Community engagement is something Bruce Pierce knows all too well.

Pierce has been active in the community during his 30-plus career owning P&W Pipe & Muffler Shop and is looking to expand that service to others by running for the office of Carter County Court Clerk. Pierce, who formally announced his candidacy to the Elizabethton Star Friday morning, is vying for the position during the May 1 primary election against incumbent Mary Gouge and Patsy Lewis.

Court Clerk is a position familiar to Pierce. His mother, Goldie B. Pierce, previously served as the clerk for 19 years and had years of service within the office prior to holding the position.

“My mother was in that position and that played a part in me wanting to run,” Pierce said Friday. “She always wanted to work with the people and that’s something I was taught growing up.”

And that service to the community has continued for Pierce over the years. Nestled right off West Elk Avenue, P&W has served several citizens during its 32 years of existence and Pierce hopes to carry that attitude into office if he’s elected.

“This is a decision I’ve thought about for awhile now,” he said. “I’ve been in business for over 30 years and had the opportunity to meet so many different people. It’s been great dealing with the public. I’m already familiar with the position of Court Clerk so I hope to bring my business experience into office, if elected, to do what I can for the public. I feel I’m qualified for the position and can’t wait to get out and talk with people about the election.”

The three candidates for the position are running as Republicans in the May 1 primary. No Democrat or Independent candidates filed to run in the election. A win in May will have the candidate running unopposed in the August general election.