Sen. Shannon Jones said she is impressed with recent development in the city during a meet and greet Monday at Cincinnati State Middletown.

The Clearcreek Twp. Republican, who represents Ohios 7th Senate District, will now represent constituents in the citys 4th Ward and parts of the 2nd Ward because of redistricting.

Middletown really has a lot going on, she said, citing the East End development and the rejuvenation of this downtown area.

Jones is entering her seventh year working in Columbus, first taking office in the Ohio House in January 2007.

She was appointed to her Senate seat in August 2009 following the death of the late Sen. Bob Schuler, and subsequently elected in November 2010. The district had included Warren Countys portion of Middletown. She talked exclusively with The Middletown Journal during her visit Monday.

Q: Middletowns 4th and 2nd wards are rather different from the suburban communities youve represented in the past. How can you help these two areas of the city?

A: I think the biggest thing I can do it to just be present and to listen to people, rather than me dictate to them what their needs are. Im here today to listen to whats on peoples minds.

Q: What do you hope to learn about the community?

A: I hope to learn what the core institutions are in the community because that gives me a sense of what the community values are, as well as the key people who are active in the community. Once you sort of know what the landscape looks like, I just plan to be around and listen and learn.

Q: It appears Middletown and the region are becoming an educational hub in addition to being a health care hub. Is this good for the region?

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