Candidate: Robert B Clemons

A desire to”make a difference” is what motivates people to seek public office. In my opinion it is an honorable undertaking. My name is Bob Clemons and it is my privilege and honor to announce my desire to serve as your representative from District 2 on the County Commission. I believe I have the necessary educational background and experience to make a vital contribution to our local county government. 

My wife, Wanda, and I live on a farm just outside of Trenton.  Our children graduated from Bell High School and Wanda has taught many of your children at Bell Elementary, Bell High School, and Trenton High School.

 I have a bachelor degree in accounting and recently, I retired from the Levy County School Board as the Director of Finance. The year I retired in 2016-17 we had an annual budget of $80 million and 850 employees.  Obviously, many people are involved in that system but my staff was largely responsible for maintaining the budget and insuring a healthy fund balance.

 Previously, I worked for the Auditor General Office and was involved in auditing our local School Boards, the University of Florida, local Community Colleges, as well as, the State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office.  With your help, I was elected to the Gilchrist County School Board in 2004 and became a state Certified School Board Member from 2008 to 2016. I did not seek reelection in 2016 but feel I have the skill set necessary to represent you well as a County Commissioner.

As a member of the Florida School Finance Officers Association and the Florida Educational Negotiators, I receive annual leadership training that provided me with an appreciation for the Florida Statutes as it governs much of our actions.  County Commissioners have a vital role in the establishment of policy, negotiating contracts, and casting vision for the future of our county government.

Like many of you, I continue to support and attend many of the events our children are involved in. That is what makes our community strong and provides a solid foundation the next generation can build upon.

My background in accounting, prior board experience, coupled with business insight, and suggestions from many of you, will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Gilchrist County.  It would be a privilege to serve as your representative on our County Commission.  If you have any questions or I may be of service to you, please call 352-538-7467 or email me at

Email: Bob Clemons

Sincerely, Bob Clemons