Tuscarawas County, Ohio - (WJER) New Tuscarawas County Commissioner Al Landis says he is ready to take on some different challenges after serving eight years in the Ohio house.

The former 98th District state representative made the transition into his new role last week, and he says he brings some valuable experience from his time in Columbus.

“My last 13 months in the State House, I was appointed to the State of Ohio Controlling Board, so that was the check, double-check on budgetary issues when we were releasing money to the agencies,” he says. “I think that experience there will certainly help me do my job as a Tuscarawas County commissioner”

Landis says the position of county commissioner will allow him to continue his role as representative for the residents of Tuscarawas County.

“I’m a constituent-driven. Having been a representative in the district, I don’t see that changing. I still see myself as a representative,” he says. “I’m going to try to be out in public as much as I can be, whether it’s a grocery store or restaurant or gas station. I’d like to think that I’m still a very approachable person.”

Landis’ new responsibilities include continuing county fiscal responsibility and retaining and creating businesses in the area. He also wants to resume his work on another important cause.

“One of my passions is the addiction issue, and I’m going to be working with all the departments and especially with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff and [Job and] Family Services to see if there’s anything I can do to make sure we’re doing as many preventative efforts as we can,” he says.

Landis served four two-year terms as state representative. He is being replaced by former Uhrichsville law director Brett Hillyer. 

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