It’s hard to believe that the 129th Ohio General Assembly is coming to a close. These past two years were some of the most exciting and fulfilling that I can remember, and I can’t help but think about what an honor it has been to be one of a small number of Ohioans to have served as a state representative.

I was blessed to represent the people of Ashtabula County and northern Trumbull County at the Statehouse, but I am also grateful for the many interactions and relationships I have built with people back here in the district. I have known many of you my entire life, and all of you welcomed me at your community events, meetings, and on your front porches. Thank you all so much for speaking with me, voicing your opinions, and keeping me accountable to the constituents I have been serving.

I’m proud of what the Ohio House of Representatives has accomplished during the past two years, and I’m pleased to see that Ohio’s economy is now bouncing back. The House passed 180 bills since January 2011, and I’m grateful that so many of the bills I sponsored or co-sponsored made their way into law. These include restoring school calamity days, strengthening Ohio’s wine industry, and making changes to how Ohio distributes the Military Medal of Distinction to the families of our fallen service members.

I firmly believe that some of Ohio’s best laws on the books originated with constituents, and all of the legislation that I introduced was driven by the people like you that I was representing. That’s why I have always been eager to visit with and assist you in whatever way I could.

There are many people who helped make my time in office successful. First and foremost are the people of Ashtabula and northern Trumbull counties. I’m also grateful to my family and friends for all of their support, as well as Speaker William Batchelder, who was instrumental in getting some of my important legislation passed by the House.

Jeff Anthony, my legislative aide, deserves the highest of praise for assisting me, keeping the office moving, and responding back to constituents in a timely manner. Many people in the district have been able to meet and work directly with Jeff, and they—like me—have nothing but good things to say about him and his work.

As I leave the Ohio House of Representatives, I do so with a renewed sense of optimism. Through the efforts of the 129th General Assembly, our state is making great strides and Ohioans’ lives are improving. There is more to do, but I was able to serve alongside some of the most active and knowledgeable legislators out there, and because of them I know that Ohio will be in good shape for years to come.

It continues to be a passion of mine to have more young people involved in the important decisions affecting our state. I strive to be an example of that and will continue to have my own involvement and serve the public in any way I can. Thank you all, again, for the opportunity to serve, and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future.