Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of two articles about candidates running for Aurora City Council.

AURORA – Josh Kukrall has been involved in the Aurora community for years and wants to take on a more active role.

That’s why he’s running for a two-year seat on the Aurora City Council.

Kukrall is part of a two-way race with Allen Pace for a two-year seat in Ward 2 on the council. The election is April 10.

“I’ve gotten to know quite a few of the new people that have moved to town. It just seems they have concerns I think I can help with,” Kukrall said, adding that various people asked him to run for council.

Kukrall grew up in Gettysburg, where he met his wife, Casey, who works for 3M. They have three children. The family has lived in Aurora for approximately eight years and built two houses.

Kukrall works at Daktronics in technical support.

“I’ve done it for about 11 years,” he said, adding he’s earned a two-year electronics degree from Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. He’s close to getting his certification as a firefighter.

Kukrall helped start the Aurora Events Committee, which plans events in and around Aurora, including fundraisers for those who need money. He’s also involved with Pheasants Forever.

“I think that kind of speaks to my character. I help in this community,” he said, including Gala Day and the street dance the firefighters organize.

He says he has some traits that will help on the council.

“I’m big on active listening. I listen to our community members. If I get involved in something, I see it through completely,” he said. 

He’s been asked what changes he’ll make as a councilor.

“Actually, I redirect the question back to them. I think what they’re asking me is they have questions and they want to be heard. So what I’m doing is I’m listening to what they have to say,” Kukrall said.

“I do know that there has been a lot of talk about a community center and a finance office and a new fire station – our rescue station seems to be outdated for today’s standards. I would like to help improve those situations. So those are something that we’re gonna have to look at, asking the community for their input, just deciding with council members and looking at the budget and things,” Kukrall said, “or if it’s even feasible for our community.”

One thing that concerns him is growth.

“There’s a lot of new growth, and it’s basically new houses that are going up in Aurora. But I think we should also maybe look at avenues of bringing businesses in or updating certain things like our community center or our finance office,” Kukrall said.

He thinks his fresh perspective will help him.

“I’m not out to change the world by any means, but I’m willing to improve current situations,” he said.

People can contact him through social media, he said.

Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.