FOR MAYOR: Bryan Sprague and his wife Tracey have three children and eight grandchildren that they very much enjoy and love. Bryan has lived in Utah his entire life. Bryan currently serves as a member of the Aurora City council and is assigned to work with Animal Control, Roads, and the Planning Commission. Bryan retired as the Executive Director of the Utah School Employees Association (USEA) in 2022. USEA represents Educational Support Professionals employed in Utah’s public education system. He was also responsible for engaging and supporting association members as advocates and community leaders. Bryan also served as a Lobbyist, and Communications Director for the USEA.

Bryan is a small business owner and is currently a member of the EMI Health Board of Directors he serves as a member of their finance and risk management committee.

I believe that individuals should be willing to serve when they can. I am currently in a place in my life where I have the time to serve and if elected will do my best to serve the interests of Aurora City and the citizens that call Aurora home.

Council member candidates

Amy Croft: I am the proud wife of a U.S. Army veteran, and I’ve been married to my husband for 24 years. We’ve raised three amazing, loving kids, and I feel incredibly grateful to call Aurora our home. After raising my kids, I decided to follow my dream and return to school, proving that it’s never too late to chase your goals. I graduated from Snow College in May 2023 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Salon Business, earning Summa Cum Laude honors as well as Certificates in Cosmetology/Barbering/Esthetics. In October 2023, I completed my Master Esthetics training at Renaissance Academie with high honors. In January 2024, I opened a cozy, home-based spa in Aurora, focusing on helping people care for their skin and feel their best, with honest and caring services.

While building my business, I have stayed rooted in what matters most—family, community, and helping others feel their best. My work has enabled me to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and I’ve learned the importance of listening, caring, and following through. Those are the same qualities I hope to bring to the City Council.

Aurora holds a special place in my heart. Though I’ve lived here for 14 years, my family’s roots run deeper—my grandma, Evelyn Mason Roberts, grew up here, and I spent summers visiting cousins and making memories that shaped how I see this town. Aurora is home, and I’m passionate about keeping it a strong, welcoming place for generations to come.

1.  What do you love most about Aurora and our community?

I love that Aurora feels like family—where neighbors know each other, local businesses greet us by name, and everyone cares about keeping our town strong.

• What inspired you to run for City Council, and what do you hope to bring to the role? I want to give back to the community that has given so much to my family by bringing a fresh perspective, hard work, and a listening ear.

3.  What experiences, skills, or community involvement do you feel best qualify you for this position?

As a mom of three and a small business owner, I’ve learned to balance responsibilities, work hard, and follow through—skills I’ll bring to the council.

4.  What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected?

I hope to support local businesses, keep our public spaces welcoming, and ensure residents’ voices are heard in city decisions.

5.  Aurora has a strong small-town identity—how will you help preserve what makes it special while supporting future growth?

I want to maintain its close-knit spirit while planning carefully for growth that fits our community’s needs.

ANDY RASMUSSEN

I grew up in Aurora and have never really left. I am married to Cena, and have 2 boys, Chase and Tayler. We also have 2 grandkids, Ryker and Kolter. I have been involved in EMS since 1999 in various roles, both full time and part time. I currently run as a Paramedic with Sevier, Wayne and Juab County. I am also a member of the Utah EMS Peer Review Board. I have a small Construction company, Willow Bend Construction, that has been in business since 2003. We primarily work in Sevier and Sanpete County. 

I like the small town feeling that Aurora has. Everyone is willing to come out and help with community events and projects. The community has been very supportive or one and other in the past and that still holds true today.

I have enjoyed serving on the council for the past several years. We have had a great bunch of council members and mayors throughout the time I have served. I hope to continue to bring consistency and fairness to the council. We make decisions that effect all of the citizens and I feel we have done a good job in the past. Aurora is in good shape financially thanks to previous administrations. Our infrastructure is also in good shape. I hope to maintain what we currently have and improve on some other areas.

