| Sources |
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 21 Oct 2004.
NEWPORT–The Tennessee County Clerks Association presented Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler with the Clerk of the Year award at its annual convention that was held at the Memphis Hilton from Tuesday, Oct. 12 through Friday, Oct. 15.
“I think it is outstanding that Janice has been recognized on the State level for what we have all known and seen for years that she is well qualified, extremely competent, and very efficient while maintaining a well organized office with accuracy, dignity, and professionalism as our Cocke County Clerk,” said Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. “I congratulate and thank her for the outstanding job she does everyday for the citizens of Cocke County and for all of us who work in county government.”
“I love being a county clerk even though the work that comes with the position is hard—it’s very gratifying,” said Butler. “I truly have enjoyed doing the work that is required of president of the County Clerks Association and I’m honored that I was able to assist the state as well as bring more recognition to Cocke County.”
Butler said the Clerk of the Year award is presented to the clerk who has worked the hardest for the clerks association to accomplish its business in the state legislature and among the leadership of the state.
In all, Butler received three plaques at the convention including Clerk of the Year for her outstanding dedicated service during 2003/04, the Tennessee State Associations of County Clerks plaque of appreciation for her dedicated service as its 2003/04 President, and the Tennessee County Clerks Association plaque for her exemplary service as president of the Tennessee County Clerks Association in 2004.
“The Clerk of the Year honor is presented to the county clerk who received the most votes by secret ballot,” said Butler. “Ninety-five percent of the county clerks in Tennessee who are members of the association vote for Clerk of the Year.”
Butler was named the Tennessee Association County Clerks President in October of 2003.
“It was a wonderful honor to have been chosen by county clerks from all across the state of Tennessee to lead the association,” said Butler. “It’s a very large undertaking to be responsible for all of the association’s business, but I enjoyed the challenge of serving as president.”
Butler said most of all, she is proud that the accomplishment allowed her to show the rest of the clerks and deputy clerks from the other 95 counties who attend the meetings what a great place Cocke County is.
“I want Cocke County to be known for having people who can lead and improve the various state organizations,” said Butler. “And I worked harder this past year than I’ve ever worked before to prove that.”
Butler is now currently serving on the Tennessee County Clerks Organ Donor Awareness Foundation (TCCODAF) Board of Directors.
Butler said the TCCODAF has presented the Cocke County Clerks Office with several awards and honors in the past for its participation in the Organ Donor Awareness Program.
“Our untiring efforts have lead Cocke County to be number one in the state per population in donations to the program, thus enhancing the image of Cocke County’s caring and giving spirit across the state of Tennessee,” said Butler. “Our office volunteers its time collecting donations for the organ awareness program to help educate potential donors. It’s a great feeling to know that the citizens of Cocke County are proud of their clerks office.”
“If you do any good in your life for anybody, you have to put forth a little effort and this is an easy way to help people,” added Butler.
The Tennessee State Association County Clerks was created for a multi-purpose including developing a higher level of knowledge enabling the clerks of the state to provide efficient and courteous service to the citizens of Tennessee, promoting a better working relationship with various state and national officials and agencies with which a common goal is shared, guarding and/or initiating any law or proposal that would be in the best interest of the organization’s constituents or membership, and bringing about a friendship and work partnership for the common good of Tennessee and its citizens.
Some of Butler’s accomplishments as president of the association include driver license renewals in Cocke County, driver license fee increase, issuance of marriage license fee for out-of-state couples, and motor vehicle title fee increase, as well as beginning negotiations on the Title Registration User System Tennessee (TRUST), which will allow the clerks office to print titles while you wait and implementation of the Mobile Home Installation Permit.
Butler said TRUST is a computer system that will tie all county clerks offices to Nashville and to a national data base, so the county clerks offices will be able to print a titles while you’re standing in line.
“This project has been underway for a long time and we’re still hoping it will be implemented later this year,” said Butler.
