State Rep. Mickey Channell to retire due to health issues

State Rep. Mickey Channell, a Greensboro Republican representing District 120, announced on Friday his retirement after 22 years in the state legislature. Channell is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the rules, transportation, and health and human services committees. He will retire on January 15, 2015.

Before running for the Georgia General Assembly, Channell served for eight years as the Greene County commissioner and 12 years on the Greene County Board of Education.  He's also served as Chairman of the Georgia Nonpublic Post Secondary Education Commission and as President of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. He is the fourth generation resident of Greene County.

"This decision was not taken lightly, but one that was decided on due to health issues, Channell said in a press release Friday. ”I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of my district and for the trust they have put in me to represent them over the years. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be your representative. I am sincerely grateful to my family, friends, and supporters that have encouraged and allowed me to do something that I love for the last 42 years.

”I am also thankful for my colleagues and staff that have worked alongside me to accomplish great things for the people of Georgia. I have been truly blessed."

Channell started a real estate holding company Channell Enterprises in 1960's. He's a member of the First United Methodist Church of Greensboro.  He's been married to wife Carolyn for over 40 years and together they have four grown children and nine grandchildren.

He considers PeachCare for Kids one of his greatest accomplishments as a state representative. PeachCare is a health care program for Georgia children of low income families. The care is either free or very low cost for qualified kids.

The special election to fill Channell's seat should be announced by Georgia Goveor Nathan Deal very soon because it has to take place before March 16th, according to state regulations.