Alaska State Legislature

News From The House Majority

Ken Freeman, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Rep. Terry Martin To Retire

Career Marks 20 Years of Legislative Service

For Immediate Release: May 30, 1997 Contact: Rep. Terry Martin (907) 258-8169

JUNEAU - Approaching his 20th year of public service in the Alaska State House of Representatives, Rep. Terry Martin announced Friday he will retire after serving out his current term in the 20th Legislature.

"I have finally reached a point in my life when I feel it is time to move on," said Rep. Martin. "I have spent much of my career in the Alaska Legislature and want to explore other aspects of my life."

"Terry unselfishly and tirelessly has given to our state - and we Alaskans are extremely grateful for his service and involvement," said House Speaker Gail Phillips.

A top priority of Representative Martin during his career in the Legislature was fighting against a state income tax. Martin helped repeal the income tax in 1980, and has been at the vanguard opposing it every year since.

He also worked to protect the integrity of the permanent fund, in particular, serving on the Commission on the Future of the Permanent Fund from 1991-92.

Martin said his number one priority while in the Legislature was promoting the right to life for unborn children. He said he there have been some successes in this endeavor but work still needs to be done.

Getting people off welfare has also been a major project for Representative Martin.

"The most effective way to decrease most of the State's social problems is through more employment in the private sector," Martin said.

Previous to his career in the Legislature, Rep. Martin spent 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served for ten years as Executive Director of the Boys' Club of Alaska, which he founded in 1966.

"Much of Terry's life has been dedicated to serving the citizens of Alaska," said Speaker Phillips. "We will truly miss him in the State Legislature but I am confident he will continue in his pursuits to make this state a better place for Alaska's families."

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