Another candidate threw his hat into the political ring this week.

Alvis "Butch" Armstrong of Tarboro filed Tuesday for Edgecombe County Register of Deeds. This is the first time he has run for political office.

Incumbent Robin Carpenter, who was appointed to the job in January 2007, is facing challenges from Armstrong and the Rev. Roy Gray, both of Tarboro.

The job pays $ $46,637 per year.

Armstrong said he has 30 years of management experience.

"I started out in real estate," he said. "then I moved to retail."

He was finance manager at Great Southern Finance some years ago when the office was on Saint James Street.

"I wouldn't be in the race if I didn't feel I could make a contribution," Armstrong said. "I have told people I was running since last summer. I have been in management for a while, and Register of Deeds is one of the offices I looked into. I am a good organizer, good leader, good work ethics and I feel I can make a contribution."

Armstrong, 58, has been married to wife, Florence, for 28 years. They have one grown son.

Florence Armstrong, who was on the county Board of Education at the time, sought the Register of Deeds job when Carpenter was appointed. She is a former county commissioner.

Armstrong is minister of music at Twilight Baptist Church in Weldon and past minister of music at White Oak Baptist Church in Enfield. He said he plays piano, organ, drums, trumpet, bass and baritone.

Although all incumbents have filed, officials at the Edgecombe County Board of Elections said they still receive telephone calls from those who say they are interested in getting on the ballot.

Filing continues until noon, Friday, Feb. 29. The Primary Election is May 6 with a runoff on June 24 if necessary. The General Election is Nov. 4.