Youth vs. experience?

It sounds like a problem facing athletic coaches but this competition was played out at the polls Tuesday as Ohio voters chose to go with experience by reelecting State Representatives Clyde Evans (R-87th) and Todd Book (D-89th) for second terms.

Republican Clyde Evans, a 66-year-old retired educator from Gallia County, defeated Democratic challenger and Kitts Hill native Philip Roberts II. Evans received 31,455 votes to Roberts' 16,582 votes in the five county district. In Lawrence, Evans won with 7,149 to 5,287 for Roberts.

Democratic candidate Todd Book, a 36-year-old attorney from McDermott, defeated South Point resident and newcomer Richard S. Holt 32,698 votes to 16,401 votes in the district that includes Adams, Scioto and Lawrence counties. Book won Lawrence with 6,883 votes to 5,225 for Holt.

Both incumbents were pleased that the voters supported them for another two-year term so that they could finish some of what they started.

"I feel honored and thank the people of the 87th House District for expressing their confidence in me," Evans said. "I feel honored to speak for them and represent them for the next two years."

Book agreed that it was truly an honor, and one that he is ready to embrace for another term.

"I feel like this is a validation of what I have been doing. I am very grateful to get the support of Lawrence County," Book said. "… I am glad to see that the people of Lawrence County have seen that I represent them and try to represent their interests."

Both legislators agree that serious challenges await them in 126th General Assembly including a tight budget and unresolved education funding issues.

"I will work diligently to reduce the size of government, to balance the budget, implement tax reform and promote job growth," Evans said. "We must focus on an equitable educational system and try to prepare all our children for the 21st century world they will have to live in."

Book cited many of these same issues as he emphasized that he has positioned himself well for the future and to be able to do more for all of southern Ohio.

"My immediate focus will be on the budget," he said. "I will try to make sure the state of Ohio lives within its means and does not increase the burden on the middle class."