ATLANTA --- The 2008 Georgia General Assembly has ended, and so has the long career of a veteran lawmaker.
Rep. Jimmy Lord, D-Sandersville, has retired from the state House of Representatives after 32 years to enjoy the low-profile life of the average Georgian.
Mr. Lord will not seek re-election with his many Senate and House peers in the fall of 2008; 32 years is enough, he said. Campaigning was his least favorite part of being a representative, anyway.
"I like the job, but I don't especially like politicking for it," said Mr. Lord. "You don't want to be a nuisance," he said.
Other than that, though, Mr. Lord got a lot out of his time at the Capitol.
"Yes sir, it's been a very rewarding 32 years," Mr. Lord said. His desire in running was to make District 142 a better place to live and raise a family, and over the years he has fulfilled that desire, he said.
He's proud of the things such as schools and road-construction money that he helped bring to his district. What Mr. Lord liked the most, though, was constituent service; many people in his district have called for help over the years, and Mr. Lord didn't mind giving it.
"I enjoy communicating with people, because I love people. I can honestly say that I love people," said Lord.
Rep. Tom Knox, R-Cumming, was always impressed by Mr. Lord's ability to steer clear of partisan frays, and his willingness to listen to many views on issues.
Now that Mr. Knox has served as the chairman of the House Insurance Committee -- which Mr. Lord once chaired -- he can appreciate how much hard work Mr. Lord put into the job. Mr. Knox said he respects Mr. Lord for keeping up his efforts as a representative even through personal crises, including the sudden death of his wife, Fronie, several years ago.
"We're not likely to see one like him in a good while," said Mr. Knox.
Among the things Sen. J. B. Powell, D-Blythe, will miss about Mr. Lord are his advice and his knowledge of the Legislature since his district and Mr. Lord's overlap.
"But most of all, I'm going to miss his friendship," said Mr. Powell, who added that he doesn't know how his friend's district will ever find anyone to fill his shoes.
Mr. Lord didn't take his farewell address to the House too seriously. On his final day, his colleagues waited patiently as he took his time walking to the podium. When he finally reached the microphone, Mr. Lord simply said "bye" and stepped away. His last speech was a hit.
Now that his life in politics has ended, Mr. Lord looks forward to remarrying in May and doing some exploring in his RV. He also plans to spend time in his Sandersville insurance business, his other career.
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