Last modified: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 12:54 AM EST 'Thank you, thank you, thank you' BY HEATHER SCHULTZ FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE When state Rep. Philip Travis entered the Statehouse as a legislator for the first time 24 years ago, he remembers being overcome by the beauty of the historic building, and the kindness and support of his colleagues. "On issues, of course, we kill one other, we battle - but that's democracy," the Rehoboth Democrat said. Travis, 66, will retire at midnight on Jan. 2 after 12 terms. His seat passes to a fellow Democrat, Steve D'Amico of Seekonk. To his constituents, Travis has two words, spoken firmly, sincerely and repeatedly. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," he said. Travis leaves office with the statewide celebrity - or notoriety - of being the sponsor of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. But his constituents and neighbors know him as a faithful advocate of their needs, a loving husband and father, an adjunct professor at Massasoit Community College in Canton, a supporter of the Boy Scouts and a "tribal friend" of the Wampanoag Nation. At the Statehouse, Travis has not been afraid to be contrary. He describes himself as a conservative Democrat. "I have no allegiance to leadership," he said. "I've gone nose to nose with them." One of those issues is gay marriage. "I do draw a line in the sand when it comes to marriage," Travis said, adding he is not against gay and lesbian couples. However, he sees marriage as defined as a union between one man and one woman. "I think it's very important to society to have that as a basis to society," he said. It's a battle Travis expressed a willingness to fight until his last moments in office. He may have that opportunity when legislators gather on Jan. 2, and have the opportunity to vote on several issues, including a citizen petition to put the question of gay marriage on a state ballot. Travis said he has no predictions for the outcome of the convention, only a hope. "I hope that the people do get the right to vote," he said. Among fellow legislators, Travis has a reputation for integrity. "I would describe him as a very hard working, very industrious, very committed to his work as a representative and to his constituents," said Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, who has known Travis since he took office. "He was always, always, always a gentleman, and always a professional." Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, echoed Poirier. He said Travis was one of the first legislators to welcome him to the Statehouse 12 years ago, and offer to work with him on issues that involved both of their communities. One of those issues was the route for the proposed Fall River/New Bedford commuter line. "Working with Phil has been a pleasure," Lepper said. "I'm sad to see him go because I really have a good personal relationship with him." Travis also earned the respect of his legislative aide. "His kindness and intelligence have inspired all of us," Joan Moscillo, who worked for Travis for more than seven years, said in an e-mail. "His retirement is truly a loss for his constituents." Travis' retirement marks the completion of 48 years of public service: 24 years as a state representative and a previous 24 years in various part-time positions from volunteer fireman in Swansea and Rehoboth to the Rehoboth School Committee and the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen. Before running for state office, Travis was a banker at the First Federal Savings Bank in Fall River, now known as Webster Bank. Travis still remembers his first election, standing on a street corner, campaigning with his father James, now deceased; his daughter, Amy; and his Dalmatian, Zachary. During his tenure on Beacon Hill, Travis endured many changes, including five governors and two recessions. His list of successes include several banking bills, such as legislation that allows seniors to take out reverse mortgages, and paving the way to allow banks to sell insurance. But Travis' voice warms with pride when he discusses legislation that more closely affects his constituents. He is pleased that area highway projects are almost complete. He is proud of his recent success at securing almost $500,000 for Rehoboth to rebuild two of its dams. "It's the one on one that brings the job closest to home," Travis said. For Travis, the direct work for constituents is "more personal and important" than crafting legislation. "There's never enough time to do the job that we want to," he said. Travis says legislators should spend more time in formal session, as they did more than a dozen years ago. The toughest period for Travis was in 1998, when he was accused of using his influence as chairman of the House Banking Committee to solicit contributions for the Wampanoag Tribe. The charges were dropped after investigation. Travis subsequently lost his chairmanship and had to pay a $1,500 fine to the Ethics Commission. During that time, Travis also lost both his twin and his younger brother to cancer. But Travis' constituents stuck by him, re-electing him twice, while the investigation continued. "That was very traumatic," Travis said, looking back at those years. Still, he said he has enjoyed every moment as state representative, despite some "crying, gnashing-of-teeth lows." Travis plans to stay busy in retirement. He will remain an adjunct professor of economics and government at Massasoit Community College. He and his wife of 44 years, Susan - who he describes as "the wind beneath my wings" - anticipate spending more time with their three children and five grandchildren, some of whom live on the West Coast. The couple has also taken up bird watching. "I'm looking forward to (retirement)," Travis said. But, for the past 24 years? Travis said he felt honored and proud. "I've had some terrific victories," he said.