I’ve chosen this day to announce my retirement, for as I get older, I find my birthday has become less and less a day of celebrations and more and more a day of reminders. This day, my 62nd birthday, is just such a day.As I have made the difficult decision whether or not to serve four more years, I have reminded myself of what are the most important things in my life. The answer is clear - my wife, my children, my grandkids, and my friends. I want to spend as much time with them as possible for the rest of my life - it’s as simple as that. This is a question of physics - one can’t be in two places at once. I can’t spend maximum time with those who are most important to me and serve in Juneau too.I’m also reminded of how much I miss being in small business and the future opportunities Alaska holds for entrepreneurs. After 28 years I thought I was tired of it; I was wrong. There are a number of opportunities I have the ability to pursue, but I can’t move forward and get back into business if I’m serving in the legislature.I’m reminded that even though we label ourselves as “part-time” legislators, if you do this job right, it is in many respects, a full-time job. When I was growing up my mother would say to me and my two brothers, “Look in the mirror - the mirror never lies.” I heard that saying through junior/senior high school and college and it didn’t mean much to me then; in fact it was a bother. But as I grew older, I came to understand more of what she was saying. And today, when I look in the mirror and ask myself, “Gary, can you do this job for the next four years with the same energy, passion, and dedication you gave it for the first four years?” and the answer comes back, “No,” then it’s time to retire and give way to another Fairbanksan to have this honor of representation.This is a terribly difficult decision; one of the most difficult of my life. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my service and have, from inside the Capitol, around Fairbanks, and across Alaska, worked with some of the best people in the world. I hate to leave them, but when I think back on my state service and those with whom I served, I will remember first my able assistant, Mrs. Sheila Peterson. Sheila is the epitome of the loyal public servant and there are many more who approach her dedication, commitment, work ethic, and vision. I’ve made friends for life through this job; it’s very difficult to leave them.

Some say today I will become a lame duck legislator. That suggestion reminds me of a lesson taught by my college basketball coach, Mr. Paul Valenti. Paul was a fiery Italian who could rip holes in your psyche that took days to heal. During games, when we were way ahead (or way behind), he would get us in a huddle and challenge us by saying, “Men, I want you to finish this thing up right, “Gosh Darn it” - finish it up right!” Coach Valenti’s voice still rings in my ears as I promise to this legislature, and to the good people of District E, that I will “finish it up right.” This institution and those hard working family people whom I represent deserve nothing less.

Today’s reminders of a wonderful journey yield to a heartfelt appreciation to my family, my employees, and the voters of Fairbanks for allowing me to serve. I have been honored by your trust, your confidence, and your support. Thank you.

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