Orem has seen intense political campaigning for this year’s City Council election. With that intensity comes a good deal of contention, confusion and misinformation. As a community, we fundamentally trust others. A good portion of our residents believe that no one would purposely mislead or lie about candidates or issues.

Unfortunately, some have taken advantage of that trust.

A massively funded campaign has deliberately painted a false picture meant to create fear. Have you received countless fear-mongering emails, fliers, texts and mailers, telling you not to vote for certain people? It’s overwhelming and meant to divert attention from the actual issue.

THE TRUTH: No candidates in this election have plans to widen roads, tear down houses or build widespread high-density housing across neighborhoods.

The real issue in this election is how our City Council is not functioning. As evidence, remember last year’s aggressive push for an Orem-only school district (Prop 2). Remember a flawed feasibility study, tens of thousands of wasted tax dollars, undignified public meetings, resolutions passed by a split City Council that tried to tell residents how to vote on issues, and more.

Voters soundly rejected the issue with 72% of the vote. Now, we have the chance to elect three representatives who were part of the 72% and who will help address the issues that led to Prop 2.

Stronger Orem is a grassroots group of dedicated, hard-working citizens who care deeply about Orem. Early in the election process, we set about to find exceptional citizens who would be willing to run for City Council. We had no particular policy agendas. Our purpose was to back highly qualified candidates who:

• Will lead by solid principles of integrity, collaboration and vision.
• Will model civility and dignity in their office.
• Will work openly and cooperatively on the genuine issues facing Orem.
• Are concerned about all of Orem, not just like-minded people.
• Are committed to working with neighboring cities and community partners.

This election will be a referendum on what the residents of Orem truly value. Do we support fear-mongering politics with smear campaigns or respectful discourse focusing on genuine issues? Do we want heavily funded campaigns pushing agendas or grassroots efforts that bring Orem residents together?

We trust that, like last year, being outspent will not cloud the perceptiveness of Orem voters.

We want a return to civil dialogue, room for differing opinions and the spirit of cooperation. We need to support campaigns and candidates that uplift and inspire us to be better people and a better Orem. We need City Council members who are committed to working together with other council members and with our residents, city staff, businesses, neighboring cities and agencies. Our city has experienced contention, lack of civility and questionable actions. Orem can do better than that.

We support Jenn Gale, Chris Killpack and Jeff Lambson for Orem City Council. Electing all three of these candidates is not a play for changing the balance of power, but a way to restore balance. Let’s return our city government to what we all remember and value — one that works together to ensure Orem is the great place we know it can be.

Remember to mail your ballot by Nov. 20 or turn in your ballot to a secure city drop box by Nov. 21!

Stronger Orem PAC: JoDee Sundberg, Cissy Rasmussen, Michele Sorensen, Gary Seastrand, Anna Greene, Tim Christensen, Keith Wilson, Aerwyn Whitlock, Shari Warnick.

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