Rep. Marc Gravitt wins GOP nod as Hamilton County register of deeds

State Rep. Marc Gravitt won the Republican nomination as Hamilton County register of deeds Tuesday, defeating Randy Johnston 7,085 votes to 4,981, reports the Times Free Press.

Gravitt will face Democrat Vickie Schroyer on the general election ballot.

“We aren’t popping any champagne corks yet, we are saving that for August,” Gravitt said. “I’ve got round 2 to go in August and we are going to start gearing up tomorrow for that … I have gained a tremendous amount of support throughout Hamilton County [and] I want to thank the citizens of Hamilton County for being able to proceed in my campaign to be the next register of deeds.”

Gravitt, owner of Gravitt Auctions & Appraisal LLC, said he decided to run after Pam Hurst announced her retirement after 23 years. The East Ridge Republican has worked in real estate for more than 27 years and said his experience as a small business owner will be an asset.

…Contrary to Gravitt’s experience, his opponent Johnston brought longtime experience within Hamilton County government, spending nearly 33 years working in the assessor of property’s office.

…Schroyer, who will face Gravitt in the the general election, is the longtime deputy clerk of the register’s office, where she has worked for more than 35 years. She ran uncontested for the Democratic nomination, receiving 6,087 votes.

The county register’s office is responsible for filing and protecting many legal documents including deeds, powers of attorney, land plats and military discharges. Hurst, who is in the position until Sept. 1, 2018, now makes $117,404 a year.

Note: The base pay of a state legislator is $20,667 per year.