By Janie Southard
jsouthard@dailystandard.com State Rep. Derrick Seaver announced Thursday he will not seek a fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives 78th District, but he doesn't rule out another elected office at another time.
The 23-year-old public servant plans to get his undergraduate degree from Wright State University in January 2007 and has been accepted at the University of Virginia law school.
"Obviously, that puts me way out of my district," he joked via telephone interview this morning.
Citing the law program at Virginia as No. 2 in the country, he had been accepted there while still in high school.
"I was impressed with their program then and look forward to studying there," he said. Seaver of Minster launched his initial campaign for state office while still a senior in high school and became the youngest ever state representative in Ohio and the second youngest in the nation by only a few months.
For the present he will complete his term of office, about 15 months. He is serving his third term, which expires in 2006.
"I have always loved government and politics, and having served my district, I appreciate the opportunity to meet people with such diverse backgrounds both locally and in Columbus," Seaver said.
He and his wife, Leslie, have "every intention to return" to the area, he said. As to returning to politics, he said he wouldn't rule it out.
Wayne York, chairman of the Auglaize County Republican Party, told The Daily Standard this morning he considers Seaver a man of remarkable gifts.
"He is clearly on a par with other legislators regardless of age and experience. I expect to see more of him," York said.
Several local residents have been considering running for Seaver's seat in 2008, when he would have had to vacate due to term limits. "But I think many people have been caught flat footed with Derrick leaving early," York said.
Based on the many state and local offices attracting multiple candidates, York expects the same for the 78th district representative.
One already with his hat in the ring is Wes Farno, another Minster resident, who made his candidacy known at the Auglaize County Republican Women's Fall Rally in St. Marys on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old, who has worked for State Sen. Jim Jordan as a political consultant and recently served as campaign manager for former congressman Bob McEwen, this morning said he also loves politics and has had running for elected office in mind for many years. This would be his first run at an elected office.
"Contrary to popular belief, politics is a profession where there is opportunity to really make a difference in people's lives," he said, citing tax reductions and protecting the unborn. |