Tennessee Department of Safety Representative Larry Large said Cocke County is issuing more driver’s license renewals per population than any other county in the state.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but you can see by large volume of renewals how badly the service was needed Cocke County,” said Butler.
Butler said, when the state initiated the driver license renewal program for county clerks, the state paid the clerks offices $2 for the service, but the governor signed new legislation this year, which Butler promoted, allowing the counties to charge $4 for the service.
According to the bill, the increase allows for county clerks to work directly with the Tennessee Department of Safety for the contracting of driver license renewal services.
Butler said the governor also signed legislation to increase all motor vehicle title transactions by $2.50 effective July 1.
“I worked really hard as the association’s president to get this legislation passed,” said Butler. “Lots of counties couldn’t pay their bills, so this increase in fees will help dramatically because all of the $2.50 increase stays within the counties.”
Butler said all applicants for marriage licenses who seek exemption from payment of $60 of the fee otherwise imposed must verify completion of premarital preparation courses on a form developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The form has been amended to include an affidavit to be signed by the instructor or provider.
“All out-of-state residents who obtain marriage licenses in Tennessee are no longer exempt for payment of the additional $60 fee unless they also have attended a premarital preparation course,” said Butler. “The only county exempted under the statute is Sevier County.”
The county clerks office has many functions including motor vehicle registrations and titles, mobile home titles, marriage licenses, auto sales taxes, boat sales tax, beer permits, state beer taxes, hotel and motel tax, business licenses and taxes, game and fish licenses, notary commissions, river rafting clerk, and many other miscellaneous functions totaling 71.
Butler said the employees in the clerks office have to know how to do all of these functions so a person can imagine the knowledge the employees have to have to do them.
“The clerks office can only be as good as its employees and I have the best. I want to thank them for helping me achieve this honor,” said Butler. “I truly feel that way because they work hard and I can depend on them for anything at anytime. I feel like each and everyone of them are a part of my family.”
In addition, the county clerks office writes and maintains all minutes of the Cocke County Legislative Body.
Butler is Cocke County’s only elected official with the designation of Certified Public Administrator, which was granted through the University of Tennessee’s County Official Training Program.
She had to attend many hours of class to earn this certification. Butler attended level one, which consisted of 42 hours of credit, level two, which consisted of 48 credit hours, and finally, level three, which was an intensive three-day training course.
Butler also has to do 12 hours of continuing education each year to maintain her certification as a Certified Public Administrator.
“It took me years to earn this certification,” said Butler. “I’m so proud of it and I’m also proud that I’m the only elected official in Cocke County to obtain this goal.”
Butler worked in the Cocke County Clerks Office as an assistant to former County Clerk Don Boley before being elected to the office in 1994.
“Don also received the Clerk of the Year award and I’m proud of him and even more proud to have followed in his footsteps,” said Butler.
Butler’s parents are Della Murr McNabb and the late Connie McNabb.
Butler’s immediate family consists of her daughter, Cindi Lynne Loveday, who is married to Randy Loveday, of Pigeon Forge; her granddaughter, Logan MacKenzie Loveday, 5; her niece, Lesley Hedgepath, and her nephew, Toran Hedgepath.
Butler is also involved in several organizations including the Tennessee County Clerks Association, the Cocke County Republican Women’s Club, Cocke County Records Commission Secretary where she has been instrumental in developing a disposal and record storage program, the Cocke County Beer Board Secretary, and the Newport Order of the Eastern Star #461.
“It makes life a lot easier when you love what you are doing and I truly love my job,” added Butler.
Bulter said she wanted to thank of the citizens of Cocke County that have supported her for all these years.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 12 Feb 2006.
TRUST in county clerk's office
2006 NPT PHOTO by GARY BUTLER The Cocke County Clerk's Office received an infusion of TRUST-Title & Registration User System of Tennessee-last week, in the form of an improved, streamlined, computer system intended to quickly retrieve data relevant to vehicle titles and registration. Seated, at left, is Chief Deputy Janice Brockwell, and, seated, at right, is Business Information Systems technician Brent Manuel, who is helping Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler and her staff set up the new system. Standing, from left, are Butler and Tennessee Department of Safety Title and Registration Training Division Officer Teddie Thomas.
