DEMOPOLIS &045;&045; For Sonny Weaver, listening is an im’portant part of his life.

As a paramedic, he constantly finds himself listening, troubleshooting and providing service to his fellow man.

While he’s not looking to trade ambulances for city hall on a permanent basis, he believes those same attributes can easily be put to use as a the city council member from his district.

Weaver faces incumbent council member Mike Baker and Jack Cooley in the municipal elections Aug. 24.

The concept of public service isn’t anything new to Weaver, who’s lived in District 5 for five years. He said he’s been in the business of public service for more than a quarter century.

Currently a captain with Tombigbee Emergency Medical Services, he handles management issues, budgeting and compliance. He also serves on an ad-hoc committee developing disaster response plans for the city of Demopolis – the Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee.

A Perry County native, Weaver was the first paramedic there and was director of EMS for 12 years. He was county coroner and has served on the board of directors of the Southwest Alabama Emergency Medical Services.

For Weaver, that public service has been the motivation behind his candidacy for the Demopolis City Council.

Weaver said that’s where the council can focus much of its efforts.

A proactive, aggressive economic development stance is what he’ll take to the council.

Workforce development is a key ingredient for growth, Weaver said.

The city, too, faces decisions on other fronts.

What it boils down to for Weaver is creating a positive future for the children of the area. As the father of two children himself, he sees it as the most important thing a council member can do.