Text: May 3, 2012Dear Colleagues and Friends:To say I write this letter with a heavy heart is a real understatement. After 26 years as the State Representative for District 5A, I've decided to retire. I can't emphasize enough how humbled I am to have had the opportunity to serve my constituents for over 2 ½ decades. And I can't tell you how honored I've been to have served with so many good people during my tenure.But all good things come to an end and I've decided to move on. I must say that the changing atmosphere at the Capitol has helped expedite my decision. l recall a kinder and gentler time here when even the most conservative members of our body still believed government could do good things for our people. But times have changed and I haven't so it's time for a new direction.I have tried to be a good State Representative but I won't deny that I never forgot that I was the State Representative for District 5A. To that end I've tried to do what I could in order to make life better for the people of the Iron Range and Northeastern Minnesota. I've had quite the experience and I hope I did some good things, not only for the people who supported me for 26 years, but also for the thousands of Minnesotans who may have benefitted from some of the legislation that I have passed.I leave with a heavy heart on one hand; but I also leave with the hope that the legislators who remain, will come together to do good things for the people of Minnesota. In fact, I recall the advice a friend gave me as I went off to St Paul for my first term. He said, 'Tommy, ask yourself every day: 'what have I done for the people: and you'll do a good job." I tried every day to do the best I could "for the people". I thank my friend for his sound advice and I recommend that advice for all thosecontemplating public service.In ending, I want to thank my family, friends and constituents for their unwavering support. Thanks to my loyal staff for their counsel and friendship. Thanks to my colleagues, my lobbyist friends and staff here at the Capitol who helped me every step of the way. Also, thanks to the working people at the Capitol who clean our bathrooms, empty our trash cans, and cook our meals. Many of you have become my friends and I'll always cherish that. And a special thanks to the Union Movement for not only giving us the weekend, but for giving us the middle class.And so goodbye; and good luck to all of you in doing good things for the people of Minnesota.Remember that's why we're all here. Respectfully yours, Thomas Rukavina