By: GARY BUTLER Source: The Newport Plain Talk <http://cocke.xtn.net> 02-12-2006
NEWPORT-Although local residents have placed a lot of trust in Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler's office for years, the State of Tennessee has recently provided her office yet another reason-TRUST, an acronym for a computer system standing for Title & Registration User System of Tennessee.
Butler told the Plain Talk on Thursday that the new system involves four phases, and that her office is now embarking on the first of those four.
"Our clerks are already able to retrieve data from all over the state, but the new system will speed things up, as well as making information available that has been difficult to get quickly in the past," said Butler. Butler also said that, although her office is already printing vehicle titles-a service she says is not widely available at county clerks' offices-the titles would soon be available "instantly," or, in other words, "while you wait." "We expect to have phase IV complete within two years," said Butler. "But we are already seeing amazing results from the system." Butler said that information about titles, registrations, incomplete files, and any kind of audit information will soon be available to her clerks in moments. Butler said the quick retrieval of the information would also improve the efficiency of processing requests by traffic officers during traffic stops and other situations where information is needed quickly.
"We have asked for help along these lines for many, many years, and it has finally arrived," she said. Butler also pointed out that the new system will not cost residents anything, and, in fact, will save money. "The extra dollar now attached to registration fees pays for this program, and from now on the county will no longer have to purchase our computer equipment-the state will take over that responsibility," said Butler. "It is a win-win situation for everyone," she added.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 18 Feb 2006.
Janice A. "Jan" Butler, Stuart Road, Newport, recently announced that she is seeking re-election to the office of county clerk for Cocke County. Butler has held the county clerk's position since 1994. "I have worked tirelessly in this position and I have brought many improvements to the clerk's office," said Butler. "It is so nice to hear the comments from citizens who come in and see all the improvements I, along with my staff, have made to this office."
She has worked for Cocke County for 38 years, including 32 years in the county clerk's Office. She worked an additional six years for the Cocke County Board of Education.
"The county clerk's office does 71 different functions, the latest that was added is the Amusement Ride Permits which I now issue," said Butler. "The largest function, of course, is motor vehicle registration and titles, issuance of titles and county legislative body minutes. The clerk's office collects county and state beer tax, issues marriage license, mobile home installer permits, notary public commissions, hotel motel tax, game and fish license and many other functions-much too numerous to list," she added. "I have collected and paid thousands of dollars in revenue to Cocke County in the past 12 years," said Butler.
Butler said she loves the demanding work in the clerk's office. "I have so much knowledge and experience in the operations of this office. I want to continue to improve and update the office so Cocke County can benefit as other counties do from improvements. I have fought tirelessly so that Cocke County will not be considered a second rate county, but will be looked at with respect," said Butler.
"I have made many positive changes in this office since 1994 and am continuing as the State is currently implementing the TRUST Computer Project in my office," said Butler. "This is the first stage and I want to continue to see this program through. As the other phases are implemented over the next few years, the benefits for citizens of Cocke County will be enormous," she added.
"I started the title program in my office in 1994. This allow the citizens to receive their titles, which I print in my office in 10 days or less instead of the three- to six-month time it takes to get them from the State. In the future with the TRUST program, you will be able to apply for your title and tags and take your title with you when you leave. We will also be able to image documents in the clerk's office and be able to retrieve them instead of waiting weeks to have them mailed from Nashville. I am so excited to see this program finally becoming a reality. I have worked along with many other clerks and the state to make sure it happens. I want very much to remain county clerk in order to continue seeing each phase of TRUST implemented," said Butler.
Butler expressed her interest in continuing work on the Organ Donor Donation program. "My employees and I have led Cocke County to continually be #1 in percentage of donations to the State for the past 12 years," said Butler. She added, "I have received lots of recognition and awards for our untiring efforts to help others. Each dollar donated goes directly to the Tennessee County Clerk's Organ Donor Awareness Foundation."
