BOUNTIFUL — After 16 years in the Utah State Legislature, Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, has decided not to seek another term.

She formally made that announcement Monday morning, She has served since July of 1994 when then-Gov. Leavitt appointed her to fill a vacant seat after winning the Republican primary election.

Her district covers a large part of Bountiful and Woods Cross. “I have always found my constituents to be well informed and helpful.

“Although it is impossible to represent all viewpoints, I have tried to listen to the concerns of others and reflect on the recommendations I have received.

“The South Davis area is the best community in the state in which to live. I have great confidence in those who will continue to represent this county, both in the Legislature and in local government,” Allen said.

“This area provides strong support for public and higher education, and is an area of strong support for what could fairly be labeled moderate policies, avoiding extremism,” she said.

Of her years in office, Allen said, “It’s not been easy. The hardest thing in my career was to file an ethics complaint. But it was the right thing to do.

“Following that, we had some discussions with (legislative) leadership about the ethics process that we have. As a result, we have an ethics initiative and lots of ethics legislation,” she said.

“Sometimes the Legislature is affected by what they try to stop,” Allen said. “I was an integral part of a more careful process of post conviction remedies, which the Attorney General was trying to push in an amendment. It was for a good purpose of not having so many appeals of those on death row. However, it was too broad. There is a much better solution this year.”

Some of her most interesting assignments have been “out of the limelight,” she said.

“I have been co-chair of the Utah International Trade Commission, and in organizing that commission we’re watching trade issues,” Allen explained.

“I’m on a national advisory committee to the U.S. Trade Representatives. It’s really significant to be giving advice representing the states. There are only two of us that do represent the states on that advisory committee.”

She has also been involved with the Constitutional Revision Commission. It studies and recommends changes deemed needed to the Utah Constitution.

“That’s a very careful, deliberative body,” Allen said.

“It’s one of the most challenging and delightful assignments I’ve had.”

Allen has long been involved in the community. In the late 1970s, she was elected to the Davis School Board. She has been involved in educational issues ever since, including as director of the Davis Education Foundation for many years.

“What a privilege it has been to serve Bountiful and Woods Cross. There are such good folks who really watch issues and really care.

“I have no definitive plans” following the finish of her term at the end of this year, Allen said.

“I want to continue to be involved, continue to give public service.”

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com