State Rep. Josh Mandel back in the House in Columbus

COLUMBUS -- State Rep. Josh Mandel, R-17, known as U.S. Marine Sgt. Josh Mandel for the last 10 months, spent his first day back in the Ohio House of Representatives Tuesday.

His first vote?

"I voted 'aye' on House Concurrent Resolution 34, a resolution that, in short, maintains the regulation of business insurance," Mandel said.

In all Tuesday, Mandel made three votes, on the resolution and on two pending bills.

The U.S. Marine reservist returned to Northeast Ohio just last Wednesday, after a nearly 10-month deployment to Iraq.

On Thursday and Friday he was back out in the district, meeting with residents, elected officials and supporters.

He spent four hours Sunday morning in Chagrin Falls Township at a "Welcome Home" party, where nearly 200 district residents stopped by to greet him.

Mandel, 30, a Marine intelligence specialist, served his first tour in Iraq in 2004, attached to a combat battalion in the Al Anbar region, which runs along the Syrian border.

In July, 2007, Mandel left for his second tour.

Mandel was elected to his first term as state representative in November, 2006, after serving on the Lyndhurst City Council.

Previously he served as the district director in the 14th District under then-state Rep. Jim Trakas.

Before that, Mandel worked for U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-14, of Bainbridge.

Mandel is on the Nov. 4 ballot for re-election to the House.

District 17 covers Bentleyville, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls, Chagrin Falls Township, Glenwillow, Hunting Valley, Independence, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights (part), Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Pepper Pike, Seven Hills, Solon, Valley View, and Walton Hills.