Clovis Watson Jr., who had planned to retire in November 2010, informed TV20 he is retiring a year early.
Watson has been manager for seven years and after working for more than 30 years in Alachua. He tells TV20 he wants to serve the public in a larger capacity.

"I'm preparing for a bid for political office. I have no interest in running for local office. My goal is to reach the wider range of people and to address the needs of this great nation," Watson said.

Watson has not announced which office he is seeking. He plans on making a formal announcement in coming weeks. Assistant City Manager Traci Cain will take over on an interim basis beginning Nov. 1.