Key Issues
Last modified: August 29, 2009City Roads and Transportation. With Orem’s growth over the last couple of decades has come the combined problem of traffic flow and the maintenance of our existing roads. The city needs to work with UDOT, UTA, and Utah Valley University to maintain and expand its roads to coordinate traffic flow through Orem City.  A strong emphasis on keeping our present city roads maintained by working with city engineers to expand traffic flow to maximum capacity–while preserving the peace and safety of our neighborhoods–is required.
Orem City – UVU – Alpine School District. This fall, Utah Valley University could have over 29,000 students enrolled from all over the world. Alpine School District is one of the largest school districts in Utah. By partnering together, Utah Valley University, Alpine School District and Orem can take full advantage of our combined resources. Developing communities of engaged learners in a united, orderly effort will build the spirit of community in the City of Orem.
Business Expansion. The City of Orem needs a strong tax base to maintain our city services for their citizens. Filling the vacant buildings on State Street with thriving businesses and helping startup businesses with the tools to be successful will improve the tax base and preserve neighborhoods and community.
Citizens and Government. I am a skilled organizer with the time to be an active, engaged city council member. I commit to attend all necessary meetings, city functions, and relevant local events. I value citizen participation in the public process and will meet with individuals and groups to hear and understand their needs. My door will always be open for citizens to voice their opinions.
Public Safety. I have always been proud of our Public Safety Department. Yet Orem’s increased population and gang activity brings increasing need to protect our citizens. I will bring focus and commitment to see that our police and fire fighters have the state of the art equipment, facilities and best training possible.
Orem’s Neighborhoods. The challenges of controlling traffic flow, condensed housing, student housing and accessory apartments mean key decisions are coming upon us. These decisions will affect all of our neighborhoods, and must be made wisely to keep the City of Orem a family-friendly community.
Dear Brent,
Midtown Village is an eyesore and invitation to crime. What do you think should be done about it?
Thanks for the question, Jenni.
Midtown is an instance of my worst fears for our city being realized. I was one of the first individuals to listen to the Midtown proposal. Back then, I and my brother both told the developer it would not work in Orem, and in that location in particular because of the traffic problems it would create becase it was simply just too BIG.
Yes, I agree with you that Midtown is an eyesore for the community. Not being a builder or contractor by trade I do know when materials and structures are exposed to the elements a lot of the work needs to be redone and this concerns me. I understand there are over 40 financial institutions with money in the project, which is a can of worms to try and sort out. I would sit down with city officials and contractors and see what our immediate options are. The original plan for Midtown was to be an upscale residential and business structure. Perhaps we need to set our sights a little lower and get moving on getting businesses up and running in the bottom. Then we might work our way up on the housing side for Orem’s Citizens. At least we could then start to collect some property and sales tax for the city and begin to undo the slide.
If elected, there are two things I want to get my arms around and get involved in ASAP:
1. Midtown.
2. Orem traffic flow (especially around UVU and the redesign of I-15).
What has been done in the past with Midtown is done. So, we now need to look forward and get going and get the project finished, and finished soon.
Again, thanks for your comment. I would appreciate your vote November 3.
Brent