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Guest opinion: Restoring integrity and vision: Why we endorse Mayor David Young for Orem

By Staff | Oct 18, 2025
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Nelson Abbott

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Keven J. Stratton

As an elected legislators for Utah and Orem residents, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Today, we proudly endorse David Young for Mayor of Orem. We do this because of his unwavering integrity, proven leadership, and transformative results.

A Record of Resilience and Justice

Recent attempts to distort Mayor Young’s reputation stem from an Alabama civil case that was weaponized for political gain. The facts are clear: the million-dollar judgment against Mayor Young was entered without a court reporter, transcript, or recording–leaving no verifiable record. When Mayor Young sued his attorney for malpractice, he won.

Leadership Rooted in Accountability

While political opponents recycle old, questionable stories, Mayor Young has spent the last four years transforming Orem into one of Utah’s best-run cities. Under his stewardship, Orem has restored legislative authority to the City Council, reorganized management to save taxpayers $2 million in the first year, and launched the Orem Transparency Portal giving residents real-time access to votes, budgets, and service updates.

Champion for Families and Faith

Mayor Young made “Family City USA” more than a motto–it guides every major decision. He added “In God We Trust” to the city seal and council chambers, and began construction of Utah County’s first Gold Star Family Monument, honoring fallen soldiers and their families. All of this without raising taxes.

Smart Growth and Fiscal Strength

Mayor Young stopped the building of 10,000 proposed high-density apartment units on State Street, refocused growth on family neighborhoods and business vitality, and passed the Orem Land Preservation Act to safeguard parks and public lands. He built a new, state-of-the-art City Hall on time, on budget, and without new taxes or debt, earning Orem AAA bond ratings from both S&P and Fitch–an honor held by fewer than 2 percent of U.S. cities.

Innovation, Education, and Community

From increasing water storage capacity by 35 percent to revitalizing the Orem Library and launching the myHometown Program, Mayor Young’s vision has united neighborhoods and strengthened partnerships with local arts and education organizations. Orem’s School Resource Officer program has earned national recognition, and the city welcomed 3,000 new businesses since 2022. The Milken Institute ranked Provo-Orem the #1 City for Business in America in 2022 and 2023.

Award-Winning Leadership

Mayor Young was honored as Utah’s Best of State Mayor in both 2024 and 2025 for visionary leadership, fiscal discipline, and dedication to families. When neighboring cities raised taxes, he held the line and delivered results. That defines his character and his leadership.

The Choice for Orem’s Future

Mayor David Young’s story is one of perseverance, integrity, and success. He has built a transparent, efficient, family-centered city admired across Utah. We urge Orem residents to look past political spin and focus on the real record–a record of integrity, innovation, and results.

Vote for Mayor David Young. Let’s keep Orem moving forward.

Sen. Keven Stratton represents District 24 in the Utah State Senate. Rep. Nelson Abbott represents District 57 in the Utah State House of Representatives.

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