After 16 years in Columbus, John Carey doesn’t need a map or tour guide to find his way around the Statehouse.

He also knows what it takes to get things done in the Legislature, regardless of who is in power.

It is this experience and his extensive knowledge of the challenges facing the entire state of Ohio — and Lawrence County specifically — that make him the best choice for the Ohio House of Representative’s 87th District Seat.

Carey served four terms in the House before term limits forced him to take a break, running for the Senate, where he has stood for the past eight years, earning the reputation as one of the most intelligent legislators in Columbus.

And, perhaps most importantly, he is one who fights for rural Ohio and Appalachia in general.

Carey’s expertise will be crucial in the months to come as Ohio’s lawmakers try to find a way to fill a budget deficit that could top $8 billion once the one-time stimulus dollars dry up.

His credentials are strong, serving as chair of the Senate’s finance committee and earning a variety of awards for being a good steward of our tax dollars.

Carey has stood up against a variety of initiatives that simply don’t add up for Southern Ohio including Gov. Ted Strickland’s education funding “fix” that actually hurts some local districts and the “3C” passenger rail system that would spend millions on something that is less than critical.

Fred Deel, the Gallia County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for the position, has some strong ideas that could help the state, especially in the areas of agriculture.

However, Carey’s experience gives him a distinct edge that has earned him the right to at least two more years in Columbus.