HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The state legislature has seen lawyers and insurance salesmen dominate the halls of the House and Senate, and now the Statehouse is about to see its first psychotherapist.

Roland Winburn worked as a psychotherapist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton before branching out into other business ventures.

Winburn will take his seat in the Ohio House in January, representing the 40th District, made up of Trotwood, Harrison Township and parts of Dayton, Riverside and Huber Heights.

He will be replacing fellow Democrat Fred Strahorn who faced term limits.

Winburn, who also has experience as a small business owner and nonprofit development director, said his background will help him at the Statehouse to be a good listener and problem solver.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Winburn said he also has experience dealing with contracts and that will help in the budgeting process.

“It gives me a pretty decent handle on budgeting and the things you have to consider, especially in the climate we are in right now. You have to balance that income coming in and how you are going to make the expenditures,” Winburn said.

As a Dayton native, Winburn said he knows the district well and now has the time to commit to the job of state representative.

Winburn said he has an interest in education, business development and alternative energy. He hopes to pursue those interests in committee work at the Statehouse.

He is anxious to see Gov. Ted Strickland’s education initiative, which is expected to be unveiled in early 2009.