On Nov. 2, Ohio voters will be electing their representative to the Ohio House as well as state senators in all of Ohio’s odd numbered senate districts.

Before Election Day, it is not only important that Ohioans study the candidates’ positions on key state issues, but also understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a legislator to decide who would be the best person for the job.

Recently, I was asked by a reporter to describe the duties of a legislator, and I thought it would be good to share my answer with all of you.

Members of the General Assembly are required under Ohio’s Constitution to convene voting session on the first Monday of January in every odd numbered year, approve a balanced budget by June 30 of the first year of each session and pass laws governing a number of different issues from workers’ compensation to conservation and agriculture to education.

However, beyond their constitutional duties, each legislator has their own style of representation. I believe the primary job of a representative or senator is to listen to their constituents, study how policies impact their district and the state, and then make the best decision possible.

I work with my staff to answer e-mails, letters and telephone calls from residents of the 17th Senate District and develop legislation to address needs in our region and the entire state.

I also work closely with community and business leaders to bring and keep jobs and encourage economic growth in southern Ohio. In addition, I attend many community meetings and events, which range from celebrating an academic milestone to attending calling hours for our military and public safety fallen heroes.

While the final vote on a major bill, such as the state budget, is likely to garner most of the public’s attention, the effort that legislators must devote to sitting in committee hearings and interested party meetings to develop that final proposal takes much more time and energy.

I currently serve as chair of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee, which is responsible for helping to write the state budget bill every two years, as well as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senate Education Committee, Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, Senate Rules Committee, the state Controlling Board and the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.

The vast majority of the time a bill goes through at least three hearings in committee before coming up for a vote and sometimes they can receive 16 or 17 hearings. These hearings can be short or can last for many hours.

The job of a legislator can be demanding and time-consuming, but very rewarding.

I am proud and honored to represent the people of southern Ohio, and I will continue to do everything I can in the legislature to bring jobs and prosperity to our region.

John A. Carey is a member of the Ohio Senate and represents the 17th District. He can be reached at Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or by phone at (614) 466-8156.