How did we end up here? Often, it’s because voters rely on surface-level endorsements from trusted groups, family, or friends — or miss the qualifying comments like, “I’m not for high-density housing … except where it fits.”

But here’s a simple truth: PACs and Organizations don’t donate to candidates whose views clash with their own. That’s why scrutinizing the agendas of PACs and groups funding these campaigns is crucial. It reveals the hidden motivations that talking points and attack ads obscure. I’ve learned this firsthand–digging into funding sources has opened my eyes to the real stakes in Orem’s future.

This election cycle, outside money is flowing into Orem races. Why would state and national PACs invest here? To advance long-term goals like expanding high-density housing, pushing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) down State Street, and shifting more control to the state over local growth decisions. One key player is the Utah Central Association of Realtors (UCAR) and its political arm, RPAC, which focuses on electing “pro-REALTOR®” candidates who support policies easing development barriers.

Their priorities include promoting affordable housing through reduced regulations, streamlined permits, density bonuses, and low-cost loans for developers — often at the expense of community input. They’ve backed state legislation that withholds funding from cities resisting these changes, favoring realtors and developers while potentially eroding local control.

Consider UCAR’s potential influence in Orem – a PAC endorsing candidates such as Karen McCandless for Mayor, along with Quinn Mecham, Doyle Mortimer, and Angela Moulton for city council. Why back McCandless? During her time on the city council, she supported plans that would have added thousands of apartments along State Street. She also voted for reduced parking to “encourage” residents to take the bus rather than drive. And what about the others? Voters should ask: If they’re “not for high-density,” does that exclude mixed-use projects? Will they prioritize deed-restricted, owner-occupied homes over more rentals, given Orem’s already high 49% rental rate? What are they for? What have they done to learn about city issues and what are their plans?

Look at Salt Lake City as a cautionary tale: They’ve effectively eliminated single-family zoning, allowing developers to buy homes, demolish them, and build apartments without resident feedback or city council votes. UCAR supports similar reforms statewide, reducing notification requirements and planning commission oversight to speed up high-density projects. While this benefits developers, it risks turning neighborhoods into rental-heavy zones, driving up costs for families and straining infrastructure.

We deserve leaders who grasp these complexities and put Orem first–not those swayed by outside agendas under the guise of “civility” and “working with stakeholders.” That could mean ceding Orem roads to UDOT for widening, displacing homes to ease Provo traffic to I-15. Contrast this with our current administration’s track record: Mayor David Young, David Spencer, and LaNae Millett have worked tirelessly with UDOT for alternatives that preserve single-family areas. Crystal Muhlestein, the only non-incumbent regularly attending council and planning meetings, brings informed insight to these complex decisions as well.

Under this team, Orem has thrived without tax hikes: A new city hall (decades in the discussing, now built debt-free), a massive water storage tank for future needs, preserved open spaces, new parks and community centers, a library redesign, bolstered fire and police support, and a 92% employee satisfaction rate. We’ve earned a AAA bond rating for sound finances, hired a full-time grant writer to avoid burdening residents, welcomed over 3,000 new businesses in four years, and launched a transparency portal for all meetings–no backroom deals.

Why do pro-development forces want to replace them? Because they’re blocking unchecked growth that prioritizes profits over people.

This election, let’s move beyond negativity and platitudes. Demand transparency: Review candidate financial disclosures on the city’s site or the state lieutenant governor’s portal. Ask tough questions about funding, zoning visions, and commitments to owner-occupied housing. By looking at who’s really behind the candidates, we can keep and elect leaders who protect Orem’s character–not sell it out. Your vote shapes our community’s future–make it count with eyes wide open.

RoMay J Allen has been an Orem resident for 50 years.