SHS Alumni elected to local City Councils

Justice LaMaster | Staff Writer

Two former Scottsburg high school graduates Christian Evans and Dylan Baker were elected as city councilman in Scott County. Because of their age, Evans and Baker have run into some stereotypical views about age and politics, but despite the stereotypes, both men decided to run because of their family support and their past leadership experiences.

“I took a look in the mirror and asked myself, what kind of man am I if I were to sit on the sidelines and complain about the issues as opposed to stepping up and serving our community and having a hand in improving our city each and every day,” said Evans, who graduated in 2015 and will serve as a Scottsburg City Council member.

According to both Evans and Baker, when people are younger and trying to get involved in politics they are looked upon in a different manner. Evans said people typically think that younger people have a disadvantage because of their lack of experience, so those who vote believe that their votes should only go to those who are older. To contradict that viewpoint, Evans said age has nothing to do with experience and that the younger generations understand that everyone is not on this Earth for a long period of time. Baker gave a more stereotypical viewpoint because he is the youngest councilman in the county.

“I would be lying if I said that I have not faced any scrutiny for my age. Not only is it hard to put yourself out in the public eye for all to judge and criticize, but it is exceptionally hard whenever you are the youngest person running for office in the entire county. It is a constant struggle to be taken seriously and not overlooked as just an overambitious kid getting into politics. With this said, I am optimistic that my election on the Austin City Council can create a domino effect that will allow for a more representative and level playing field, where age is concerned,” said Baker, who graduated in 2018 and will be serving on the Austin City Council. Both feel that young people involved in politics are looked upon differently because of the age they are.

Evans and Baker said they can better relate to younger generations because of the fact they know the struggles of living in our community lifestyle. Evans believes that since he is younger than most council members, he will be able to relate to how younger generations have a higher cost of living in Scott County now compared to when most of the current city council members grew up. Evans believes that the cost of living in this community is why a lot of the younger generations decide to move away. Evans said he plans to correct the employment, housing and entertainment options in Scottsburg in hopes of keeping young adults who grew up here still in the area.

Although Baker mentioned similar viewpoints to Evans statements about the struggles of young adults currently have in the community, Baker said that since he is straight out of high school, he has a better understanding of how younger generations of young adults work. Baker also mentioned how he gets the advantage of getting younger generation’s attention a lot quicker than someone who is much older and grew up in a very different environment.

Running for any political office and getting into office can be challenging, especially at a young age. However, Evans and Baker show that getting into office as a young adult is possible and can help anyone improve their community and relate to their upcoming and current generations. Along with the swearing in of Scottsburg Mayor-Elect Terry Amick, Evans and Baker will officially be sworn in as a part of their respective city councils on Jan. 1.