Ralph Bray will be the next Cole County recorder of deeds after defeating 19-year incumbent Larry Rademan.
According to unofficial results from the Cole County clerk, Bray, a 60-year-old Republican, won 52.56 percent of the vote, with 11,767 votes. Rademan, a 71-year-old Democrat, received roughly 47 percent of the vote with 10,593 votes.
Bray said he couldn't be happier with Tuesday's results and he's excited to get to work.
"I'm so happy that (voters) showed their support," Bray said. "I realize I have a lot of work to do ,and I look forward to getting to work."
Bray had campaigned on two main issues: modernizing the office with
e-recording services available to the general public and consistent office hours.
Rademan said he has immensely enjoyed his 19 years as recorder of deeds and thanked those who supported him.
"I just want to thank the voters for letting me serve as recorder of deeds," Rademan said. "It was one of the best times of my life, so I thank the voters very much."
Bray's win also means the Jefferson City Council soon will have to choose a new 5th Ward representative, something he said is his only regret about running for recorder.
"That has been such a rewarding, life-fulfilling experience," Bray said. "I would not give up a single minute of my years on the council."
Bray, currently a 5th Ward councilman, has to resign from his council seat to serve as recorder of deeds. City council members will have to nominate candidates for Bray's seat after he resigns and vote on the replacement, who will then serve the remainder of Bray's two-year term.
Bray won re-election to the council in April 2013.
Bray said he still needs to sit down with the city attorney and discuss what needs to happen and when. But because he won't begin his recorder duties until January, he could wait until December to resign his council seat.
The recorder of deeds earns a $54,000 salary and serves a four-year term. The office is responsible for maintaining public records and documents, including records relating to real estate ownership, marriage licenses and military discharges.
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