials at noon Friday, Sept. 11. The filing period will end at noon Monday, Sept. 21.

Primaries will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, with the general election slated for Tuesday, Dec. 29.