Candidate for
State Representative; Ohio State General Assembly; District 67

Finishing his first term in office, Tom's political victories have earned him a well-deserved reputation for an aggressive, grass roots campaign style that attracts legions of volunteers.

Representative Raga is making his mark on Warren County and the community at large. As an emerging leader in the county and in Columbus, Tom was recognized by the Cincinnati Enquirer as one of its 21 to Watch for the next century. Leading the "Vision Warren County: Strengthening Our Families" initiative, Representative Raga chairs an effort to provide priorities and vision for the county's number one community need as identified by residents in the 2000 United Way sponsored Community Needs Assessment.

Six of Tom's bills have already passed through the House and three have been signed into law by the Governor. Tom's bills range in topic from government purchasing to prescription drug tracking. During the remainder of his term, Representative Raga expects to introduce bills addressing education, taxation, group homes and energy policy.

In the House of Representatives, Representative Raga serves on four standing committees:

• Finance and Appropriations - handles the operating and capital budget bills and all other bills seeking financial appropriations. Committee members control the "purse-strings" for Ohio.
• Rules and Reference - This powerful committee, chaired by the Speaker, controls the flow of legislation through the House by determining when and if bills make it to the House floor.
• Public Utilities - oversees all matters relating to Ohio's electric, telephone, gas and other public utility providers.
• Health & Family Services - responsible for bills relating to Ohio's health care, child and family services and MR/DD.

A native of Greater Cincinnati and a graduate of Moeller High School, Tom earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Tom currently works at PRS, Inc. a company that provides insurance products for environmental remediation.

Tom was first elected in 1997 as a Deerfield Township Trustee when he defeated a 19-year incumbent. He oversaw Warren County's fastest growing community and largest political entity. In 1999, the township saw $100 million in economic development and operated on a budget of over $20 million.

In addition, Tom is Vice Chairman of the Warren County Republican Party's Central Committee, has served as Chairman of the Young Republican Club; is a member of the Warren County Foundation's Development Committee and has been a representative to the Warren County Regional Planning Commission.

Tom and his wife Jean are proudest of their two children, Colleen, 10 and Rick, 4. Jean is a RealtorŪ, with Sibcy Cline's Northeast office.