By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Kim King won her first election to represent Ward 4 on the Columbiana City Council last year.

“I have been thinking about running for the City Council for several years,” said King. “I really want the city to grow; it is too special and unique. The people who live here love Columbiana.”

King grew up in Columbiana, the daughter of William and Barbara Akers Rasco. William Rasco served on the City Council when the City Hall was built. Her paternal grandparents were Guzma and Eunice Davis Rasco and her maternal grandparents were Dan and Willie Mae Bentley Akers, all of Columbiana.

Coincidently, City Council member Ouida Mayfield is an aunt by marriage. King attended Columbiana schools and graduated from Shelby County High School. She is married to Shawn King and they have two children Chad, a senior at Birmingham Southern, and Carly Ann, a 9th grader at SCHS.

“I went to visit every single house in my ward,” said King. “I told my constituents that I was running for the City Council and asked each person what their ideas were to make Columbiana a better place. My son Chad registered to vote for the first time so he was sure he could vote.”

King wants to bring new life and new ideas to the council especially in the area of growth.

“My main concern was that Columbiana had gotten a bad name and that embarrassed me,” said King. “All I heard from people was that you cannot do anything in Columbiana. For Columbiana to grow, we need to shop here, attend our great events and support out city. I feel the difference since the election. The citizens voted for change and we at the council are working to bring that change, especially changing negative attitudes to positive. I have not heard one negative comment.”

“I am most excited about the Summer Classic property renovations,” continued King. “We need family friendly places in town. It is so exciting and I want to keep the momentum going. All I can promise is that I will be fair, honest and up front with everyone.”