Burns
JUNEAU, Alaska (Legal Newsline) - Alaska Attorney General John J. Burns has stepped down, according to Gov. Sean Parnell's office.
In a release Friday, Parnell said he accepted Burns' resignation. Burns has served as attorney general since December 2010.
In his resignation letter to Parnell, the longtime Fairbanks attorney said he wants to spend more time with his family.
"It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as Attorney General. I have been privileged and honored to serve you and the State of Alaska during this past year. My resignation is based solely on personal reasons," Burns said.
"Although I have come to realize that it is possible to live out of a suitcase, doing so is neither fair to family nor particularly conducive to one's health. Family and balance in one's life should always be one's first priority and everything else secondary."
Parnell described Burns as a "capable leader" and "true public servant."
"It is with reluctance that I accept General Burns' resignation," Parnell said.
"I appreciate his efforts over the past year at the Department of Law, where he has led with dedication, professionalism, integrity and a commitment to the best interests of Alaska. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
According to the Governor's Office, Burns' resignation is effective Jan. 2.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.