"It has always amazed me how Cocke County citizen have embraced this program and continue to do so. Cocke County has helped to save countless lives and made thousands aware of the need for organ donation," said Butler.
Continuation of the county clerk driver license program is another reason Butler wishes to remain the county clerk. "When I was working so hard to get the driver license program in the clerk's office, after Governor Bredesen closed the Cocke County Driver License Office, I was amazed at the interest it generated," said Butler. "I thought we would help a few hundred citizens yearly, but that has turned into thousands. Though January 2006, the clerk's office has issued 7,900 drivers licenses," she added. Butler said the citizens of Cocke County are pleased that her office offers the driver's license program. "This keeps revenue in Cocke County, provides jobs to Cocke Countians and helps the citizens by them not having to drive to another county and wait in line. I run the driver license program and obey all laws of the state strictly. This is one of my best accomplishments for the clerk's office," said Butler.
"I administer the River Rafting Program and have collected over a million dollars for the County in the last 12 years. I issue the permits, collect all the data and collect all the money. It is an enormous job, but one I understand fully and implement only according to law," said Butler.
"It would take too much space to write all the things the County Clerk is responsible for. I am very proud of the Cocke County Clerk's Office. My employees, Jan Brockwell, Chief Deputy Clerk, Charlene Johnson, Secretary, Deputy Clerks Nicole Wiley, Lydia Shelton, Janet Croxdale, Kim Hux, Shalee Benson, Carla Sexton and Driver License Clerks Lesley Kyker and Gary Hagerman, do a fantastic job for me and the citizens of Cocke County," said Butler. Butler has been active in several civic and professional organizations. In 2004, she was President of the Tennessee County Clerks Association after having served in three other executive positions. She was voted by the other County Clerks across the State as "County Clerk of the Year 2004." "This was a great honor for Cocke County and me," Butler said.
In 2005, Butler and four others were selected out of 95 County Clerks in Tennessee to appear in an Organ Donor Awareness television commercial. The spots were aired across Tennessee for eight months bringing recognition to Cocke County and to the issue of Organ Donor Awareness. Butler said, "I'm very proud of the work the clerks office does for this cause."
The clerk's office allows the Kiwanis Club to place a station for citizens to purchase nuts and bolts for their license plates. According to Butler, proceeds from this sale goes directly to the Kiwanis Club to help fund their civic projects.
Butler is also a member of Cocke County Republicans, Cocke County Republican Women, Order of Eastern Star #461, Cocke County Records Commission, a member of Tennessee State County Clerks Organ Donor Board, a County Officials of Tennessee board member and a member of West End Baptist Church.
Butler lives in the third civil district in Newport. She has a daughter, Cinci L. Loveday who is married to Randy Loveday, and two grandchildren, 6-year-old Logan MacKenzie Loveday, and 8-month-old Bryce McKinley Loveday. Butler is also the aunt of Toran Hedgepath, and Lesley Hedgepath Kyker, who is the wife of Mark Kyker. Butler's parents are Della McNabb and the late Connie McNabb of Newport. Butler was one of eight children, including brothers Jimmy McNabb, Jerry McNabb, the late Jeff McNabb, and sisters Judy Wiley, Jane Pullum, Jackye Hill and Jenny Gray. Her grandparents are the late Walter and Mary O'Dell Murr and the late Garney and Mary McNabb.
Butler attended Edgemont Elementary School, then graduated from Cocke County High school. Butler said she is the only Cocke County elected official who is designated as a certified Public Administrator through the University of Tennessee County Officials Training Program. She said, "I am recertified yearly. I feel it is very important for officials to receive training to stay updated on the ever-changing laws in the State."
Butler said she would appreciate the vote of all citizens so she can continue the great work going on in the clerk's office. "I have more experience in doing all the functions of this Office than anyone in Cocke County. I am continually updating my training to keep Cocke County Clerk's Office known as one of the best run in Tennessee," said Butler. She added "I also have tremendous knowledge of the Cocke County Government since I have worked for years with the County Legislative Body and maintained all their records. I am familiar with budgeting and all the things that must be done after budgets are approved by the County Legislative Body.
