COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Terry Blair, R-Washington Township, entered the Statehouse this year with a background in both business and government, anxious to put it to use in Columbus.

He manages a local company, Buckeye Pools, and served for many years as a Washington Township trustee.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Blair said he hopes to let his experience and common sense guide him through the murky political waters of the state legislature.

“I have always considered government to be the people’s business and it should be run like a business,” Blair aid.

He added some aspects of government cannot be run like most businesses.

“But for the most part, being charged with the responsibility of managing people’s tax money and setting priorities for how it is spent is pretty much a business type decision and looks for common sense,” Blair said.

Many first time lawmakers are often overwhelmed with the complexity of state government.

Blair said he is still on the learning curve, adjusting to new responsibilities compared to those of a township trustee.

“I am going to have to learn a whole new set of rules,” Blair said. “This is a different environment which I am going to have to get use to.”

Blair and his wife have four grown children and seven grandchildren.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com