Community says goodbye to Mayor Graham, welcomes Mayor-Elect Amick to office

Harmony Richey | Staff Writer

A newly elected change is coming to Scottsburg. Mayor Bill Graham has been defeated by City Council President Terry Amick in the local mayoral election. Graham has served as Scottsburg’s mayor for more than 30 years.

Graham first took office in 1988 and has held the position of Scottsburg’s mayor since. Since winning his first election, Graham has continued to bring major projects and contributions to Scottsburg and its citizens.

“Bringing industries in and putting our people back to work is one of the proudest moments,” Graham said.

Mid-America Science Park is one of the many accomplishments Graham has conceived and produced. The science park also happens to be his favorite. Additionally, it is one of the most comprehensive, advanced science parks in the country, he said.

The goal of Mid-America Science Park is to provide a professional, adequate building for job training and educational purposes. There are three centers included in the park that are convenient for specified purposes. The various options are business incubation and acceleration center, training and workforce development center and the worldwide communications and conference center. It has progressed greatly and is now an international resource center for local services and their employees.

Graham explained that he believes Mid-America Science Park is one of the biggest positive impacts within our community due to the broad opportunities given to its users by the park.

“It’s a catalyst for economic development, workforce training, education and quality of life. Mid-America Science Park has a positive impact on our community like nothing else can, and it represents a bright future for the next generation,” Graham said.

New Tech, which was designed for a new education system, has extended Scottsburg High School. It provides a unique opportunity for students to experience project-based learning.

The walking trail located in Scottsburg has also been an advancement for Scott County. Safety concerns for individuals walking and cycling influenced Graham’s idea for the trail and helped him to make this decision. All interconnected to the city, the trails supply various pathways through Scottsburg’s public attractions. These include sights, such as the Scott County YMCA, Mid-America Science Park and Lake Iola.

As the mayor’s office transitions to a new leader, Amick aspires to accomplish more achievements during his time in office. One of the main goals he pondered over is the enhancement of the maintenance for the city’s aging sewer infrastructure. It was a major determining topic in the race for the mayor’s title and position within the county. The city currently has considerable plans to build an $18.5 million sewage treatment plant to make progress with the aging sewer systems.

“He’s putting it in the wrong place. He’s putting it right across the road from our current plant. The growth of Scottsburg is going to be west of I-65,” Amick said.

Additionally, Amick wants to prompt the idea of further community clean up efforts, building code enforcement, and anchor tenants to promote historic richness and prosperity.

Amick said his attempts to improve Scottsburg were included in his idea and that the community recognized his potential to be mayor and enforced it when voting.

Furthermore, besides his aspirations for a positive change, Amick said he wants to enforce a foundation of financial stability. He has prior experience with his local businesses, Amick Appliance and Rent To Own.

“I’ve told Bill, I have a lot of respect for him; I just don’t agree how he spends money,” Amick said. “I’m a business guy, and I know how to handle money. You either know how to handle money or you don’t know how to handle money, and I know how to handle money. And we’ll do it for Scottsburg.” Submitted photo

Mayor Bill Graham’s accomplishments while in office:

Mid-America Science Park

This provides job training and educational opportunites to the community.

New Tech

This provides students with the opportunity to try project-based learning while at SHS.

The Walking Trail

Starting at the Scott County YMCA, runners and walkers alike can enjoy this trail that Lake Iola or Mid-America Science Park.