December 2025 | Vol. 34 Iss. 12
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Riverton
Honoring Veterans
Wreath-laying ceremony coming Dec. 13 Page 14
Unified soccer
Riverton major participant in the statewide, inclusive program Page 16
Buroker wins mayoral seat while two newcomers will take council seats By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Councilmember Tish Buroker will be Riverton’s new mayor as Alexander Johnson and Shannon Smith each will represent Districts 3 and 4, respectively.
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iverton will officially have a new mayor come 2026: Tish Buroker. Buroker, a council member since 2018 representing District 4, won the November election with just over 70% of the vote. “Thanks Riverton,” Buroker wrote in a social media post on Nov. 5. “I look forward to serving and representing Riverton proudly and honorably. I’m so appreciative of the great support I have received throughout the campaign. It has definitely been a journey with many helping hands along the way.” She defeated fellow Councilmember Tawnee McCay, who has represented District 3 since 2018. “I love Riverton,” McCay wrote on social media the day after election day. “The people have spoken and I want to congratulate Tish Buroker on a well-run campaign. I am confident Riverton is in good hands.” Buroker was endorsed by every other current elected official in Riverton. That includes the three remaining councilmembers: Andy Pierucci, Troy McDougal and Spencer Haymond, along with Mayor Trent Staggs. She will succeed Staggs as he exits after two terms as the city mayor to work as the Region 8 advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration. This was the first mayoral race since 2017 after Staggs ran unopposed in 2021. With both Buroker and McCay running for the mayor seat, that meant they left their current council seats up for grabs. District 3 will see Alexander Johnson take over for McCay. Johnson won with almost 70% of the vote to beat Rusty Lance. Johnson serves on two Riverton groups: the parks, recreation and trails committee and the historic preservation commission. He currently works as the deputy district director for Congressman Burgess Owens. The district covers the south-central portion of River-
Alexander Johnson takes the District 3 seat on the council. (Photo courtesy Alexander Johnson)
Tish Buroker will be Riverton’s newest mayor. (Photo courtesy Tish Buroker)
ton, running from its southern end along 13800 South and Bangerter Highway to its east boundary of 2700 West. It runs north to 12600 South and mostly follows the Welby Canal on the west side while still including the Western Springs area. District 4 also sees a new face step onto the council dais as Buroker departs, having campaigned for mayor. Shannon Smith defeated Darren Park with 71% of the vote to claim the seat. Smith has served as a PTA president and legislative representative for Riverton K-12 schools. This district covers the northeastern portion of Riverton with its eastern boundary following the Jordan River
Shannon Smith takes the District 4 seat on the council. (Photo courtesy Shannon Smith)
and its southern boundary running along 12600 South. Its west border runs south along 2700 West before jutting east to the canal. The northern edge puzzle boxes mostly along 11800 South. All three winners will take their oath of office at the beginning of January. l