A veteran Southeastern Ohio mayor has thrown his hat in the state political ring.

Thursday, January 03, 2002

A veteran Southeastern Ohio mayor has thrown his hat in the state political ring.

John T. "Tom" Evans, 60, has announced he will run for state representative of the 87th House District. The district, which replaces the 92nd District currently represented by John Carey, includes all of Gallia, Jackson and Vinton counties and the eastern parts of Lawrence and Ross counties. Carey will not be able to run for the seat due to term limitations.

Evans is no stranger to government as he has served as the mayor of Jackson since 1988. Prior to that, he served five terms as president of Jackson City Council and three terms as a councilman-at-large.

He is also a businessman, having owned J & T Coin-Op Vending and Amusement Co. since 1961. The business serves Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Ross and Vinton counties.

Evans also has been very active in his community, serving on numerous boards and being a member of several clubs and organizations. He is a current member and past president of the Jackson Jaycees, Jackson Rotary Club and the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce; a current member of the Loyal Order of Moose; vice chairman and trustee of Oak Hill Hospital; trustee and treasurer of Peniel Cemetery Association; member of the Jackson County Community Improvement Board; trustee and member of the Ohio Mayor’s Association; member of the Mayor’s Partnership for Progress; a board member of the Ohio Municipal League; member of the State & Local Government Commission; member of the Ohio Municipal Electric Association’s board of directors; member of the Jackson County Township Trustee’s Association; board member of Southeastern Ohio Regional Council; treasurer and member of Jackson City Community Improvement Corporation; and vice chairman and member of Jackson County Community Improvement Corporation.

He also is a past trustee of both the Jackson County Red Cross and the University of Rio Grande.

An avid trap shooter, he is a life member of the National Rifle Association, the Amateur Trapshooting Association and the Ohio Gun Collectors.

Evans and his wife, June, reside in Jackson. They are the parents of two daughters, Sherri Lynne Evans-James and Lisa Lynne Evans-Saloom. They have four grandsons.