BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ (CBS) – Longtime Burlington County State Assemblyman Joseph Malone has announced he won’t seek re-election in the fall, ending, for now, a 38 year career in public service, almost half of that in Trenton.

Malone’s actually been mulling this decision over for a year and a half. After serving in a number of positions in Burlington County, most notably Bordentown Mayor and Assemblyman, the first hint came this year, when he stepped down as top Republican on the budget committee.

“This is more about me and wanting to realize what it’s like to be an adult who’s not in elected office,” Malone says.

At 61, Malone says he’ll remain active in the community and suggests that, maybe after a year or two, he may decide to re-enter the political arena.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if I make a decision sometime in the next few years to run for office for another position.”

He won’t try to influence county Republican leaders in the search for his replacement on the November ballot.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060