Ronald Matthews of Decatur, a retiree with 47 years of public service, is seeking election to the local government retiree position on the Alabama Retirement System board of control.

His candidacy is subject to a statewide mail ballot election among RSA retirees, the ballots for which were mailed out on June 1. Votes may be cast by postage prepaid regular ballot returns, the telephone or Internet.

Matthews previously served on the RSA Board of Control for two terms (2004-2009). He is a merit scholarship graduate of Auburn University and holds two Master’s Degrees from Alabama A&M University. He was also recipient of the 2007 Alabama Hall of Fame Golden Eagle Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Matthews said his experience working with the Alabama Legislature underscores his commitment to preserve Ala-bama’s retirement system and keep it strong for the benefit of retirees.

“I will work diligently to obtain approval for a cost of living raise for retirees and I will strongly oppose any tax on the monthly disbursals to retires,” he stated.