For the past eight years Todd Book has served the residents of Scioto, Adams and parts of Lawrence Counties as the 89th District State Representative. Book has to leave office due to term limits. One of the first things he says when reflecting about his time as state representative is that he was honored to have the opportunity.

"It's been the greatest honor of my life to be able to represent the people of Southern Ohio in Columbus. I've taken that responsibility very seriously and I think people realize that," Book said. "If I’ve said it a hundred times I’ve said it a million times, when ever I drive up the road (towards Columbus), I knew there were 120,000 people paying attention to what I was doing. I have always kept that in my mind and make decisions based on what I thought they wanted and what they thought would be best."

Book said being state representative has given him the opportunity to meet people in the community he would not have met otherwise. He said being a state representative has also allowed him to be helpful to people he could not have otherwise been helpful to.

"One of the things I will be most happy with and most proud of is, being respected on both sides of the (political) isle. I think both the republicans and democrats saw me as someone who was willing to work with both sides of the isle to get something done and accomplished for the area and the state," Book said.

Fourteenth District State Senator Tom Niehaus said he has enjoyed the opportunity to work with Book, "He is very well respect in Columbus by republicans and democrats alike. His interest has always been for the people of the 89th district. He has worked very hard over the past eight years and made significant contributions in Columbus."

Book said he has meet with State Representative-Elect Terry Johnson and offered the same advice he was offered before taking office, "When ever you go to vote, and if it's a tough vote you should based your decision based on four things. First you should vote your district; your first job is to represent the people. If you can not tell what your district want's you to do, then what does your head tell you to vote. If you still can't figure it out, what your heart tells you to do, lastly what does your party tell you to do," Book said. "I've tried to do that on every vote."

Book said after talking with Johnson he believes he will take his advice and use it during his time in Columbus.

During his time as state representative Book has served as the point person on developing legislation when it comes to animal care standards. Book was also instrumental when it came to drafting casino legislation, and how they will be regulated.

Book said he also gave Johnson further advice on trying to focus his attention on key issues as much as possible. "It's hard to believe eight years has already gone by. It's not been a perfect ride but I am satisfied with the way it went.

"If you go up there (Columbus) without some real focus on what you want to do, and what you want to accomplish you could get lost in the shuffle. I urged him (Johnson) to find those two or three issues that he really wanted to be the champion of and go up there (Columbus) and hit the ground running," Book said. "I think he (Johnson) has a good idea on what those are going to be."

When asked if he would do it again if given the opportunity Book said, "We will see what the future holds when it comes to politics. Right now my belly is full when it comes to politics. I would like some time to digest some of the things that have happened and go from there. I've enjoyed the time and I've been honored to be there for the people and I hope to continue to be a part of the community. Right now I am doing a lot of work with the civic forum and trying to make this a little better place to live when it comes to activities for the kids and people of the community," Book said.

For more information about Book and his accomplishments as state representative visit, www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&task=detail&district=89