I feel my experience in running my own business plays a role in my council position also. The city is a business and needs to be run accordingly. My EMS experience has allowed me to meet a lot of people throughout the years. It is always interesting to visit with people and get to know them a little in a short time.  I try to keep an open mind with everything and everyone. Fairness and consistency has always been something that the council has stressed in the past and I will work to continue that.

I do have 3 projects that I would like to get accomplished if Elected.  I would like to get an addition to the maintenance building completed. We have upgraded equipment in the past few years to maintain infrastructure and grounds. The shop we currently have is stacked wall to wall with supplies and equipment. We have been fortunate enough to get equipment when it is needed and I would like to keep it all inside and maintained. The second Project would be the purchase of a new Fire Truck. One of the engines the department operates is a 1991. The truck is in good shape but is 34 years old. It would be beneficial to upgrade it to a newer unit that is set up to current standards. The 3rd project would be finishing off the area of the park that has the pickelball courts on it. We have talked about plans for a small pavillion / shade structure as well as lights for the courts. 

Aurora is still a small community. Growth has been slow but steady over the past years. The 1 thing that is going to stop growth is the lack of building lots. I would like to see controlled growth so our families have the option to live here if they choose to.  1 Thing that I feel is important to keeping the small town feeling is having the involvement of the community. We had a good turnout for the 9-11 service day. It is amazing to see people come out and donate a few hours of their time to make the community a little better. This has always been important in Aurora and I would like to see it continue into the future.  

CORY JOHNSON

My name is Cory Johnson, and I’m proud to be running as a write-in candidate for Aurora City Council. I was born in Gunnison and have lived in Aurora my entire life, with the exception of the time I spent attending Utah State University and serving a two-year mission in Minnesota for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’m the son of Clint and Tina Johnson, and I currently work alongside my family at Johnson Feedlot and Oak Ranch. In 2017, I married my wife, Cortnee, and we recently welcomed our first child, a son named Culper, into our family.


I have a deep love for this community and a strong desire to be more involved in shaping its future. That’s why I’ve decided to step forward and run for city council. My family has always believed in giving back, and their involvement in the community and local politics has had a lasting impact. I hope to follow in their footsteps by serving with integrity, listening to the people of Aurora, and doing my part to make a positive difference. I’m committed to preserving what makes our town special while also helping it move forward in a way that benefits everyone who calls it home


What do you love most about Aurora and our community? – I love that our residents are close to one another and there’s a lot of community involvement. In a small town where we don’t have all the luxuries of a larger community people really step up when they are needed. I also love the small town feel of our town while still being able to grow and prosper.

What inspired you to run for [city council/mayor], and what do you hope to bring to the role? – My family has always been very involved with the community. My grandfather, uncle, and my father have all been positive influences and they are my inspiration to run for city council. I hope that if I am elected I would bring a fresh perspective while upholding town traditions and values.

What experiences, skills, or community involvement do you feel best qualify you for this position? – Working in a family owned and operated business requires a lot of networking. I communicate with many people and businesses on a daily basis. I also do a lot of record keeping for the business. I feel that being on the council is a lot like running a business and I feel that I have many assets that I could bring to this position.

What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected? – I want to ensure the voice of our citizens is preserved when making decisions. I want to help steer our growth in a way that still upholds our standards and values.

Aurora has a strong small-town identity — how will you help preserve what makes it special while supporting future growth? – In order for any community to thrive there needs to be growth. We cannot be stagnant and still thrive. That being said growth with thoughtful processing can help preserve our small town identity. I would work closely with other members of the council and listen to our citizens to determine what is best for our community. I cannot stress how important tradition and values are. I know that not every decision will be an easy one but I plan to support or mayor and promote unity in our city council. 

