HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — After serving decades in the Alabama Legislature, Sen. Tom Butler announced he does not intend to run for his seat in the Senate again in the next election.
“We are losing a servant leader, someone who really cares about the people,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon.
Butler’s colleagues gathered Tuesday, celebrating his legislative accomplishments, calling him a friend and mentor.
“This area is much better because of the service of Tom Butler,” said Sen. Arthur Orr.
Butler, 81, was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1982. He moved over to the state senate in 1994, where he has served for 23 years.
During that time, Butler said he is proud to have supported schools, road projects and the legislation that put defibrillators in Alabama schools, government buildings and volunteer fire departments.
“I had a cardiac arrest, and thankfully, the Madison Fire Department was right up the street,” Butler said. “They were the first ones I had given the AED or defibrillator to, and when I had a cardiac arrest, they showed up. They shocked me four times, got me to the hospital. I had open-heart surgery, and that story started to put AIDS or defibrillators statewide.”
With his retirement, Butler asked young people to take an interest in politics, saying he looks forward to supporting future lawmakers.
“We need new blood to come in to replace us as we retire,” Butler said. “Every candidate that comes up, I’ll take a strong look at, and ask how can I help this candidate?”
Butler said he intends to serve out the rest of his year and a half term, where he will focus on the state’s budget.
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