"My audits for the past 12 years have shown accurate and efficient performance in all areas of the Clerk's Office," said Butler.
In the 2002 election, Butler had an opponent for the office. "I was fortunate to win every voting district in Cocke County, which let me, and my staff know, that citizens and voters were pleased with the way business is conducted in the Clerk's Office," said Butler. "To put a person with no experience into this busy, demanding office would be devastating to the county. I pledge to continue to work hard as I always have for you," said Butler, adding "I would appreciate your vote and support in the May Republican Primary. I am always available in the clerk's office if you have any questions."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 1 Aug 2006.
NEWPORT- Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler has been elected as chairman of the Tennessee County Clerks Organ Donor Awareness Foundation (TCCODAF) for the fiscal year of July 2006 through June 2007.
Butler was elected to the position of chairman at a regular meeting of the TCCODAF Board of Directors, which was held in Nashville in June. Butler, who is currently serving her second term as a member of the TCCODAF Board of Directors, said her goal during this term as chairman, is to work harder to get other county clerks to step up and increase the donations in their counties." The Tennessee County Clerks throughout the state adopted the organ donor program in January of 1996 to increase awareness of the need for organs and to help save lives. "The "Help Renew Lives" program, which took effect January 1, 1996, gives motor vehicle registrants the opportunity to donate $1, when renewing their license plates through the county clerks' offices," said Butler. "The overall goal of donor awareness is to ultimately shorten the waiting time for a transplant recipient to receive a donor organ." Butler said the TCCODAF is a volunteer program, in which county clerks and their employees ask customers to donate to the program and 100 percent of all donations go directly to the foundation to be used to educate potential donors of the need for organ donation. "Cocke County has consistently been ranked number one in the State of Tennessee, according to percentage of donations based on population within the county," said Butler. "We are very proud of this accomplishment at the clerk's office and of our county's citizens, which support the program, so that we can continue to educate people about organ and tissue donation." Butler said citizens can become organ donors simply by signing the back of their driver's license in the designated area and then notifying their family members of their desire to be an organ donor. "I am really proud of the response of Cocke County to the organ donation campaign," said Butler. "Cocke Countians are trying to help others and are the most generous folks in Tennessee. Cocke County's citizens are the most giving and caring people in the state, according to the figures complied each year in the program. "We have a real opportunity to give hope to someone on the waiting list for an organ transplant," continued Butler. "We know that increasing donor awareness will save lives based on results in other states. As a community, we have seen the need for organ transplants among children and adults. We are all proud to do what we can to help this worthy project." Butler said a brief notation on the donor registration form lets registrants know that they have the option of paying an additional $1 to support organ donor awareness efforts in Tennessee and we continually stress the importance of that donation in helping to save lives. "When collecting that dollar, it causes no delay in the processing of registrations," said Butler. "The additional work required in our office does not make a significant impact on day-to-day operations, but does make an impact on the lives of the citizens of Cocke County and Tennessee. "I am extremely pleased with the generosity of Cocke Countians and am really pleased that my staff works so hard for this very worthwhile cause of saving lives," added Butler. "Since the Organ Donor Program was implemented in 1996, I and my staff have worked tirelessly to do our part to make this program successful. I have seen the results and have seen the lives that have been saved because people cared enough to donate. I am really proud that the Cocke County Clerks Office is number one in the state in percentage of collections. However, the real winners are the organ donor recipients." Butler has served in several Tennessee State County Clerk capacities including President of the Tennessee County Clerks Association in 2003-2004 and was named Tennessee County Clerk of the Year in 2004. Butler was elected Cocke County Clerk in 1994 and will begin her fourth term in September. Butler concluded by saying thank you to all of Cocke County for caring about their fellow citizens and for giving her the opportunity to serve this county as well as the state.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 6 Mar 2010.
