By Steve Kemme
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LIBERTY TWP. - Township Trustee Christine Matacic has set her sights on a seat in the Ohio State House of Representatives.

She announced Wednesday that she has taken out petitions to be the Republican candidate for the seat of Rep. Gary Cates, of West Chester.

Cates must leave the House next year because of term limits. He is interested in pursuing the Ohio Senate seat of Scott Nein of Middletown. Term limits also prevent Nein from seeking re-election.

Matacic, 51, has been a Liberty Township trustee for a year and a half. She has lived in the community for 22 years and has served as a volunteer in township activities.

She said she decided to run for the House seat after receiving encouragement from family and friends.

"There are always things you feel you can do at another level," Matacic said. "I feel I can be very diligent in looking at the state budget and school issues."

E-mail skemme@enquirer.com