Regarding your “IN OUR OPINION” editorial of Sunday, July 6, 2014.

Orem City conducted a partial City Survey on many subjects, and there was a 90 percent NO vote on the question “Should the City Council continue with the Macquarie proposal.”

Mayor Brunst reported at the City Council meeting that he personally received many emails, which were three to one against continuing with the Macquarie proposal. The City Council subsequently voted six to one to NOT continue with the proposal.

Margaret Black was the yes vote to continue with the mandatory proposal.

Orem residents still have the voluntary UTOPIA fiber optic system, which the city is obligated to guarantee sales tax revenue to pay $3,000 per year, plus a 2 percent yearly increase to cover operating expenses until the year 2024.

Orem residents overwhelmingly objected to a mandatory $20 per month utility fee on ALL residents for another 30-year contract.

Of the 11 UTOPIA cities, five of the northern cities voted to continue with the Macquarie proposal resulting in an additional financial burden on their tax payers.

– Robert “Bob” Wright, Orem

Newsletter