The editorial repeats the partial truths we’ve already heard from these candidates. For example, Mayor Young’s administration takes full credit for delivering the new city hall and water storage tank without mentioning the many city council members and employees who laid the foundation for these achievements over the course of many years. The editorial also touts these four candidates as “The Orem Republican Team,” referring to the Utah County Republican party’s questionable endorsement of candidates in what should be a non-partisan election.

But the most notable and puzzling problem with the endorsement is that the Utah Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 entity – the same kind of organization roundly denounced by Mayor Young and Councilwoman Millet as being purveyors of “dark money.”

Young and Millet have wasted many hours in city council meetings berating 501(c)4 organizations in general, and Stronger Together Community, a 501(c)4 nonprofit specifically, hinting that they may be funneling “dark money” to political candidates. They have attempted to associate the candidates endorsed by the Stronger Orem PAC with so-called “dark money.” This doesn’t work on any level.

Now they have accepted endorsement by one of the very organizations they have labeled as politically shady and disreputable.

Are these four candidates, who have vehemently and repeatedly denounced 501(c)4 organizations, willing to renounce the endorsement of the Utah Taxpayers Association? And while they are at it, will they label Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point Action, Kiwanas International, and the National Rifle Association of America – all 501(c)4 organizations – as tainted?

Instead of running a negative campaign built on half-truths, innuendo, and inflated claims, I prefer municipal candidates whose campaigns highlight critical issues, who show civility to all, and who are free from the encumbrances of partisan political entanglements.

Karen McCandless, Angela Moulton, Quinn Mecham, and Doyle Mortimer get my vote.

Jerri Bearce is an Orem resident.