What do you do when you’ve exhausted your stay? You move on to bigger things.

Friday, September 28, 2001

What do you do when you’ve exhausted your stay? You move on to bigger things.

That’s what State Representative John Carey is planning. Carey, a Republican from Wellston, told the Ironton Tribune Thursday he plans to run for the Ohio Senate in 2002. Carey represents Ohio’s 94th House District, which includes the Eastern portion of Lawrence County, but cannot run for that seat again due to term limitations. He has served four two-year terms, which began in 1994 when he won the seat from then-incumbent Mark Malone, a South Point Democrat.

Though not an official announcement, Carey says he has found a niche as a legislator and would like to continue his work at a higher level.

"I would love to continue to work for our part of the state," Carey said from his office in Columbus Thursday. "Having served as the Finance Committee chair, I have a working knowledge of the budget and I feel this knowledge gives me an advantage on what is needed in our part of the state."

If he does run for Senate and is successful in his bid, Carey will be serving a new territory due to redistricting. Every 10 years, Ohio redraws its state legislative boundaries based on the population changes reflected in the latest census. The Apportionment Board is expected to have a recommendation to Gov. Bob Taft and the General Assembly by Oct. 5.

Carey said the new Senate district will likely include all of Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties as well as Eastern Lawrence and Western Pickaway counties. He said Senator Doug White, an Adams County Republican who currently serves as the Senate’s Finance Committee chair, would likely represent Western Lawrence County.

Though being a Senator would be a new venture for Carey, he feels his experience as a State Representative – as well as working with Senators on various issues – would make for an easy transition to the new job.

"There are 99 members of the House and 33 Senators, so the physical workings of the two chambers are a little different," he said. "but the issues – education, jobs – will be the same."

Carey said if he does run for Senator and is elected, he will continue to conduct his grass-roots efforts, including his"Open Door" meetings he currently holds throughout his district.

Citizens for Carey held a fund-raising luncheon at noon today at the Park Avenue Senior Center. White was slated to be the featured guest speaker.