HMlississippi House of Representatives ad é PIA COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: Tourism - Viee-Ch Agriculture Euucation Ethies Investigate State Offices Public Property Youth and Farily AMfaies 515 B.B. King Road Indianola, MS_38751 (Cell 662.207.3737 Home: 662.887 2628 sthomas@house.ms.gov REPRESENTATIVE SARA RICHARDSON THOMAS District 31 Sunflower, Bolivar, Washington and Humphreys Counties Honorable Philip Gunn, Speaker Mississippi House of Representatives Mississippi State Capitol P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1018 RE: Retirement Dear Mr. Speaker I write this letter with a great deal of mixed emotions and heartfelt memories of the past twenty-one years that | have been vested with the extraordinary honar of serving within the hallowed institution of the Mississippi Legislature. It has been an amazing journey of witnessing the advancement of this state by partaking in the process of formulating policies that have shaped the economic, education and political landscapes, as well as having impacted every facet of life and business. Please be advised, that itis my intention to retire from elective office 2s State Representative of House District 31, effective Saturday, June 30, 2018, know that | have enjoyed my years as a Legislator for the State of Mississippi, and | have the highest personal regard and respect for you Mr. Speaker, as well as my esteemed legislative colleagues and the entire Mississippi House of Representatives staff. There comes a time in the journey of life when you start making choices from a ifferont place. And ifa choice lines up so that is supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom and love, it’s the right choice. For me that time is now, and the choice is perfectly clear, that this mantle of public service, which | have endeavored to shoulder with utmost respect, integrity, accountability and sincere humility for those who elected ‘me to serve, must be passed down to the next generation of leaders who will continue to champion the cause of the state's eitizenry. It is to this end, that | tender my resignation without reservation or regret Epictetus once stated, “Our duties naturally emerge form such fundamental relations as our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, our state or nation. Make it your regular habit to consider your roles—parent, child, neighbor, citizen, leader—and the natural duties that arise from them. Once you know who you are and to whom you are linked, you will know what to do," As narrate this final chapter of my legislative career to its end, it remains my greatest hope for this august body that, in all future deliberations and negotiated agreements, the great people of this state remain the utmost priority and greatest beneficiaries of the limitless opportunities this state and ite public servants have to offer. Thank you for all you done for mein the past, and know that I shall always remember my days as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. very truly yours, Mississippi House of Representatives, District 31 New Capitol - Post Office Box 1018 - Jackson, MS 39215-1018 Email: sthomas@house.ms.gov