photo by: Contributed Photo/Journal-World File Photo

Kim Murphree, who has served as a records manager for the Lawrence Police Department for the last 18 years, has filed to run for the office of Douglas County register of deeds.

A public servant with experience in record keeping and a love for land management has decided to run for the office of Douglas County register of deeds.

Kim Murphree, who has served as a records manager for the Lawrence Police Department for the last 18 years, recently filed to run for the position in the 2020 election this fall, according to the Douglas County Clerk’s Office. The Register of Deeds Office is responsible for recording various information related to the ownership of real property in Douglas County.

Murphree, a Democrat, told the Journal-World Friday that she chose to run for the position for many reasons, including her experience with LPD and her family’s background in real estate. Her parents were real estate developers in town and she learned to love the processes associated with land development, she said.

“It’s just the right opportunity, and I have the right skill set, education and experience to bring to that office,” she said.

Murphree is a lifelong Lawrence resident. She graduated from Lawrence High School and attended the University of Kansas, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science.

She is the second Democrat to file for the position. Kent Brown, who is currently the county’s deputy register of deeds, has also filed. Kay Pesnell, a Democrat, is the current Douglas County register of deeds. She has served in the position since 2002. She told the Journal-World in February that she did not plan to run again.

The candidate filing and withdrawal deadline for the 2020 election is noon Monday. The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4.