Courtesy Orem City

Dave Young is ready to launch some things he believes will enhance ideas and take Orem into the future.

On Monday, Young joined fellow City Council members including newcomer LaNae Millett and incumbents David Spencer and Tom Macdonald during their inauguration. Young is Orem’s new mayor and the 20th mayor in the city’s history.

“Today, we benefit from the generations before us who had a vision, took risks and worked hard to set Orem apart,” Young said. “They set the standard high and made Orem a great place to live and raise a family.”

“In the last 10 years, our community has lacked a long-term vision to maintain and move Family City, USA, into the future,” Young added.

Among the things that Young believes need to be set in a new direction is the State Street Master Plan and the number of multifamily-unit dwellings along State Street.

Courtesy Orem City

“The State Street Master Plan is the most pressing issue we have,” Young said in a pre-inauguration interview. On Friday and Saturday, the council and city leaders will hold a retreat to look at three specific things: State Street, the potential for a new city building and learning the budget systems — how it works and functions.

“Like many of you, I was upset with the poorly planned high-density developments being pushed down State Street and on top of our family neighborhoods,” Young said. “But, I’ve always believed, if you aren’t going to help fix a problem … then don’t complain about it.”

“So, I ran for mayor because I believe that with your help, we can make a difference. Together we can move our community forward responsibly and in a better direction. But if we are to succeed, our leadership must be aligned with the people’s will,” Young added.

Orem residents, the City Council and Orem City management must be aligned regarding a vision for the future, according to Young. Moving forward, he said, “we will pass reforms that will guarantee residents will always be heard.”

“Let’s talk about the future, our vision and the type of community we want to leave our kids and grandkids,” Young said. “After speaking with thousands of Orem residents throughout the campaign, it’s clear we all want to ensure Orem remains a great place to raise a family.”

Courtesy Orem City

“With that in mind, we will promote a vision that prioritizes neighborhoods. In addition, our vision includes a continued focus on recreation, the arts and involvement in the future of our children’s education,” he added. “We will promote a high level of safety provided by excellent first responders. We want to live in a city that allows our residents, children and grandchildren to play and learn safely, follow their dreams and be the best they can be.”

Young said there needs to be an environment that allows all city employees to be the best at what they do and provide excellent service to the public. A new city building, he claimed, would help facilitate that and solve a host of other concerns. He pledged that the council will study that issue and proceed responsibly if it can be done without burdening taxpayers.

“Our community values transparency. Together with the council, we will pass reforms to enhance transparency and encourage input from residents,” Young said. “This will also give elected city leadership the information needed to make the best possible decisions for our community.”

Young said he will not only promote neighborhoods, but also encourage business and small business incubation opportunities. He will continue to focus on recreation and the arts.

“As I stated throughout my campaign, I promise you that I will always do my best to do the right thing for the right reason. And I can’t think of a better reason to be standing with you tonight than to fight for the future of our community that we all call home,” Young said.

Courtesy Orem City

The new council includes Millett, Spencer and Macdonald. It also includes Debby Lauret, Jeff Lambson and Terry Peterson. Young is also considered a voting member of the council.

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