Today is the first day on the job for Jason Stephens as state representative for the 93rd district.

The county auditor for the past nine years, he announced his resignation this week when he was chosen to fill the seat vacated by Ryan Smith.

We are confident Stephens will be a strong leader in Columbus, based on his record in Lawrence County.

During his tenure as auditor, he oversaw upgrades to the office’s technology, particularly in the information available on its website.

He has always been accessible and transparent and has been proven as a capable public servant in office.

And, as the first Lawrence Countian to represent the district, which covers parts of four counties, in more than two decades, he will be a much-needed voice for our region in the legislature.

We congratulate Stephens on his new job, which he will serve for the reminder of Smith’s term and then be eligible for re-election.

And we look forward to what he will accomplish in the chamber as a likely force in state politics.