FRANKFORT, Ky. — Following what he said was “a long and difficult period of consideration,” state Representative Mike Cherry announced today that he will not seek another two-year term representing the fourth legislative district in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

“I have had the great honor and privilege of serving the citizens of Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston and part of McCracken counties for what will be seven terms, totaling 14 years,” said Cherry, a Democrat, of Princeton, Kentucky. “With that privilege came important and demanding responsibilities that from day one I devoted my full time and energy toward discharging.”

Cherry said he and his wife Gale, who is in public service as well as Princeton’s mayor, “feel this is the right time for me to step down. There is no single reason behind this hard decision but I will be almost 70 at the end of this term and I feel the job requires an energy and enthusiasm more often found in one younger. I will still look for, and hope to find, opportunities to be of service to my community and state.”

House Speaker Greg Stumbo praised Cherry after the announcement.

“Mike has been a great asset to our House Democratic caucus, especially when it comes to the day-to-day operation of state government and, as the General Assembly’s senior retired officer, any issue involving veterans or the military,” Stumbo said. “His expertise and the camaraderie he provided throughout the years will be deeply missed.”

State Rep. Jody Richards, who was House Speaker when Cherry became chairman of the influential House State Government Committee, called him “one of the most outstanding members of the Kentucky General Assembly. He made numerous contributions as chairman, perhaps most significantly through the passage of his House Bill 1 in 2008, which restructured our public retirement system and put it on firmer financial footing. Also of major significance was his leadership and perseverance in the passage of legislation to combat bullying in our public schools. While I would prefer he stay, I want to congratulate him on a job well done. No one fought harder for their district than he did.”

Cherry, a retired captain from the U.S. Navy, said he deeply appreciated working with so many constituents, colleagues and friends during his time as a legislator.

“When I leave the General Assembly next year, I hope to do so on what will be fair winds and following seas.”