DesotoExplorer.com

After 24 years in government, Bruce Craig was defeated in Tuesday's primary by someone not even alive when he began serving.

Becky Gilmore Davis narrowly defeated Craig in the Register of Deeds election with just over 50 percent of the vote. She will replace Sara Ullmann, who served three four-year terms.

This is Davis' first experience in a political setting. Her mother, Phyllis Gilmore, is a former state representative for Johnson County.

Craig has been an Olathe City Commissioner for eight years, mayor for three years and Johnson County Commissioner for 16 years. He has also worked as the chief deputy of the register of deed's office.

For now, Davis said she will concentrate on her first four years before she looks into a future political career. She said Johnson County will receive a "refreshing change" in the Register of Deed's office.

"They can look forward to someone who will be very hard working," she said.

The first priority, Davis said, will be to set up an advisory board consisting of realtors, county officials, title companies, chamber of commerce members and employees of the deed's office.

"I feel like I have a lot of mentors as well as county officials I can talk to," she said. "I'm going to get advice from many people."

Improving technology will also be one of Davis' main concerns. She said she will try to make the office more user-friendly for the public and county.

The tight race, Davis said, was not surprising. She said a new generation of voters in Johnson County contributed to her victory.

"I think Johnson County is into improvements and the cutting edge," she said.

Davis recently graduated from Mid-American Nazarene with degrees in communications and business administration. She also has experience with management information systems, accounting, business law, marketing and public relations.

The Register of Deeds office was established in the mid-1800s. It keeps records of the ownership of property and assures that clear transfers of titles are established.