RIO GRANDE — Pledging to create more jobs in southern Ohio, State Rep. Clyde Evans filed petitions for the 17th Ohio Senate District seat being vacated by John Carey.

“My highest priority in the Senate will be to create and protect Ohio jobs,” the Rio Grande native said. “And I am proud of my record of applying conservative Republican principles to business problems in my eight years as a state representative.”

“I have voted for lower taxes so there is more money for payroll and investments in our communities. I have cut through bureaucracy and red tape to help local businesses stay in business or expand.

“I have worked for real improvement in our schools so young people and adults alike can get the training and skills they need to get and keep a good job. I am also proud of my record on social issues that protect our families and communities and promote an enriched quality of life,” added Evans.

“I will continue to fight for the freedoms guaranteed by our constitutions, permitting every Ohioan to use his or her creativity and ingenuity to carve out a better life for their families and themselves.

Evans has been endorsed or supported in past campaigns by Ohio Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and key business leadership groups, and said he plans to ask for their endorsements again.

“I have sponsored 430 ‘open door’ meetings with constituents over my nearly eight years of legislative service,” Evans continued. “And I have gone door to door in most of the 17th District since last June, listening to the needs of people I hope to represent in the Senate.”

“Improving the Ohio economy will need every ounce of expertise and attention we can muster. The economic future of southern Ohio, and the entire state, depends on the leadership we elect this November. I will fight so that all of our families and communities can grow and prosper,” Evans said.

Evans has already been endorsed by the Jackson County Republican Party. As a state representative since 2003, Evans has represented Gallia, Jackson, Vinton and parts of Lawrence and Ross Counties.

He is married to his wife of 48 years, Rosemary and resides in Rio Grande.

A former provost at Rio Grande University, Evans also previously served as President of the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce, where he focused on area economic development and job growth.