State Representative Marc Gravitt intends to step down from his seat in District 30 next year to seek the office of Hamilton County Register of Deeds in the May 2018 primary election.

“Serving the people of Hamilton County using the business experience I’ve obtained for more than 25 years is a true privilege,” said Gravitt, a Republican who is in his second term in the house representing East Ridge, East Brainerd, Apison and Collegedale. “We continue to see at every level of government that when elected leaders come from a business background, applying conservative business principles, taxpayers will benefit from improved services and cost efficiencies.”

Gravitt ran unsuccessfully for the East Ridge City Council in 2010, before gaining a seat on the board in 2012. Two years later he succeeded Vince Dean in the State House and continued to serve on the City Council as Vice Mayor. 

Gravitt, owner of Gravitt Auctions & Appraisal, LLC stated, “As a professional real estate broker and auctioneer for more than 25 years, I have worked directly with the Register’s office on behalf of local businesses and clients across Hamilton County. I have also witnessed first-hand how Pam has done a terrific job in leading this office.  I believe understanding the office’s operations from both the side of Tennessee statute and regulations and as a frequent customer in this office, will drive my approach to this critical administrative position that serves the public.”

“Marc’s legislative work on both the House Business and Utilities and the Local Government Committees and his business experience will be tremendous assets for the Register of Deeds office,” observed TN Rep. Gerald McCormick of Hixson. “Marc will do a terrific job in following Pam Hurst, who’s served our county so well.”

Pam Hurst, who has served as Register of Deeds for more than 20 years, said last week that she would be retiring. Deputy Clerk Sheldon Wright said he would be seeking the office as well.

The register of deeds is responsible for filing and protecting legal documents including deeds, powers of attorney, land plats and military discharges.

The qualifying deadline for the May 1, 2018 primary is February 15, 2018.  The Hamilton County General Election is set for the first Thursday of August, which Aug. 2, 2018.