STEVE MELCHER WAS A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT

STEVE MELCHER WAS A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT

 By The City-County Observer Staff

Steve Melcher was proud to admit that he never ran a negative campaign in his political career. Though certain moments may have warranted a less-than-kind response, he always remained positive, straight-forward, and to the point. Steve’s political success was due to the fact that people genuinely trusted him; a true rarity it seems, in politics today. His  open door policy earn him the trust of those in the City of Evansville and in Vanderburgh County. Melcher encouraged his constituents to approach him with questions, believing that communication is critical in the process of government.

When asked how he viewed politics, Melcher simply answered, “There are many politicians, though there are few public servants.” It was a humble response from a man who came from humble beginnings.

In 1991, Melcher borrowed three thousand dollars to make his first run at a city-council seat and won the election.  During his time on the Evansville City Council, he focused heavily on improving the infrastructure of the 3rd Ward. He fought for the extensive drainage renovations to correct the flooding issues that plagued his ward at that time.  When all was said and done, Melcher’s ward ranked 2nd in the city in storm drainage and 3rd in the city in streets repairs.

In 2008, and after 17 years on the city-council, Melcher decided to run for County Commissioner. His motto, “A name that you know, a name that you trust,” reflected the reputation he gained throughout his years in office. Melcher won the election in 2008 and began his first term as County Commissioner. In 2012 he prepared himself for yet another election race. His campaign was again successful and he was elected to his second term in November 2012.

Melcher was the first to admit that he was one of the most politically balanced office holders in Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Though he was a Democratic, he had a wide range of political views. Melcher held positions in many community organizations, reflecting his ability to respect the views of all people that may or may not be a party affiliate.

Steve Melcher was a lifetime member of the following organizations: NAACP; NRA; Evansville African American Museum (Charter Member); and Lake View Optimist club (President). Melcher was also very involved in many neighborhood awareness groups around the city and worked closely with National Night Out, the national program famous for heightening crime and drug prevention awareness in neighborhoods across the county.

Steve Melcher considered himself a vital link to his community and was actively involved in neighborhood associations.  These included United Neighborhoods of Evansville, President of the Vanderburgh County Drainage board, member of Fraternal Order of Police Association Lodge # 73, East Side Lions Club, Indiana Right to Life, and Right to Life of Southwest Indiana (Board member and Chairman of the Public Policy committee). He also served on various other County and non-profit boards in our community.

He was a 10-year veteran of the military having served three years in the Army at the rank of SP/5 E5 and seven years in the Indiana National Guard at the rank of Sergeant First Class E7. His military involvement led him to become active within the veteran community after his time of service. Melcher was a life member of the Amvets Post 84, American Legion Otis Stone Post 354, and Voiture 471 Forty & Eight. Melcher served as Commander of the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council and remainder on the board of directors after his term was served.

Commissioner Melcher came from a very faith-based background. He was brought up in a Lutheran household from a very early age. Melcher found solace in his Bible studies and attended two services on weekends.

The people of this community have been well served by Steve Melcher “A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT.”

FOOTNOTE: Former City Councilmen and County Commissioner Stephen Melcher passed away yesterday morning surrounded by his wife Anna, friends and family members.

His funeral will be held on August 3rd with visiting between 11:00 to 12:00 noon   at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.