By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
Terry John Calhoun is a mainstay of the political culture of Rainbow City. He has served in the city government since 1976 and is currently serving his second term as mayor.
Calhoun is up for reelection on August 28. He will be seeking his third term as mayor of Rainbow City.
Calhoun has a few items on his agenda for the next term.
“I wish to continue to work with the utility board for sewage system renovations,” Calhoun said. “We want to continue the paving program, continue to improve the recreational facilities, and continue working to alleviate drainage problems.”
Calhoun said the most important item on the agenda is the city’s finances.
“We want to continue to operate in the black. This gives us the ability to continue to improve the city and the citizens’ lives. We have a great thing going here right now!”
During Calhoun’s mayoral tenure, Rainbow City has developed into one of the top municipalities in Etowah County.
Rainbow City experienced growth in many areas under Calhoun. The city is hoping to soon expand its economic capabilities.
“The city [recently] purchased 209 acres on Lumley Road for developing a new industrial park,” Calhoun said. “We are working now to get proper facilities (sewage, etc.) out there. We partnered with the utility board and hired the city’s first full-time city engineer. This will be a great boost to this area’s economy.”
Rainbow City has also enhanced its recreational facilities.
“We purchased lights for soccer fields at Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex,” the incumbent mayor said. “We also secured a grant to extend the walking track there and are currently constructing five horseshoe pits. We have added sports complexes to both Rainbow Middle School and John S. Jones School.”
Calhoun said the city improved its roads during his current term.
“We have spent [approximately] $1.6 million in paving projects since 2009. We also completed the Black Creek Parkway project, which began in 1999 and has been paid in full.”
Rainbow City was hit hard by the April 27, 2011 tornados, but recovered quickly.
“We worked closely with FEMA and secured reimbursements for equipment and labor incurred for debris removal. We took ownership of all the city’s weather sirens and have even purchased property for a Helipad to help secure Lifesaver. This will benefit not only Rainbow City citizens, but everyone in the surrounding area.”
Calhoun said he is most proud of the city’s budget.
“We have operated in the ‘black’ during the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression,” Calhoun said. “Most importantly, we have not laid off any employees nor have we reduced the pay scale.”
Calhoun said renovations at City Hall were made free of charge to the taxpayers.
“We made many upgrades at this facility, which included phone upgrades, carpet and paint, a new LED sign to keep citizens informed, and automatic doors at city hall, the community center, and the library. This will provide easier access for all citizens.”
Calhoun has been a member of Riddles Bend Baptist Church since 1952, and has served as a deacon since 1976. He and his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth, have two children and four grandchildren.