Another candidate has joined the race for Whispering Pines Council.

Paul Sams, 70, a retired U.S. Postal Service employee, has announced his intent to be a write-in candidate for the Village Council.

The announcement comes just days after current Councilman Randy Saunders announced that he will be a write-in candidate to retain his seat on the five-member council. He had initially decided against seeking re-election but changed his mind after another candidate, Ron Saylor, dropped out, leaving the field one short for the three open seats.

Sams, who has lived in the village since November 1992, said he had been approached by several residents who encouraged him to run. He said he won't campaign actively.

"I won't go door to door, and I won't spend any money," Sams said. "But I will do it (serve) if I get enough votes."

Sams said those that asked him to run likely will campaign for him.

He called it a "crying shame" that the village couldn't attract enough candidates to run. He said his platform is based on common sense.

"Somehow, somewhere along the way, common sense needs to creep back into the political process," he said. "It seems simple to me -- you identify the problem, determine your possible solutions and pick the right one."

Sams has been married for 50 years. He has a daughter and three grandchildren. He retired in 1992 and currently is active in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

He said he enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Contact Tom Embrey at 910-693-2484 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.