Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Williams Out Of Clerk's Race

After Dec. 31, 1998, a fixture at the Clark County Courthouse will no longer be there.

Billy C. Williams, Clark County Circuit Clerk, has changed his mind and will not seek reelection. Williams has held the office for 28 years, or since 1970.

Williams said there were several varied reasons in his making the decision not to run again, but his health was not one of them. He said there had been remarks made concerning the status of his health, but he was cleared by his family doctor and a specialist he sees for the race.

"A lot of people said my health wasn't good enough," he said. "But I had clearance from two doctors. They both said I could run if I wanted, my health was adequate."

Part of the reason he decided against running was all those other campaigns. He said it was like being a race horse, he was always running. "When the people of Clark County saw me, I was running (for office)."

Another reason for his decision was it is time to step aside, at least for now. Williams didn't close the door on further ventures in the realm of politics.

"I appreciate the hard work, diligence and acceptance of the people of Clark County," he said. "They were very good, and as a result I gave them the best service they'd ever received and are now getting.

"I was told that by people across the state. Professional people, attorneys, said this was the best kept records and best files for a court and record room. I've been told we're the No. 1 office in the state by appraisers."

Williams said people from across the nation have come to Clark County to research their ancestry and have left saying they were able to find things at his office they couldn't find anywhere else. "It took a lot of hard work," he said, "but I've got a very good bunch of workers."

Those who work in the clerk's office, he said, deserve most of the credit. He likened the circuit clerk's office to a military operation, saying the value of a general can be seen when he's gone and the troops continue with their jobs. The clerk's office, he said, is much the same. When he's not there, the work continues and people can find the information they need.

He said it's only been in recent years when the office has seen more than one person leave for another job, adding working with the public can be difficult.

"Considering everything," Williams said, "I announced my plans and had planned to run. I was sincere. I made stops and people volunteered to go door-to-door and help (with the campaign).

"But I had three opponents and wondered why. I don't mind having opponents," he continued, "but I think I was targeted. If they want it, that's the way it will be.

"I think I could've beaten all three without a runoff, but it would have been a lot of hard work and I've been there long enough."

However, Williams pointed out he's not an old man, just 53, still young enough for another career.

And, he said, there have been job offers tendered, along with thoughts of other opportunities.

Until Dec. 31, 1998, he said, he is the Clark County Circuit Clerk and these duties will take precedence. "That's the best I can say now."

When Williams was first elected, the clerk's pay was $5,000 annually. This, he said, has changed and as a result there are more quality people seeking office.

He said the clerk's office is audited three ways each year. First it is audited by the courts, then on a financial basis and finally by the Clark County Quorum Court on the basis of its annual budget.

"I always believed in submitting a budget based on what was needed for the office," he said. "I didn't pad (the budget) like others do."

The Circuit Clerk's office budget for extra help was trimmed, which caused more work to be placed on the four-person staff there. Williams said each of these workers got two weeks vacation each year and the work had to be done even without the additional help.

"I'm not complaining about it," he said. "I've enjoyed my stay in county government and hope to continue being of assistance.

"I think this is a great county and I've had the good fortune to be part of it."

When first elected in 1970, the district went all the way to Miller County, he said. There were three different judges to work with, and each one was different in their methods. Still, he said, all of the judges complimented him and the office for the way the records were kept and the job done.

"I'm looking forward to being in it again," Williams said of government. "Who knows. You never know, I may get in government again. The door's wide open and the opportunities are varied."