Courtesy Orem city

He has promoted Orem and its residents in about as many ways as one Mayor could over eight years. Now, Richard Brunst is moving on, and taking the many memories he has made over the years with him.

About this time last year, Brunst decided not to seek a third term as mayor. He said he announced early so those who would like to run would have plenty of time to do so. In January he will pass the baton to Mayor-elect Dave Young.

For the past year, Brunst has been able to look back and see all the things that he and the city have accomplished during his time as mayor — a list as long as it is impressive.

Brunst has seen more than 50 new businesses along State Street and the University Parkway, including Trader Joes and Dillard’s, come to town over his tenure.

Keeping a vibrant business community and sales tax base has always been one of his ongoing commitments.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“We have one of the strongest economies in the nation,” Brunst said. “It’s fun to drive at the mall (University Place) and know Dillard’s is coming, see Trader Joes, Los Hermanos and Al’s Sporting goods among others. They wanted to come.”

When Brunst came into office the mall was partially empty, Kmart was empty and the Midtown 360 mixed-use development was a ghost town.

Now, with support from Brunst and others in the city, University Place is flourishing and Midtown 360 continues to build new apartments, retail and restaurants. The old Kmart building was purchased by NPS, which has a thriving business on State Street.

“The mayor has been very pro-business,” said Councilwoman Debby Lauret. “He has supported the business community and goes to every ribbon cutting.”

When it comes to the city finances, outside auditors have given Orem high marks every year. They also have the highest bond rating.

Isaac Hale, Dail Herald file photo

“We’ve had a surplus of $4 million for eight years. We know how to run our finances,” Brunst said.

Brunst has also seen the buildout of the UTOPIA fiber optic network. The last of the which will be completed by spring.

“Mayor Brunst was resolute in representing the needs of Orem to decision makers at all levels of government, including regional, state and federal interests,” said Jamie Davidson, city manager. “He was dedicated in his efforts and was willing to work hard to achieve many successes in the community over the past eight years. His determination led to a number of significant outcomes that will benefit Orem for many years to come.”

Brunst not only supported the businesses in the city but also the vibrant nonprofit community. He has been a great supporter of the arts and focused on growing that community as well.

“We appreciate Mayor Brunst’s support of the SCERA and the programs we offer,” said Adam Robertson, president and CEO of the SCERA Center. “He and his family have attended most, if not all of our productions. He’s always willing to help in any way he can.”

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“We appreciate his many years of service,” Robertson added. “We wish him well in his future endeavors and appreciate the Brunst family for supporting him these past eight years as he has served as mayor.”

Donna Millard works with the Miss Orem program, and over the years they too have felt strong support from Brunst and the city.

“Mayor Brunst has been a positive advocate for the Miss Orem Organization and more importantly for the girls involved in it. He understands the power of community service and the ability of these young ladies to contribute in powerful ways to Orem City,” Millard said. “Our queens over the years feel valued as he supported their programs and ideas — many being incorporated into traditions sponsored by Orem City. The scholarship funds have benefitted many young ladies over the years as well. We will always appreciate his support and friendship.”

One of the greatest changes within the city was the institution of programs to help first responders grow their careers and paychecks. Both the police and fire departments have had an uptick in opportunities for growth and morale, according to Brunst, and both have become the envy of other agencies.

“It’s not about you, it’s about the city,” he said of being a mayor. “You learn quickly as mayor it’s the council as a consensus group, it’s the other leaders and residents, who work hard. It’s not about who gets the credit.”

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Also during Brunst’s time in office was the Utah Transit Authority bus rapid transit project, now known as UVX. While getting off to a rough start with residents in both Provo and Orem, the UVX route that passes two malls, two universities and two intermodal hubs between the cities has been a success.

Although COVID-19 lowered ridership numbers for a time, by fall of this year they started to surge again.

Brunst has also worked on several road projects including the Geneva-Riverview Parkway project and the 1600 North project. It took working with the County Commission and state to get the funding budgeted to help keep roads in good condition, but it happened due to the efforts of several people.

“I want to thank and acknowledge Jamie Davidson, Orem’s City Manager for his leadership in working with the legislature to secure the funding for this road (Geneva) project,” Brunst said. “I wish to also thank Heather Scrivener for her efforts in working with the legislators on it. I lastly want to thank and show appreciation to City Councilmembers Brent Sumner, Tom Macdonald, Dave Spencer, Debby Lauret, Jeff Lambson and Terry Peterson for their support in getting this done for the city of Orem.”

There are many small things that people haven’t seen Brunst do to help Orem, particularly his attending of the countless meetings where outcomes would affect the city and county.

Daily Herald file photo

Brunst also had the opportunity to be mayor when the city celebrated its 100th birthday, calling for citywide celebrations throughout 2019.

One of the highlights of his time in office was the news that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would build a temple in Orem. As a member of the church, it was one of the high points of his years of service.

However, not everything was perfect for Brunst as he dealt with legal issues concerning the misuse of his retirement account. But even those issues were privately resolved.

On Sept. 19, 2019, the Utah County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Brunst, after a two month investigation into the mayor’s potential misuse of his retirement fund and potential forgery on possible malfeasance.

The county attorney said it would not pursue a case unless there was reasonable belief that sufficient admissible evidence would obtain a guilty verdict before a jury.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

The city funds were never in consideration or harmed by Brunst, it was all his own retirement funds in question.

While there were personal issues during his time as mayor, Brunst feels he represented the city the best he could and that he is leaving it better than when he started.

“I have been privileged to work with many city councilmembers during this time, a hard working city manager, a great city staff, and many residents who have helped me on my way,” Brunst said. “Thank you to all of them for all that they have done.”