By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Ricky Ruston is the youngest member of the Columbiana City Council at age 33. Ruston is married to Lauren Davis Ruston and they have one young son, Davis.

Ruston brings youth and a desire for Columbiana to appeal to young marrieds with children, the future of Columbiana.

“Both Lauren and I have lived here all our lives. We are blessed to have both our families live in Columbiana for Davis to be close to his grandparents and great grandparents. We both went to Columbiana schools and graduated from Shelby County High School. I had been thinking about running for the council for a while, since 2008. I want to be involved in our community. I am very interested in developing more youth activities. A city thrives when there are great activities for its youth; for example, I would love to see a splash pad for our kids.”

Ruston played sports all his life and is now coaching Davis. He has been a leader since high school when he was vice president of SCHS SGA. Ruston received his B.S. from the University of Montevallo and is employed at BBVA Compass Bank.

Ruston’s family has strong, deep Columbiana ties. He is the son of Ricky and Margaret Ruston and grandson of Milton Buck Ruston who all live on Mooney Road. Ruston’s great- grandparents were William and Ethel Davis Ruston. His great, great grandparents were Alexander and Sarah Katherine Ruston and Jim and Cary Emma Davis, five generations ALL from Columbiana.

Coincidence or maybe fate, Lauren’s father and grandfather are Jim (Lisa) and Jimmy (Anne) Davis, the same name as Ruston’s great-grandfather Jim Davis. Her maternal grandparents are Lohner Frances and the late Bob McLeroy, all of Columbiana.

“I am concerned that Columbiana is land locked and cannot grow surrounded by big municipalities,” said Ruston. “I want to see growth — quality growth — but we must grow. We must adapt to change and market to small businesses. I believe the renovation of the Summer Classics building and park and the adjacent Shelby County Arts Council building will be a place where there is activity for any age group. All I can do is try to make a difference. I am committed to do my best for Columbiana.”