HUNTER WHITNEY

Hunter Whitney was born and raised in Gunnison, Utah, where he was shaped by two supportive parents and a strong community. At just 22 years old, he became the head wrestling coach at Gunnison Valley High School, serving in that role for four years and mentoring countless youth in Little League, Middle School, and High School levels. He served an LDS mission in Vancouver, Canada, and today oversees Western Division Sales for Satterwhite Log Homes. Hunter is married and the proud father of two young children, with a third on the way. Deeply rooted in faith, family, and community, he is passionate about service, personal growth, and ensuring future generations have the same opportunities he was given.

What do you love most about Aurora and our community?
What I cherish most about Aurora is its small-town character and the remarkable people who make it feel like family. Neighbors here aren’t just acquaintances, they are friends and partners in building something meaningful together. The spirit of service and willingness to give back is woven into the fabric of our community, and that is something truly special.

What inspired you to run for City Council, and what do you hope to bring to the role?
I am running because I believe our youth are facing real challenges, and I want to be part of the solution. My goal is to bring renewed energy and commitment to programs that uplift and inspire the rising generation. Beyond youth programs, I am passionate about fostering service, collaboration, and a shared vision that will ensure Aurora continues to thrive for generations to come.

What experiences, skills, or community involvement best qualify you for this position?
My professional career in sales has taught me the value of communication, leadership, and growth. I firmly believe every person has something meaningful to contribute, and I’ve applied that belief in working with youth for more than five years since returning from my LDS mission in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, my time as the head wrestling coach at Gunnison Valley High School helped me learn how to mentor, motivate, and bring out the best in others—skills I believe translate well into public service.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Transparency and open communication will be at the core of my efforts. Citizens deserve to know when meetings are happening, how they can participate, and where they can serve. I want to introduce better communication platforms and create more accessible channels for residents to stay informed and engaged. Above all, I want to ensure our youth have strong opportunities and support systems as they navigate their future.

Aurora has a strong small-town identity—how will you help preserve what makes it special while supporting future growth?
For me, growth begins with people, not just infrastructure. Taking care of the families and individuals who already call Aurora home is the top priority. If growth means welcoming new opportunities that improve the quality of life for our residents, I will support those while safeguarding what makes our community unique. Aurora’s strength lies in its identity as a close-knit, small-town community, and I am committed to ensuring that never changes.

PARKER VERCIMAK

My wife Tambrea and I have been married for five years, and we’re raising our three children here in Aurora. From the beginning, we have been welcomed with kindness and generosity, and that spirit of community is what inspired me to get involved.

I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for three years, including as Chairman, and now currently serve on the City Council. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the people who quietly give their time and talents to make Aurora better.

As a Civil Engineer, I bring practical experience and a strong understanding of how to plan responsibly for the future while preserving the small-town values that make Aurora special. I’m especially excited about helping reinstate the Aurora Youth City Council and continuing to support our community events like the 3rd/4th of July Celebration and Christmas at Willow Bend.

Aurora is full of hardworking, generous people, and I’m grateful for the chance to serve and work alongside my neighbors to keep our community strong.

Aurora has the best people. Everyone has always been so kind and welcoming to me and my family. There are so many of our residents that go above and beyond to make our community a great place, many of whom do perform their service behind the scenes, never seeking any formal recognition. So many people give of their time, talents, and resources to continue improving our wonderful community. 

I have always been interested in local government and wanted to stay involved by serving where I could as opportunities have come along. We have so many great citizens who have dedicated years of service for our community who have inspired and encouraged me to get involved. 

I bring 3 years of service on planning and zoning as well as nearly 2 years of experience on the city council. Professionally, I am a Civil Engineer and work closely with many similar communities daily and bring prospective and resources to help our community maintain our identity, manage our resources and assets, and continue to plan for the future.  

Aurora City has recently been approached by a proactive youth to reinstate the Aurora Youth City Council. I have spearheaded that charge this fall and intend to keep that momentum going into the coming years as we seek participation from local youth to learn more about city government and to be involved in our community. I also hope to continue helping our community celebrations grow and become even better by providing more games and entertainment options for the 3rd/4th of July celebration and by continuing to support the Christmas at Willow Bend Committee and all the great work that they do. 