Janice Butler seeks re-election as Cocke County Clerk
Janice A. Butler, Cocke County Clerk is announcing that she is seeking re-election to the Office of Cocke County Clerk.
Butler has served as Cocke County Clerk since 1994. She worked as a deputy clerk for several years before she became County Clerk.
Accomplishments in the Clerks Office during Butler's tenure are many. The Office has become fully automated. The Office has generated thousands of dollars in revenue by issuing Motor Vehicle Titles locally getting them to customers within ten days.
When the State closed the Driver License Office in Cocke County mandating that Cocke citizens had to travel to another county to replace or renew driver license Butler brought the driver license program to the Clerks Office. Since it opened the Clerk's Office has renewed or replaced 27,519 driver licenses. Revenue collected for Cocke County is $108,636.00. This money comes from the $4.00 local fee that became law in August of 2004. Cocke County citizens do not have to drive to another County Driver License station and wait for hours. All the fees remain in Cocke County.
When a problem arose with the Septic Tank program Butler agreed to accept Septic Tank Applications in the Clerks Office. Since that program began in February 2007, 892 applications have been accepted through the Clerks Office. Revenue generated for Cocke County for this program is $10,403.25.
Clerk Butler and her staff administer the rafting program for the County. 1,443,052 customers have floated the Pigeon River since 1995 generating over $2,444,188.00 for Cocke County. This is one of the largest functions in the Clerks Office. It requires a lot of knowledge and attention to detail.
The Clerks Office maintains the County Legislative Body minutes, all Beer Board work and minutes along with the largest function, which of course is Motor Vehicle. There are dozens of other functions the Clerks Office oversees daily.
One of my proudest accomplishments in my tenure as County Clerk is the success of the Tennessee County Clerks Organ Donor Awareness Foundation. Butler has served for years as chairman of this prestigious Foundation. She has led Cocke County to be Number One in the State out of all 95 Counties in percentage of donations. All the money collected goes to educate donors so that those in need will have help if they need it.
Butler has served in many official capacities in the State Tennessee County Clerks Association. She was voted by the other clerks in the State as County Clerk of the year in Tennessee in 2004.
Butler is a Cocke County Republican. She is a member of Order of Eastern Star #461 and a member of West End Baptist Church. Butler also serves as secretary for the Cocke County Records Commission. She also serves on the Board of the County Officials of Tennessee Association and serves on many State Clerk committees.
Butler lives in the third civil district in Cocke County. She has a daughter Cindi L. Loveday who is married to Randy Loveday, and two grandchildren 10 year old Logan MacKenzie Loveday, and 4 year old Bryce McKinley Loveday. Butler is also the special aunt of Toran Hedgepath, and Lesley Hedgepath. Butler's parents are Della McNabb and the late Connie McNabb of Newport. Butler is one of eight children, including brothers Jimmy McNabb, Jerry McNabb, the late Jeff McNabb, and sisters Judy Wiley, Jane Pullum, Jackye Hill and Jenny Gray. Her grandparents are the late Walter and Mary O'Dell Murr and the late Garney and Mary McNabb.
Butler attended Edgemont Elementary School, then graduated from Cocke County High school. Butler was the first Cocke County elected official who earned designation as a certified Public Administrator through the University of Tennessee County Officials Training Program. She said, "I am recertified yearly. I feel it is very important for officials to receive training to stay updated on the ever changing laws in the State."
"I have a wonderful staff who are well trained and very knowledgeable. We work hard every day to make sure we know all the State and federal laws and regulations and then we make sure we abide by them.
"My staff is Chief Deputy Clerk Jan Brockwell, Secretary and Deputy Clerk Charlene Johnson, Motor Vehicle Title and Hotel Motel Tax Clerk Lydia Shelton, Motor Vehicle Renewals, Driver License and Groundwater permit Clerk, Nicole Wiley, Motor Vehicle Deputy Clerks, Carla Nelson, Tracy Large, Dianne Bates, Rafting Clerk, Shalee Benson, Driver License, Groundwater Permits and Rafting Clerk, Lesley Hedgepath and Part-time Driver License and Groundwater Permits Clerk, Gary Hagerman.
