Holland Does About Face On Retirement Talk

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The ever-quotable Rep. Steve Holland says he will remain in the Mississippi House, despite announcing to colleagues that he was planning to retire.

The Democrat from Plantersville says in a statement first given to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (http://bit.ly/295I4wW ) on Thursday that he has received “literally hundreds of pleas” from people wanting him to stay.

HOLLAND

Holland has been in the House 33 years. He surprised colleagues during a special session Wednesday by announcing he would resign at the close of business Thursday. Moments later, Holland told reporters he was only about 85 percent sure he’d leave.

The 60-year-old undertaker says he needed to spend more time on his funeral business in Tupelo.

He said Thursday he still wants to help “the least, last and most vulnerable amongst us.”

Late this afternoon Holland released the following statement
“Few decisions in my life have been as excruciating to make as retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives.  It’s been 33 fabulous years and I have been honest, straightforward and on the job both at the Capitol and here at home.  I have received literally hundreds of pleas from not only my constituents in Lee County but around the State begging me to remain for a duration. My business is very demanding and the juggling act to be a Thomas Jefferson legislator and a full time, hands on owner and operator of three funeral homes is a challenge.  However, there’s still work to do. My passion is still extraordinary and my love for the least, last and most vulnerable amongst us is a part of my spiritual mission and journey.   Today, I postpone my retirement and ask that you continue to pray for the wellbeing of our great State and its leaders and my continuing service as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatiaves.