Topeka ? A longtime Leavenworth County state representative will not seek re-election to his 42nd District seat.

In a telephone interview Monday morning, State Rep. Kenny Wilk said it was time to “let someone else” have a chance to serve.

“I’ve been thinking about it a long time,” Wilk said. “We’ve had a 16-year ride. There’ve been lots of ups and some disappointments, but I’m ready to turn the page. It’s been a great experience.”

Wilk first was elected to the House in 1992 and began serving in 1993.

In 2004, Wilk and State Sen. Nick Jordan pushed through the Legislature the Kansas Economic Growth Act. The legislation, which won bipartisan support, makes an estimated $500 million investment over a 10-year period to solidify Kansas as a major player in the biosciences industry.

The Washington, D.C.-based Biotechnology Industry Organization named Wilk its 2005 State Representative of the Year.