Congressman reflects as leaving office

BELLBROOK, Ohio (WDTN) - After 14 years in public service, Congressman Steve Austria is leaving office as the country's financial health remains uncertain.

"Part of me misses leaving Congress, especially leaving under these terms," the Republican Congressman told 2 NEWS.

Austria says his biggest regret is what he calls "out of control" spending.  He entered Congress representing Ohio's 7th district at the same time President Obama took office.

He said, "At some point Congress and the President are going to have to sit down together and understand that this isn't about Washington, this is about the American people."

Austria lost his district when the state legislature redrew the map. "To lose a member of Congress representing Wright Patterson Air Force Base is a difficult thing, said Austria.

Congressman Austria has made Wright-Patt his focus in the four years he's served in Washington. He created The Blue Ribbon Commission to support the base and help secure more competitive contracts to area businesses.

He reflects on the individual help to veterans and people in his district, talks to students, and response to letters.

"The teacher from Beavercreek whose son was over in Egypt during this chaos that occurred to be able to get that student and other students home safely and I can go on and on and on with the great work that's been done in this district by my office for the constituents," Austria shared.

However,  he knows he leaves behind unfinished business.

Austria told 2 NEWS, "The issues go on and on and it concerns me especially with the downsizing of two wars with Afghanistan. We're seeing all these young veterans now come home, young men and women serving in the military moving into the VA to ensure they have proper healthcare and treatment."

Austria promises to be an advocate of veterans no matter where he lands and he says he hasn't ruled out a run for office somewhere down the road.