At the age of 5, Scott Brakefield’s family moved from Nashville, Tenn. to Alabaster, where he attended all grades in Thompson schools. In sports (baseball and football at an early age), Brakefield always did well at his position and assignments. Little league baseball and youth league football successfully carried right on into high school, where he lettered in baseball and football.

For one year, Brakefield attended Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, then transferred to the University of Montevallo.

Like so many young men, long distance love was difficult on the pocketbook. He and college sweeetheart Michelle Kent were married in 1998 after four years of dating. The Brakefields have three sons, Noah, 9, and twins Shep and Wynn, 4.

A friend suggested Brakefield run for a seat on the Alabaster City Council. He had always planned to pursue some sort of civic or community position but originally planned to wait until his children were older.

Being on the council and heading a family of five a heavy schedule, along with his full- time job as a pharmaceutical rep with Boehrinbger-Ingelheim out of Germany.

According to Brakefield, any successful city needs three things — a good school system, a well operated Park and Recreation Department to service a large variety of needs from ball playing fields to walking trails, senior activities and family parks, and last, but not least, public safety.

“Lots of other variables come into a great place to live but those three must be included,” he said.

Brakefield has a strong family base and wants his kids to always feel safe, loved and feel the need to contribute to community and church.

The Brakefields attend Westwood Baptist. The beach is their favorite family activity with Scott personally enjoying college sports and golf.

Oldest son of Jack Brakefield and Barbara Simmons, Scott Brakefield is a good example of the local talent we have at our disposal.

Brakefield would love to someday carry his wife back to Aruba, where they spent their honeymoon, but for now he is happy to toss a ball on the beach with his boys.

Growing up, Brakefield thought he wanted to leave, but now is happy to call Alabaster his home and is very proud of our growth and the advantages we have in our city.

Sandra Thames can be reached at bobthames1942@yahoo.com