State Rep. Barry Mask , R-Wetumpka, announced today he is stepping down from his District 31 legislative seat effective September 30th. Mask was named CEO of the Alabama Association of Realtors in May, and insiders have speculated for some time that his resignation would come shortly after Labor Day.
‘’I am grateful to the citizens of District 31 and have enjoyed serving since my special election in 2006,” Mask said today. “I have tried to make a difference in the district. I will treasure the friendships forged during this time and I plan to still be active in our community, as I was before I was elected.”
During his two terms, Mask was named Legislator of the Year by the Economic Development Association of Alabama, Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Correctional Officers Association. He is Chairman of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee and Chairmen of the Legislative Building Authority. He also serves on the House Education Budget committee.
Mask previously worked for the Alabama Realtors Association as government affairs director from 1990-1995. He said the opportunity to return to the Realtors Association was unexpected.
“This opportunity was totally un-contemplated at the time and I asked for enough time to wrap up some projects in the district this summer,” said Mask. “I wish I could have finished my term, but the timing of this prevented that. Sometimes God opens doors for you in His own way. This was a difficult decision that my wife, Jill, and I prayed over, but at this point in my life and career we felt like this is where God is leading us. ‘’
Mask said the achievements he’s most proud of during his time in the legislature are bills he helped pass that had a positive impact on his local community.
“To me, the biggest part of being a legislator is spent trying to get things done locally,” he said. “I am especially proud of the work I have done in supporting our young people and schools, pushing for road funding and economic development projects in the district. I have tried to be a positive uniting force in our community. I have tried to help as many people as I could when they had a problem with any of our state agencies and intervene for them.”
Mask noted the fiscal problems the state has had in recent years, but said he believes the decisions made by Republicans since taking control of the legislature in 2010 have set Alabama on more solid financial footing.
“Financially in the past three years we have had to make some tough decisions due to the economy’s affect in reducing funding in both the Education Trust Fund and the General Fund, but I think the worst is behind us now.”
“I sincerely thank the voters of this district to allowing me the privilege of serving them,” Mask said in conclusion. “It has been an honor for which I will remain deeply grateful.”
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