Bobby Toler Jr. reflects on service as county clerk

The news came as a surprise to many.

On Nov. 30, 2012, Union County Clerk Bobby Toler Jr. announced that he was planning to resign.

Toler announced his resignation following a meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners which was held Friday, Nov. 30, in Jonesboro.

Toler submitted a letter to the commissioners which stated that he planned to resign as Union County clerk and recorder effective on Dec. 31, 2012.

"My decision to resign was finalized after long and careful consideration," Toler said.

"I regret leaving the county, my coworkers and friends. It has been a pleasure to work for Union County. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and made my job enjoyable."

The county board accepted Toler's resignation with great reluctance.

Toler cited concerns about the impact of the ongoing financial crisis in the State of Illinois as a key factor in his decision.

He served for 26 years as county clerk. He served the county for a total of 33 years – he began work in the county assessor's office.

Toler was last reelected to office in 2010 and was serving a four-year term in office at the time of his resignation.

He began work with the county in August of 1979. Toler was hired by Gene Plott, who was serving as Union County assessor at the time. Toler went on to be named as deputy assessor.

He was first elected as Union County clerk in November 1986. He was reelected every four years through 2010.

As county clerk, Toler had many responsibilities. He oversaw county elections. As he was wrapping up his service to the county, Toler was making sure that the results from the 2012 election were "final and official."

In his role as county clerk – and recorder –  Toler also:

•Worked to keep the county in compliance with state guidelines.

•Served as registrar for Union County. His office recorded births, deaths and marriages.

•Kept minutes at meetings of the Union County Board of Commissioners. His last official meeting was on Friday, Dec. 28.

•Oversaw the recording of county ordinances, resolutions, local tax levies, discharges of military personnel, payroll, liquor licenses and records pertaining to voters.

Toler also has been the county's representative on an insurance trust which also involves Pulaski County.

Over the years, Toler said he has experienced some key changes in how his office works. One of those changes involved the use of computer technology.

"We've continually updated our equipment," he said.

While there has been change, some things have remained steady. Toler said he was proud of the genealogy records which have been maintained by his office.

Records in the clerk's office date back to a time when the county existed, but the State of Illinois had not yet been admitted to the union.

He will continue to work in the county clerk's office as needed.

Toler said he will miss working with the people of Union County – and working with the members of his staff.

"They do an excellent job," he commented about his staff.

Union County Sheriff David Livesay praised Toler for his service.

"He's the heart and the lifeblood of what makes this operation work," the sheriff said. "If you need something, just call Bobby."

The county board has appointed Terry Bartruff as Toler's successor. Bartruff takes office on Jan. 21.

Vonda Benefield, a longtime employee of the county clerk's office, is serving as temporary county clerk until Bartruff takes office.