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(KSL News) -- A milestone today up on Utah's Capitol Hill, it was the last day of a ten-year legislative career for Representative Duane Bourdeaux, who is not running for reelection. He's long been the state's lone African-American lawmaker, representing a district in Salt Lake City.
Among his accomplishments are leading the effort to change Human Rights Day to Martin Luther King Day, hate crimes legislation, which looks likely to pass this year, and a variety of bills advocating for kids.
Rep. Duane Bourdeaux, (D) Salt Lake City: ""I do believe I've been able to bring something to the body, be able to educate my colleagues on sensitive issues. And I think diversity is key. All the different perspectives I've been able to bring to the body, I think increases the mindset and brings something people are not always familiar with. And I think that's something I've been able to do."
Rep. David Litvack, (D) Salt Lake City: "Having diversity represented up here is important and does send a very important message to the state about the changing demographics and that we make sure all voices are heard."
Rep. Ron Bigelow, (R) West Valley City: "For me he just brought that added perspective that we so much need, because having diverse points of view able to be eloquently expressed is critical."
Bourdeaux says he plans to spend more time with his family and on his businesses, Colors of Success, and Center for Family Development.