Padgett and Aslanides file for legislative positions

December 23, 2003
Gannett News Service

One would like to be a senator and the other would like to have another two years as a state representative.

Joy Padgett, executive director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia, and state Rep. Jim Aslanides were at the Muskingum County Elections Office filing their intentions to run for the respective offices Monday.

Padgett, a lifelong resident of Coshocton, has served Gov. Bob Taft as the executive director for the Office of Appalachia for nearly five years. She wants to replace state Sen. Jim Carnes in District 20, which includes Athens, Coshocton, Guernsey, Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Washington counties.

Carnes will step down from his Senate seat, possibly as early as Dec. 31, to accept a post as deputy director at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Padgett is expected to be appointed to the position.

"The local needs of these counties are very specific in each and every county," Padgett said. "I believe that all my years in public service and teaching have provided me with the tools to assist the residents and I know where the resources are for them to help themselves."

She previously served four terms representing Muskingum and Coshocton counties in the Ohio House of Representatives. She was offered an appointment to the Senate about 10 years ago to replace Bob Ney, but declined, citing family obligations.

Aslanides, 43, is seeking his fourth term as state representative for the 94th District. He also is from Coshocton.

"I'm more excited about running this time then I was the first time," Aslanides said.

Aslanides is proud of the bills he has helped introduce and then watched become law.

"I'm very proud of how I've fought to defend small businesses in the area and the concealed carry weapon bill is now before the governor," Aslanides said.