PHOTO: In a statement to WEIS 990, long-time State Representative Richard Lindsey (D - Centre) announced he won't be seeking re-election in 2018. (Alabama Legislature)
By Marc Summers (WEIS 990)
CENTRE, Ala. – State Rep. Richard Lindsey, (D - Centre) announced today that he will not seek re-election to the Alabama House of Representatives next year, after having served in the state Legislature since 1983. Lindsey has served the citizens of District 39, which includes Cherokee County, and parts of DeKalb, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties for 9 consecutive terms.
“I truly love serving the people of my district, and making this decision was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” said Rep. Lindsey. “I wrestled with this decision for months. I turned to God’s word for guidance and the third chapter of Ecclesiastes came to mind: ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven…’ These words helped me find peace with the decision that required divine guidance.”
Elected when he was only 27 years old, Rep. Lindsey is currently seventh in seniority in the Alabama Legislature, and has represented Cherokee County longer than any other representative in state history.
“Richard is leaving some really big shoes to fill,” said Rep. Craig Ford (Gadsden). “When you think of all the things Richard has done for education and creating jobs – not just in Cherokee County but for the entire state – you just can’t replace someone like that. We have been very fortunate to have Richard in the Legislature all these years. He’s certainly earned his right to retire, but I sure do hate it for the people of our area because, now more than ever, we need people of his integrity and caliber in the Legislature.”
During his tenure in office, Rep. Lindsey served for ten years as chairman of the Education Finance and Appropriations Committee, which was responsible for writing the education budget. He served for three terms as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and also served on several regional and national legislative committees.
Rep. Lindsey said he is most proud of what he helped accomplish for jobs, agriculture, education and economic development over his years in office.
