State Rep. Clyde Evans, R-Rio Grande, has filed to run for a second term in the Ohio legislature.

Evans, whose 87th House District includes eastern sections of Lawrence and Ross counties and all of Jackson, Gallia and Vinton counties, said if he wins reelection, he wants to continue work on economic development.

"Jobs for our area will only come when we have created a strong business climate for Ohio.

We are competing with the world for every job and business," Evans said in announcing his reelection bid. "Communication and technical and many manufacturing jobs can go anywhere in the world in our new high technical and communication age.

Even though we are considered to be one of the most business-friendly states, we still have considerable work to do for our small businesses.

Evans said his support for eliminating the equipment and machinery tax should give Ohio a competitive advantage with global competition in developing manufacturing jobs for Ohioans.

Evans also expressed his commitment to education.

"I will continue to speak loudly in Columbus for jobs and greater educational opportunities for families in this part of the state," he said. "People want to live in this district, the most beautiful part of the state. They should not be forced to leave to make a decent living.

"I hope to spend this term working to modify school facilities funding and broaden the basis for student, teacher and school district evaluation."

In a prepared statement,

Evans said his proudest achievements are his work to direct more funds in the state education formula to poorer schools, his work to create a business climate that will encourage job creation, his support of Ohio's Best Rx prescription drug program that gives assistance to low-income seniors and his efforts to bring more funds to the 87th House District for township and county roads.

Evans serves on the Education, Finance and Appropriation, Agriculture, Natural Resource, Local Government and Veterans committees. He serves as the vice chairman of the Economic Development Committee and on the Transportation Sub Committee of the Finance Committee.

He also serves on the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

Evans and his wife, Rosemary, live in Rio Grande. They have four children, Margaret Evans, a municipal judge, Sarah Evans Moore, a realtor, Nancy Evans Seeberg, a

teacher; and Dylan, a deputy sheriff.

Evans holds a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master's of arts from Eastern Kentucky and a bachelor's of Arts from Union College.