Three-term Idaho state Sen. Jim Hammond of District 5 will not seek reelection in 2012.
"Serving the people of District 5 has been a privilege that I have greatly enjoyed," said Senator Hammond. "The time away from my family has been hard on all of us. I'm ready to come and stay home after this session."
Hammond has had a long record of public service, including as an educator and administrator in Idaho's public schools. He was a teacher from 1973 to 1977 and a principal from 1977 to 1996. He is also a former mayor and council member for the City of Post Falls. Before election to the Idaho Senate, Hammond served as vice president of the State Board of Education and as the first chairman of the State Charter School Commission.
Among his achievements while serving in the Idaho Senate, Hammond has been a leader in transportation issues. He successfully advocated funding for a significant and ongoing expansion of U.S. Highway 95 in North Idaho. He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.
He plans to continue to focus on transportation policy throughout this legislative session, sponsoring bills to ban texting while driving and setting a uniform speed limit for all vehicles. Both are key initiatives to improve safety on highways throughout Idaho. He will also work on his other passions, including education funding and policy issues.
Hammond is married with three children and will return to be with his family and continue his consulting work.