Berry to retire

First District Congressman Marion Berry as he rode in the 2009 Piggott Fourth of July parade this past summer. Berry has announced his retirement, and will not run for re-election this fall. (Times file photo) [Click to enlarge]

One of Arkansas' most vocal and memorable political leaders is stepping down. First District Congressman Marion Berry announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2010.

For more than a decade, Berry, 67, has represented the interests of Arkansans in Washington. Now the congressman says it's time to come home.

"Since 1997, the people of the First Congressional District of Arkansas have entrusted me to serve them in Washington," Berry said in a press release issued Monday. "It has been an honor I have never taken for granted and for their support I will be eternally grateful. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is time for me to return home to Arkansas. The people deserve a representative who has the ability to rise to the numerous challenges that face our state and our nation. As a lifelong farmer, time has taken its toll on my health and I am no longer able to serve the district with the vitality I once possessed. Therefore, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2010. I am at perfect peace with this decision and look forward to returning to the farm and my home state of Arkansas."

Berry made his first major political impact in 1986 when he was appointed by then Governor Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, which he served until 1994. Berry was appointed by President Clinton to the White House Domestic Policy Council in 1993, serving until 1996. During that time, Berry also was named Special Assistant to the President for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance.

Berry returned to Arkansas in 1996 with the intention of running for the First Congressional seat, then being vacated by Blanche Lincoln, now a U.S. Senator.

While a member of Congress, Berry was very active, using his background as a pharmacist to co-found the Democrats' Prescription Drug Task Force and to add insight into examinations in health care. He was a member of the House-Senate committee which examined the Medicare prescription drug bill in 2003, voicing many complaints regarding policies then in place.

His background as a farmer and pharmacist gave him a unique perspective. He co-chaired caucuses for the House Affordable Medicine Task Force and the Congressional Soybean Caucus.

Berry also was a member of the Committee on Appropriations, serving in subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies.

Berry's work in Washington was felt in Northeast Arkansas, as he voiced many of the concerns existing in Clay County and the surrounding area. His work in agriculture and transportation are of particular note, due to the strong farming background of the region and the interest in improving roadways as a factor in bringing new jobs to the area.

Over the years, Berry has worked closely with many local leaders, forming not only strong working relationships, but also friendships. He regularly appeared at the Rector Labor Day and Piggott Fourth of July Picnics, updating residents on the tasks he currently was undertaking. Berry is well known for his sense of humor and "country boy" attitude, making him a popular speaker in the area.

Rector business leader Danny Ford offered his thoughts on Berry's announcement.

"He's the best friend we've ever had for our area in Washington," Ford said. "He's always been committed to our area and helping us any way he could. He did a lot for our area. He really enjoyed coming to Rector and would make visits here year-round if he was able. He's the hardest worker and one of the most committed people I've ever been around. We appreciate him. We're going to miss him."