My Final Address

To the residents of Crittenden, St. Francis, Lee, Cross, and Phillips counties, for whom I've had the honor and privilege of serving both as a state representative and senator: I thank you.

Thank you for trusting me with the incredible responsibility I've held for the last 14 years. Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your shared commitment to making the Delta a better place for those who call it home – today and tomorrow.

My love and admiration for the historic hallways of our nation's most beautiful state Capitol began when I was just a boy, wandering the halls while my father worked. I saw first-hand the impact good government can have and what it can accomplish for our friends, neighbors, and communities.

There isn't a day I walk the Senate chambers that I don't think back and appreciate all those who came before me and what it means to be a member of this body. I first walked onto the floor of the Arkansas Senate when I was eight years old, and I had a sense of awe for this institution and its elected leaders. I still carry that sense of wonder for this institution to this day.

My father and his colleagues set an example that I determined at a young age that I would follow and set about a path to service. I hope that my work at the Capitol for the last 14 years has had some positive impact on the lives of the men and women who sent me there.

And while the work was always worthwhile, the path was not always easy. Over the last few years, we have seen Washington's nasty, nonsensical partisan politics creep into our Capitol. Your friendship and support have made all the effort to combat those threats to our citizens worthwhile. I hope that you will continue to throw your support behind the legislators who continue to fight the good fight to serve and protect our communities. The chambers of our General Assembly have seen many great men and women, and I have enjoyed working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make Arkansas a better place to live, work and learn.

Serving the citizens of our district has been a lifelong dream realized. And while my time in the General Assembly is coming to an end, my call to service never will. I will continue to be your neighbor, your friend, an advocate, and a resource to the citizens of the Delta. Again, I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to represent you these last few years, and I hope to continue to serve you in different capacities in this new chapter of life.

For the last time from the Capitol, it was always my great honor and sincere privilege to serve you as your state senator. This is Keith Ingram.