Union County clerk submits resignation

Union County Clerk Bobby Toler Jr. is planning to resign at the end of the year.

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

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

"This notice will give you an opportunity to  find a suitable replacement," Toler stated in his letter.

"My decision to resign was finalized after long and careful consideration," he continued.

"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.

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

The county board will name Toler's successor. Toler is a Democrat. Whoever is appointed to succeed him also must be a Democrat.

Toler was last reelected to office in 2010 and was serving a four-year term in office.