COLUMBUS—State Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) began his duties as State Representative for the 89th Ohio House District, which includes western Lawrence County, on Jan. 3.

Speaker of the House William Batchelder (R-Medina) has appointed Representative Johnson to serve on the following house committees: health and aging, transportation, and veterans’ affairs.

Johnson expressed satisfaction with these committee assignments citing that his particular skills are a good fit with them and that they also offer an opportunity to consider legislation directly relevant to Southern Ohio.

Johnson said he has “hit the ground running” and is working hard to effectively represent the district.

He stated that his priorities will remain exactly as stated during the campaign: economic recovery and job creation, the fight against prescription drug abuse, and education.

“I want the residents of the 89th District to know that we are open for business and eager to help them,” Johnson said.

He added that he is currently working with fellow legislators on several important initiatives and has already introduced legislation with State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union) to amend Ohio’s concealed carry laws making them simpler and more consistent with other states.

Johnson has also announced the selection of Lawrence County native, Lt. Col. (Retired) Scott Evans, as his legislative aide.

Johnson said this appointment indicates how seriously he takes his new office.

“No one else in the General Assembly has an aide comparable to Scott Evans,” Johnson said.

“The people who oversee staff hiring told me they had never seen a resume like his presented for an aide position. I doubt they ever will again. This is usually an entry-level job. I am grateful that Scott is willing to accept this position to support my efforts on behalf of the district. He will be there as long as I can keep him, specifically to help me draft legislation and provide effective constituent service.”

Evans, a distinguished combat veteran, led an entire battalion during a yearlong tour in Iraq, retiring from the military after a 27-year career. He is one of the most accomplished soldiers that Lawrence County has ever produced.

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners, with approval of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), recently dedicated State Route 373 as the “Lieutenant Colonel Scott D. Evans Highway” in his honor.

Evans currently holds five academic degrees, with three at the graduate level including an MBA. He will also graduate from Capital University Law School in May.

The two men have worked together for over 20 years, Johnson said.

For more information, contact Rep. Terry Johnson at (614) 466-2124.