In my years of political activism throughout East Tennessee, I’ve never encountered a candidate as essentially qualified for the post she seeks, as this year, when I’ve had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Vickie Schroyer.
Vickie is a candidate for register of deeds, and she should indeed be our next register, because she began her career in that office at the age of 19.
That was 35 years ago.
In those three-and-a-half decades she’s been at every post, done every task, familiarized herself with each process, and watched it all evolve, year-after-year, from her office. She once told me that she’s watched Hamilton County grow through the papers that come across her desk. She beams with pride knowing that she’s touched each one, officially moving it through the process of transfer, record, and transfer again.
Each day, Vickie’s been there, serving Hamilton County citizens as we swap real estate and record documents. It’s a vital office, one often overlooked. But if it weren’t for dedicated, detail-oriented public servants like Vickie, Hamilton County couldn’t grow and thrive as it has on her watch.
Some say that the register’s office isn’t one that faces many “issues.” Vickie knows better. Ask her what our new register should prioritize when she takes office, and Vickie will tell you - language. We need a spanish-speaker in the office. Simple. You wouldn’t know that if you didn’t already know the office. And Vickie does.
Sometimes you have to put aside the politics, the parties, the maneuvers, and the loyalties, and just cast your ballot for the most qualified candidate. That’s Vickie.
John L. Kerns