The August election was the first time in 44 years that county residents did not see the familiar name of Dick Grayson on the ballot. Having served the county in various capacities, Grayson has become a well-known and respected figure around the county as well as the region as a whole. Following a one-year effort at the University of Tennessee, the young man switched to East Tennessee State University to be closer to home. For the first few years following his graduation Grayson tried various jobs including substitute teaching and working for insurance companies such as Equitable Insurance.