RIO GRANDE – Let the campaigning begin.

Sunday, July 08, 2001

RIO GRANDE – Let the campaigning begin. Clyde Evans, current University of Rio Grande vice president for student development, has announced he will run for the 94th District Ohio House of Representatives seat.

The office is currently held by John Carey, who will be unable to run a fifth time due to term limits.

Evans, a 63-year-old Rio Grande resident, said he has been involved in economic development for some time and feels that the legislature would be good way to continue this involvement.

A news release about his candidacy emphasized the importance Evans places on education and job opportunities. "As the 94th District Representative," he said. "I will never rest until ever citizen who wants one has a job that will provide his or her family with a decent living."

Evans stated that his work experience, particularly at the university, gave him an awareness of what is needed in public education. Equal education for all children, regardless of an urban or rural environment, and avoiding problem-causing "quick fixes" are among the educational priorities he described in the news release.

Evans said that, like Carey, he would be a full-time legislator, adding that it is "more than a full-time job."

Although Carey said he will remain neutral about the next election until after the primary, he said, "I’ve know Clyde for several years, and I think he would be a good candidate."

Evans’ civic involvement includes: president of the Gallia and Jackson Area chambers of commerce, O.O. McIntyre Park District and Rio Grande Village Council; member of Southeastern Ohio Regional Council, Meigs County’s Chester Court House Restoration, Gallia County Historical Society and Union College Alumni Association boards; assistant district governor of the Gallipolis Rotary Club; executive board member of the Community Improvement Corporation; chairman of the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce River Recreation Festival; and vice president of the Rio Grande College Faculty Association.

At the University of Rio Grande, Evans has held several administrative positions and a teaching position as an assistant professor of psychology.

Evans also was a teacher, coach, counselor and principal in Vinton and Gallia counties schools. Prior to that, he worked at the United States Sports Academy and was an account executive with Dean Witter Reynolds.

Evans received a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.A. from Eastern Kentucky University and a B.A. from Union College.

He married Racine native Rosemary Salser 40 years ago, and they have four children: Margaret Evans, an attorney in Gallipolis; Sarah Evans-Moore, a realtor in Gallipolis; Nancy Evans Seeberg, a public school teacher in Springfield; and Dylan Evans, a graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University.

The 94th District House seat represents parts of Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence and Meigs counties.