By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Longtime State Rep. Howard Sanderford announced Monday that he won’t seek reelection, opting to retire after 33 years in the Alabama House of Representatives.
The Huntsville Republican, first elected in a special election in 1989, said he believes it is time to end his run of public service and allow others the opportunity to lead.
“Representing the citizens of Huntsville and Madison County for almost 33 years has been the honor of a lifetime, but my heart tells me this is the time to step aside and allow someone else to take the reins of leadership,” Sanderford said. “I will leave the Legislature with the knowledge that Alabama is a better place to live, work, and raise a family than it was when I first took office more than three decades ago.”
Inside Alabama Politics first reported in August that Sanderford was on the fence about seeking reelection. Two candidates, Republicans James Lomax and Frances Taylor, have announced they are seeking the House District 20 seat.
Sanderford chairs the House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee, often referred to as the Sunset Committee, which is charged with reviewing and renewing about 100 different occupational licensure boards and agencies that would expire, or “sunset,” if not renewed. Often a thankless job, Sanderford has used part of his time leading the Sunset Committee to seek occupational licensing reforms to lessen burdens on small businesses and workers.
Sanderford also chairs the Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement and each year leads a joint session of the Legislature to honor police officers who have shown exemplary courage in the line of duty.