Gregg to sign new book in Linton on Friday

Former Indiana Speaker of the House John Gregg [Click to enlarge]

Gregg will be available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Linton City Hall, 86 South Main, to sign copies of his book "From Sandborn to the Statehouse" that was released in December.

Gregg, who lives near Sandborn in northern Knox County, is the former Speaker of the Indiana House and served in the General Assembly from 1986 to 2002.

Gregg's book details his travels from his small hometown all the way to Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives. The book is filled with stories about Indiana people, places, and events.

The book, published by New Century Publishing of Indianapolis, is $19.95.

Gregg is also a farmer, lawyer, partner in the prominent Indianapolis law firm of Bingham McHale, a former Vincennes University interim president, lecturer, and dad to sons Hunter and John Blackwood.

From boyhood, Gregg was aware that politics would occupy a significant place in his life.

Gregg told the Greene County Daily World on Tuesday that the book covers a wide variety of behind-the-scene topics that he gleaned from his years in politics.

"I'd kept track in notes of funny stories over the years and I decided it was time to write them down. The book spends a few pages of me telling about my first adventure into politics as a kid handing out cards in Sandborn, to paging in the statehouse for Jack McIntyre, a Republican from Lyons, then becoming a precinct committeemen," Gregg explained.

The book also details his 1986 primary victory over the incumbent Democrat, then most of the book talks about his 16 years as a legislator.

Gregg also tells some inside stories of the Hillary Clinton primary campaign, in which he served as an honorary chair in Indiana.

The reader shares the experience of a political leader who does not give up his principles.

The book features bipartisan "back cover" endorsements from Gov. Mitch Daniels, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and former Gov. Joe Kernan.

Gov. Daniels wrote: "Back before politicians lost their sense of humor and sense of balance, we had more people like John Gregg. Partisan but never personal, and a barrel of laughs; this book reminds us how much we need more people like him in our public life these days."

Kernan noted, "While John would have you believe that he is just an over-matched country lawyer, his great wisdom, wit and wherewithal are obvious to the reader. Just as obvious as it was to all of us who had the privilege to serve with him in Indiana government, and count him as a friend."

Bayh, who also served as Indiana governor, said, "Of all the people that I had the pleasure to serve with during my time as Indiana governor, none was more loyal, effective, and affable than John Gregg. He has been a trusted friend for many years. Indiana Democrats have walked back from the wilderness after many years in the minority due in no small part to John's leadership."

Gregg has worked in the Real Estate Department for Peabody Coal Company from 1978-79, and Public Affairs with Amax Coal Company from 1979-85.

He served in private law practice from 1985-2002 and worked with Sommer Barnard Attorneys, 2002-2005 and engaged as a successful radio talk show host (WIBC-Indianapolis) from 1999-2007.

Gregg is a graduate of North Knox High School and earned an A.S. degree from Vincennes University in 1974.

He went on to receive an undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1976 in political science and history; and a M.P.A., Public Administration, Indiana State University in 1978.

Gregg graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1984 and was admitted to the Indiana Bar the same year.

Gregg is currently a part of Bingham McHale's Government Department and focuses his practice on government and corporate issues. He represents various government and corporate and municipal entities on both legislative and business matters.

He has been the recipient of many awards, including: Governing Magazine's "Public Official of the Year" Award, 2002; Hoosier Hero Award, 1996; recipient of four Sagamore of the Wabash Awards, presented by Gov. Robert Orr, 1989, Gov. Bayh, 1996, Gov. Frank O'Bannon, 2002, Gov. Kernan, 2003; Outstanding Freshman Legislator, 1986; Honorary Doctorate Degree, Vincennes University, 2002; and Outstanding Alumnus, Sigma Pi Social Fraternity 2002.

He serves on the board of the Knox County Community Foundation, 2003-present; Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, 2003-present; Vincennes University Foundation, 2000-present; and the Sandborn Cemetery Board, 1996-present.