"All the work I do cannot be done sitting behind my desk six days a week. I attend many, many meetings each month in East and Middle Tennessee to make sure Cocke County stays current on the ever-changing requirements.By doing that and with lots of credit for my great staff, the Cocke County Clerks Office has the reputation of being one of the best in Tennessee.
"I love being Cocke County Clerk. I have always loved to work and I thrive on paperwork and deadlines. Because of that I have been very successful in my work for the Citizens of Cocke County.
"The Clerks Office is open six days a week except for holidays for County employees. I manage the schedule in the Clerks Office without the taxpayers ever paying over-time. This saves a lot of money for the County.
"I would appreciate the vote of all citizens so I can continue the great work going on in the Clerk's Office. I have more experience in performing all the functions of this Office than anyone in Cocke County. I am continually updating my training to keep the Cocke County Clerk's office known as one of the best in Tennessee," said Butler.
"I also have tremendous knowledge of the Cocke County Government since I have worked for years with the County Legislative Body and maintained all their records. I am familiar with budgeting and all the things that must be done after budgets are approved by the County Legislative Body."
"My audits for the past 12 years have shown accurate and efficient performance in all areas of the Clerk's Office," said she added.
"To put a person with no experience into this busy, demanding office would be devastating to the people of Cocke County. I pledge to continue to work hard as I always have for you," said Butler, adding "I would appreciate your vote and support in the May Republican Primary. I am always available in the Clerk's Office if you have any questions."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 21 Oct 2010.
Butler receives Tennessee Outstanding Clerk Award for 2010
Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler, left, is shown with Polk County Clerk Angie Sanford, who is also president of the Tennessee Association of County Clerks.
Cocke County Clerk Janice Butler was presented theTennessee Outstanding County Clerk award for 2010 at the County OfficialsAssociation of Tennessee meeting in Chattanooga last week.
"I am truly overwhelmed. I was surprised and shocked when my name wascalled." It is the mostcoveted award a County Clerk can achieve.
The event, held at the Marriott Convention Center inChattanooga, ended three days of meetings for County Officials. "A highlight after my name wasannounced was looking out in the crowd and seeing my daughter, granddaughterand Staff who surprised me and drove to Chattanooga to support me.
For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 27 Sep 2013.
Butler won’t seek another term as County Clerk
JANICE BUTLER
NEWPORT—Janice Butler, Cocke County Clerk announced Friday that she will not seek another term as Cocke County Clerk.
“I’m making this announcement now so anyone who wants to seek this office can start planning,” said Butler in her announcement.
“Making the decision to leave was very difficult but now that I have, I feel a sense of peace and am so excited to retire and go into another exciting phase of my life. I love County government and I will stay involved in it in some way. No one influenced my decision to retire. I just decided it’s time to go home and enjoy the benefits of my years of hard work for Cocke County.”
"It's with regrets—I hate to see her leave," said Cocke County Mayor Vaughn Moore, upon learning of Butler's decision. "She has been a public servant for many years and has done an excellent job. But, with time, things get turned over to new people.
"I wish her the very best and look forward to working with whomever is elected to replace her."
“I was called by Dwight Bundy the school board member for the fourth district in the fall of 1967 and asked if I would take a job at Edgemont School as the Health and Attendance Aid. My daughter was 9 months old and my husband was in combat in Vietnam. I had worked during high school for my Aunt Mayme O’Dell Cobb at the Holley Shop and for Dub and Hazel Brockwell at Brocks Market but this would be my first 8 to 4 job. “After much thought I accepted the position and later moved up to Secretary at the school. I stayed with the school system until the summer of 1973. My brother Jimmy McNabb worked with County Chairman Emanuel Reed as Youth Probation Officer. McKinnie Sutton was the County Clerk. He asked Jimmy if he knew anyone who needed a job and I was suggested. I came in for an interview with McKinnie and the next day started work in the Clerk’s Office. I worked for McKinnie for 15 months and he then decided not to seek re-election. Don Boley a former Cocke County High School teacher and coach ran for election and of course won that election. He remained Clerk for 20 years. I served almost all of those as his Chief Deputy. When Don retired in 1994 I decided the time was right for me to seek the Office. I didn’t know much about politics or running for election but after qualifying learned rather quickly”.
