After almost three decades serving in the Mississippi Legislature Sen. Terry Burton of Newton announced that he is resigning his position as president pro temp and will not seek reelection this fall.
The announcement came just minutes after the 2019 legislative session was called to order and on the heels of his December DUI arrest in Oktibbeha County. Burton was elected in 1992 and has served the citizens of Scott, Newton and Lauderdale Counties during his legislative rise to president pro temp the second most powerful position in the Mississippi Legislature.
“I worked in Forest for many years at WQST radio station and during that time I really got to know the people in Scott County and especially Forest and Morton,” Burton said. “Scott County really became my second home and it has meant so much to me to have the honor of serving the people of this area.”
Throughout his tenure in the legislature Burton worked hard to keep business growth in Scott County a top priority. “I have always done everything in my power to work with companies to bring more jobs and prosperity to the wonderful workers in Scott County,” said Burton. “The growth and expansion of Raytheon has been significant difference maker in the county and I’m so pleased how we have been able to work together to keep Raytheon expanding and creating jobs.”
Burton said that in addition to representing the people of Scott County he has also had wonderful working relationships with elected officials representing the same citizens. “Working with Tom Miles and Dick Livingston prior to that was a great experience,” he said. “It has not been about party when working with the representatives from this district, it was always about working together for the people of Scott County.”
Representative Miles said that Burton was a great mentor to him and began helping him the first day in the legislature as a freshman Representative. “Senator Burton has been tremendously valuable to me and really took the time to mentor me,” Miles said. “On my first day he called me to his office and told me he was returning the favor to Scott County and proceeded to give me his list of contacts and instructions that have been invaluable to me as a legislator.”
Miles said that the people have been very fortunate to have a senator that has been so loyal to Scott County throughout the years.
Burton said that his resignation is something that he and his wife have been discussing for some time. He said that while his latest legal issues are a factor in his resignation as president pro temp and the timing of his announcement not to seek reelection after this term it was not the determining factor.
“The next chapter of my life is still being discussed and will be written at a later date,” Burton said. “After many discussions with my wife and family this is the right time for me and this was the right time to make the announcement that I will not be seeking reelection.”
“Being a public servant has been my greatest honor,” said Burton. “It has been an absolute honor to serve the people of Scott, Newton and Lauderdale Counties.”
