Incumbent Paula Brown is seeking reelection for the seat of Nucla mayor; her campaign opponent is Brad Miller. The Forum asked both candidates about their backgrounds and reasons for wanting to serve. The Forum will follow up with another story this month that asks for their views on challenges, solutions and the future of Nucla.
Brown is a fifth-generation member of the Nucla community.
“My roots here run deep,” Brown said. “I was born and raised in Nucla, and after graduating from Nucla High School in 1982, I set out to explore life beyond our town for about 16 years. Those adventures gave me a broader perspective, but, ultimately, Nucla called me home. For the past 23 years, I’ve been grateful to live, work, and raise my family in the same community that shaped who I am. There’s something special about Nucla, the resilience of our people, the beauty of our surroundings, and the sense of belonging that can’t be matched anywhere else.”
Brown said her dedication to Nucla has led her to serve in a number of leadership roles.
“Since 2025, I’ve been honored to serve as mayor of Nucla, following eight years as mayor pro tem and trustee,” she said. “These experiences have taught me the power of collaboration, listening, and leading by example. In addition to my municipal service, I have been board chair for the Mustang Water Authority and served as president and treasurer of the West End Public Schools Board of Education. I have also contributed to our local chamber of commerce, nonprofits and organizations, always working to build connections and promote opportunities within the community. Each role has deepened my commitment to the well-being and future of our town.”
Brown has also owned and managed local businesses: Sweet Pea Company, Willowcreek Floral, Cottonwood General Store and others, experiences she said helped her to adapt, innovate and stay resilient when challenges arise.
“I learned that small businesses are the backbone of our community, and I am passionate about supporting local enterprises and encouraging entrepreneurship,” she said.
Regarding her desire to keep serving as mayor, she said strong leadership is essential for Nucla’s future.
“My vision is to build on the legacy of those who came before us, embracing our community’s vision for change and collaboration to ensure Nucla is vibrant and resilient,” she said. “I’m excited to continue serving and working together with my neighbors to create an even brighter future for Nucla."
Brad Miller grew up in Nucla.
“I was born in San Bernardino, California,” he said. “When I was 1, we moved here with my grandmother. I moved to Norwood for first to third grade. Starting in the fourth grade, I finished my education here in Nucla. I lived here after high school, and I enlisted in the Navy. From 2013 to 2015, I lived in Texas, then South Carolina, before I was discharged due to injury. I moved back for a few years, before moving to Delta and Grand Junction. In 2020, I moved back when I bought my house. I have lived here ever since.”
Miller said he has not served on any boards or organizations in the West End, but he has past experience in other places.
“While in the Navy, I served as mental health liaison between Marine Corp troops and Navy medical,” he said. “I served on the board of education in the Naval Hospital Beaufort. The goal was to pass medical information to the wider Navy and Marine Corp. I served on the board of fitness at Naval Hospital Beaufort. The goal was to research and implement new fitness/diet programs to aid sailors and marines in fitness and nutrition. I aided in the research of experimental TBI treatment, as well as new PTSD and mental health treatment. I was part of a joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force involving the FBI, NCIS, CIA, Marine Corp, Navy, Army, ICE and various state entities geared towards identifying threats, neutralization and disaster response.”
Miller said he feels compelled to run for mayor at this time because he sees the town dividing.
“The lack of transparency and explanation from the leadership to the citizens needs work,” he said. “I want to take my experience in the Navy and in my other professional endeavours and apply them to Nucla. The ultimate goal is to bring in new people, as well as old families back, with jobs, housing, and fix infrastructure. I plan to bridge the divide between town hall and the people by being more vocal about the plans of the board.”
