Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of two articles about candidates running for Aurora City Council.
AURORA – Allen Pace wants to continue to guide Aurora into the future, so he’s running for another term on the Aurora City Council.
Pace is part of a two-way race with Josh Kukrall for a two-year seat in Ward 2 on the council. The election is April 10.
Pace has been on the Aurora City Council for 14 years, serving as president for 12 years.
“We need the strong, dedicated and honest leadership,” he said.
Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Pace served in the Navy from 1986-90, then was recalled for a year and a half during the Gulf War.
“I was in Pearl Harbor the whole time,” Pace said.
He has lived in South Dakota for 22 years, including 14 in Aurora.
“I’ve worked for Applebee’s as a manager for 18 years, including since we opened the store (in Brookings) 14 years ago,” Pace said, adding he transferred up from Sioux Falls.
He’s been a member of the American Legion in Aurora for 14 years and is attending school online, working on a history degree.
“Lived in Aurora since October 2003. Two and a half years ago, I built a house. I plan on staying in Aurora and being a part of the wonderful community of Aurora (indefinitely),” he said.
Pace has seen Aurora grow since 2003.
“We had like 450 people. Since then, we’ve doubled in size and we keep going,” Pace said.
That growth is just one issue facing Aurora, he believes.
“We need experienced leadership and someone that will represent all of Aurora,” Pace said, and the city needs someone who’s “already familiar with what’s going on and that knows exactly what it takes to run a small town.”
That person will need to understand infrastructure and fiscal responsibility, he said.
“We have to make sure we continue being fiscally responsible,” Pace said.
The city just allotted $130,000 for the volunteer fire department to expand the fire station, “because they’re growing and the town’s growing,” Pace said.
Land was recently purchased behind the station “so they can more than double their size and their space,” he said.
“We told them they could tear it all down and do what they wanted with it. That’s for the infrastructure, building the new central fire department, which is beneficial to everyone,” Pace said.
Pace wants to make sure the infrastructure and amenities keep up with the growth.
“The city of Aurora is rapidly growing. That’s why this time of growth and expansion, it’s imperative that we keep those that have the experience and have the knowledge of what’s been going on … representing all the people of Aurora, to keep Aurora growing in a fiscally responsible manner,” Pace said.
“We have to have experienced leadership at this time. It’s a must,” Pace said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
