The Indiana House
of Representatives passed a resolution on Monday honoring State Rep. Scott
Pelath, D-Michigan City, on his retirement after 20 years of service, five
of them as House Democratic Leader. From that resolution: “That the Indiana
House of Representatives bids a fond farewell to Representative Scott Pelath.
Legislators and staff alike will miss him greatly, and his departure will
leave a void that will never be truly filled.”
“Leaving the House
was just as hard as joining it,” Pelath told his colleges from the floor on
Monday “I have been through countless tough debates, but somehow, listening
to such kind words from both sides of the aisle was the toughest. This
journey has never been about me, it has always been about the people I have
served.”
Pelath was first
elected in 1998, beginning a string of ten consecutive election victories
and three separate selections as House Democratic Leader.
“When I first
arrived, nothing belonged to me. The seat in the chamber belonged to the
people,” Pelath said. “I was merely the steward of it. It now will pass on
to a new temporary occupant, who I hope feels the same sense of gratitude
that I possess.”
The final day of
the 2018 legislative session is Wednesday, March 14. Pelath’s final two-year
term expires in November.