Rep. Alan Boothe, R-Pike, announced in June 2017 that he would not be seeking reelection. Thursday, he spent his last day in the House of Representatives, barring a special session.

“I’m pleased that people allowed me to serve in the Legislature over the years,” Boothe said. “As with anything else, it has had its ups and downs, but I’ve always tried to do the best I could for the people I represented. I believe whoever succeeds me will pick up and do a good job also.”

Boothe will have served in his role representing Pike and Dale Counties for 20 years once he ends his current term in office, but his service as an elected official stems back 40 years as he served terms as Pike County coroner and on the Troy City Council representing District 3.

“It’s a bittersweet moment but the time is right,” Boothe said. “There are other things I want to do, other interests I want to pursue and it’s time for someone else to take the helm. There’s a very bright future, I think, for Pike County and hopefully some of the thing we’ve done will help us to have a much brighter future.”

Boothe said he was pleased with his final session, noting that the budget was more manageable than it has been and pointing to the passage of a local bill authorizing a vote on Sunday alcohol sales for the Pike County Commission.

“We voted to give state employees and teachers a raise this year, we were able to pay the debt down some and fully fund the education budget,” Boothe said. “It was not a bad year for the budget for the first time in several years. State employees are getting a raise and retirees getting a stipend for their years of service.”

Wes Allen, probate judge, and Marcus Paramore, president of the Troy City Council, are running to fill Boothe’s seat in the House.

The primary race between the two candidates will be held on June 5. There is currently no other candidate that would challenge the winner of the primary.