I grew up in rural Wyoming and love having grown up rural. Agriculture and other blue collar trades are the identity of Aurora and these kinds of people provide an excellent community to raise a family. Aurora has historically been a place where controlled and planned growth has prevailed. I think maintaining that model into the future is critical to prevent the city from running short of water or other resources. 

RICK BRUNSON

Hello fellow Aurora residents,
My name is Rick Brunson, and I’m running as a Write-In candidate for the 2-year term on the Aurora City Council.

I love living in Aurora—truly a gem in rural Utah. Over 20 years ago, Gurney Trucking transferred me from Beaver County to their home station here in Aurora, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

I grew up just over the mountain in Fillmore, where I met my high school sweetheart and wife, Marci. After graduation, we attended Southern Utah State College (now SUU) before I joined the United States Air Force. During our time in the service, we traveled the world and welcomed our three oldest sons.

Eventually, we knew we wanted our kids to grow up with the same small-town values and community we had, so we returned to Utah—settling first in Beaver County, where our two youngest children were born, and later in Aurora, which became our forever home.

All five of our children were raised here in Aurora, graduated from North Sevier High, and are now proud and productive citizens of this great state. They are by far our greatest accomplishment.

Over the years, I’ve coached football and wrestling, and cheered loudly from the stands at girls basketball and softball games. We also owned a small business—The Wolves Den—and experienced both the joy and challenge that come with being a local entrepreneur.

For the past decade, I’ve been privileged to work closely with Aurora’s youth, and that’s where I’ve found the most personal satisfaction. Meeting and mentoring the next generation has deepened my appreciation for the strength and future of our community.

With our children grown and my schedule now more flexible, I want to give back to the town we love. I have the time, experience, and passion to help Aurora continue on the great path set by city councils and mayors before us.

I respectfully ask for your support.
When you cast your vote, please Write In Rick Brunson for Aurora City Council – 2-Year Term.

Thank you,
Rick Brunson

1. What do you love most about Aurora and our community?
Aurora is my home, where I’ve raised my family, and I love the small-town way of life. We enjoy the best of both worlds here close to shopping, entertainment, and opportunities in larger towns, yet surrounded by public land and open space that makes it perfect for those of us who love the outdoors. But what I love most is the people. Aurora has a neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit, a sense of freedom, and an overall happiness that makes it truly special.

2. What inspired you to run for [city council/mayor], and what do you hope to bring to the role?
Aurora has been blessed with outstanding leadership from past mayors and council members. I believe our town is one of the best-run municipalities in the county, if not the state. From strong finances and ongoing improvements to the pride in how our town looks, we have a good thing going. My goal is to ensure that culture of good governance, responsibility, and progress continues into the future.

3. What experiences, skills, or community involvement do you feel best qualify you for this position?
I bring experience in budgeting, project management, and community service. In my current role, I manage the maintenance budget for a 5-acre campus in Richfield, and I have worked on acquiring and managing federal grants for major projects, including one worth $20 million. I also serve as Vice Chairman of the Sevier County Republican Party, which has given me experience working with people across the political spectrum and building relationships that can benefit Aurora. Beyond professional experience, I’ve given back to the community through military service and years of coaching youth sports—and I’ll continue to give my time and energy to our town.

4. What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected?
I want to continue the great work already being done. Service projects led by the council and volunteers have made Aurora stronger, and I’d like to keep that tradition going. My priority is to preserve Aurora’s small-town character. While housing opportunities do come available here, I believe it’s important to grow at a pace that matches our resources and keeps Aurora the kind of community people are proud to call home.

5. Aurora has a strong small-town identity — how will you help preserve what makes it special while supporting future growth?
I strongly believe Aurora should remain a small town. I support limited single-family housing development, but I believe multi-unit housing is better suited for larger towns nearby. As we grow, we need to do it wisely, ensuring our resources—water, infrastructure, and services—can support each new home and family. Thoughtful growth will allow us to preserve the small-town atmosphere that makes Aurora so special.