Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 2/4/16. Randy Johnston, a candidate for Hamilton County assessor of property, speaks during the Downtown Council of the Chamber of Commerce's candidate forum at Puckett's restaurant in downtown Chattanooga on Thursday, February 4, 2016. Randy Johnston announced his candidacy on Tuesday for the office of Hamilton County register of deeds.
Johnston has worked in the Hamilton County assessor of property's office for more than three decades.
"It has been a privilege to work for the great citizens of Hamilton County for the past 33 years," he said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing, not only my public service experience to the voters, but also 23 years of being a successful Hamilton County small business owner."
First hired as a data collector, Johnston climbed the ranks year after year. Most recently, Hamilton County's current assessor of property, Marty Haynes - a former campaign opponent to Johnston - promoted him to director of residential property.
Other campaign opponents have come out in support of Johnston.
"Randy and I have served together, and even ran in campaigns against each other, but by God's grace, our friendship has survived," Sterling Jetton said in a statement. "I ask my family and friends, and those who have voted for me and Randy in the past, to join hands and hearts and get on Randy's team for Hamilton County Register of Deeds."
Johnston said being in the assessor's office has taught him the critical value of maintaining accurate records and data.
"There is a strong partnership between the assessor's office and the register of deeds, which is why I am running to be the next Hamilton County register of deeds." he said. "Experienced leadership. Experienced service. This is why I ask for your vote on May 1st in the Republican primary to become your next Hamilton County register of deeds."
The voter registration deadline is April 2. Early voting takes place April 11-26, and the Hamilton County primary is May 1. For more information, visit the Hamilton County Election Commission's website at elect.hamiltontn.gov.