“I won that first election and went on to easily win four more times. There have been so many of you in the County in the past weeks and months who have asked me to run again. I can’t tell you what that has meant to me. I feel with no doubt that I would have been re-elected to another term because of the supporters I have had and held for five terms. Because of that support I have gone back and forth on whether to run or not. I finally sat down on my front porch, watched the wildlife all around, felt the utter serenity and decided I wanted to do more of that. I want to spend more time with my beautiful daughter and grandchildren. I want to go to the beach. I want to be able to go on vacation, something I haven’t been able to do for years. This job is all consuming if you give it your all. I know I have given it my all and when I walk away Cocke County will be a better place because of my hard work.”
“I have been named County Clerk of the year in Tennessee and Outstanding County Clerk in Tennessee. To be chosen for both of those awards out of 95 Counties in the State is phenomenal. I have held all the state Tennessee Association of County Clerk offices. This has allowed me to always know what’s going on in the legislature that affects Cocke County and then I was able to fight for what was best for my County.
“I have always had great audits. I have taken care of all the money coming in and always stayed within my budget.”
“I started the title program in Cocke County,” added Butler. “Citizens now get their titles from the Clerk’s Office in less than 10 days.
“I took a giant leap and started issuing driver license renewals and replacements in 2004. At the end of my term my office will have issued over 50,000 licenses. I have collected close to $200,000.00 in Clerk fees that help to fund Cocke County from this one thing. This has kept 50,000 people from driving to Morristown, Sevierville or Greeneville. It has proven to be a much needed service for Cocke Countians.”
“I wrote the business plan in my office for the rafting program which is mandated by law that the Clerk must handle. That program alone since 1995 has brought more than three and a half million dollars in fees to Cocke County.
“I have also led Cocke County to be No. 1 in the state in percentage of collections for the Organ Donor Awareness Program. I have always loved the fact that we are No. 1 but the real reason I have had my staff work so hard on this is the number of people right here in Cocke County who are waiting for a transplant. We could possibly be the reason that person receives an organ transplant thus prolonging and enhancing their life. I would hope that the Clerk who follows me will carry on this program. It takes very little effort to help save lives.”
“There are many things that I have improved in the Clerk’s Office in the past 20years,” she added.
“I have been so fortunate to have had a great working relationship with all the county commissioners, all the county executives and mayors and other county officials who have been in office since I was elected in 1994. I have my favorites out of those but feel they all have offered good things to Cocke County. I appreciate their willingness to work with me, helping me then to provide great service to citizens of this County. I can truly say that I have loved this job, even through the hard times! I have always done it my way and always followed the laws of the State of Tennessee. It is not a job where you can allow unscrupulous people to try to get you to do things their way. I will take away wonderful memories. I wish I could untap the knowledge I have of this job and pass it on but unfortunately I will take it with me when I go.
“My staff has been wonderful. It is not an easy place to work but a good place to work. You must be dedicated to work here and all my employees are. They are all an asset to Cocke County. Any sadness I feel about leaving is the fact that I won’t be seeing them every day. They are my family. They will certainly be an asset to someone new coming in — they can do all the work.
“In closing I again want to thank my wonderful family who has stood by me and supported me through the past 20 years. I want to thank my wonderful staff for always being loyal to me and the Office and I leave them knowing that the next Clerk will have a knowledgeable and trained staff to work with.”
The Office will continue to run under Butler’s guidance and direction and according to law through Aug. 31, 2014.
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1948 - (~ 76 years)
(Age 98 years) 
