Cynthia (Cindy) Holt has announced her candidacy for the office of Cocke County Trustee in the May 4 Republican Primary.

Holt is a lifelong Cocke County resident, having been born and reared in the Point Pleasant community.

She is the daughter of Willie Ann Fox Holt and the late Melvin Holt. She has two brothers, Donnie Holt, whose wife is the former Peggy Sane, and Jeff Holt, also known as "Smiley." Holt also has a foster sister Julie (Steve) McCampbell of New Market. She has three nieces, Deanna and Deirdre Holt and Alicia McCampbell.

Holt attended Centerview Elementary School for eight years, graduated from Cocke County High School, and attended Walters State Community College.

A member of Point Pleasant Baptist Church, Holt is also active in her community as a Committee Member for Cocke County Relay for Life 2010 and a member of Newport Chapter 461 Order of the Eastern Star. She has also served with several other organizations.

During the past 30 years, Holt has worked in three different county offices and with the legal firms of Myers & Myers and Myers & Bell, where she currently serves as legal assistant to Bill Myers and Vida Bell working extensively on property deeds, title certifications, and tax records. In doing so, she works on a daily basis with the Trustee's office.

Holt's first job was in the Cocke County Property Assessor's office where she was responsible for mapping property plats and assessing real and personal property.

Her next position was in the Cocke County Executive's (now Cocke County Mayor's) office. There she was involved in the budget process, payroll, payroll reports, tax and retirement reports, and accounts payable.

Holt then worked in the Cocke County Register of Deeds office where her duties included recording and maintaining records of property deeds, trust deeds, Uniform Commercial Codes documents, and all other publicly recorded legal documents.

Holt has worked closed with the Cocke County Trustee's office for almost 30 years. "I am familiar with the work of the office and have extensive knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities that are required to operate the office efficiently, honestly, and professionally," Holt says.

"I believe my work experience and training make me the most qualified candidate for the office, and I will greatly appreciate your vote and support," she adds.