Matthew S. Willis, assistant register of deeds, is seeking the office of Harnett County Register of Deeds that will be vacant once Kimberly Hargrove retires next year.
“With the full support of my family, I have decided to run for Harnett County Register of Deeds in 2020,” Willis said. “I have worked in the Register of Deeds office for the past 10 years under the guidance and tutelage of the Honorable Kimberly S. Hargrove, Harnett County Register of Deeds 1997-2020. With Ms. Hargrove announcing that she will be retiring at the end of her current term, I have decided that I would like to continue the great work that she has accomplished during her time as the register of deeds.”
“Two of the key points I will be basing my campaign on are experience and customer service,” he said. “If elected, I will continue to make this an office of the people. We are here to assist the residents of Harnett County in any way we can. If you call the office, you will not get a voice system. You will speak directly with a member of our staff. I think all of the Register of Deeds staff, including myself, takes pride in assisting the citizens of Harnett County with any requests they may have.”
When asked what he would change in the office, if elected, he answered: “Not much. Why fix something that is not broken? Ms. Hargrove has done an amazing job as the register for the past 22 years,” he said. “She has been on the front lines of technological advancements for the office. She has taught me to set a budget for the office that keeps everyone happy from the citizens to the board of commissioners without putting office operations at jeopardy.
“I have been involved with the Leadership Harnett program for over 8 years, serving as program administrator/secretary for six of those years,” he said. “The Leadership Harnett program gave me the opportunity [to] work with some outstanding community leaders over the years and I learned something from each of them. It also afforded me the chance to meet numerous people from every part of the county.”
Willis is a lifelong resident of Harnett County and a 1999 graduate of Triton High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Campbell University.
“I have been married to Amy Watson Willis for over 12 years and have two children, Becca, 7, and Hayes, 3,” he said. “Amy is the owner of Developmental Play Services LLC, which serves children from birth to 3 years old with disabilities throughout Harnett County.
“I believe having experience in the office will make me the best candidate for the position,” Willis said. “I am asking for your prayers and support as my family and I embark on this journey over the next year.”
-Dunn Daily Record
