State Sen. John Carey, representative for the 17th District, was sworn in Monday in the Senate Chambers in Columbus and got right to work.

"I am excited about the new challenge," he said. "In the House, I was a senior member. Now, I am a freshman. The exciting part is starting out and working your way up."

Carey did not have much time to get acclimated as the Senate went straight to work. He spoke on the floor to close the nominations for President Pro Tem and other offices.

"Even though I served in the House, I was kind of anxious, especially to be speaking," he said. "I got that out of the way on the first day."

The Senate began discussing programs offered by the Veteran's Services Commission, a bill to level the playing field for rural schools regarding facilities and the state's budget, Carey said.

"We want to do the best job we can with the resources we have," he said. "I would like to be assigned to the finance committee and hope to be influential in the budget process."

Other committees Carey hopes to be a part of include the State and Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee. He could serve on as many as four and will be assigned within the next few weeks.

Because of his experience as a state representative, Carey is familiar with Lawrence and Gallia Counties, but now is excited about getting to know his new constituents.

The 17th district includes approximately 345,000 people in Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Pike, Ross, Vinton and part of Lawrence and Pickaway counties.

"With a new Senate district, I just want to start building relationships with the people I represent and do the best I can to represent this part of the state."

Carey said he wants to continue to be accessible and encourages anyone with a concern or viewpoint to contact him.

"I believe what makes me a good legislator is that I listen and try to implement the public's views into the policy."