OREM — After a final speech and a letter of resignation, Stephen Sandstrom stepped down Tuesday night, leaving a hole in the Orem City Council.

The city government position is now officially open to anyone who is a registered voter and has lived in Orem for the past year.

Sandstrom is leaving after 11 years on the council to serve as a representative for Orem in the state Legislature. Sandstrom beat out incumbent Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Utah, in a hotly contested GOP primary and then won easily in the November election.

"I really have appreciated serving with all of you," Sandstrom said after reading a brief letter of resignation. "I consider all of you close and dear friends. I like the fact that we can disagree — sometimes completely disagree with each other — but after the vote is made, we walk out into the hall and we're friends. I think that's something that's important, and I hope to take that with me up to the Legislature."

Sandstrom told the council he has already spent numerous hours at the Capitol as a representative-elect and is looking forward to sharing insight gleaned from his years on the City Council.

Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn called it a pleasure to work with Sandstrom and said the council would miss his insight and level-headed demeanor.

"We're glad that you're in the Legislature to represent the issues of city government," Washburn said. "I think that it's important the Legislature has that perspective. There aren't many members of the Legislature who have had your wealth of experience."

Councilwoman Karen McCandless joked that she was losing her birthday counterpart and would now get to enjoy the March 18 birthday cake all to herself.

Individuals interested in applying for the recently vacated position should submit seven copies of a letter of interest along with a recent photograph to the Orem City Recorder's Office at the Orem City Center, 56 N. State, Orem, UT 84057.

The letters — due by noon on Jan. 2 — must include the applicant's name, address, telephone number and a list of qualifications.

The City Council will hold a special meeting Jan. 3. Candidates will get three minutes to introduce themselves.

The council will make a decision on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. and swear in the new member at the regularly scheduled council meeting on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m., following a small reception for the new council member at 5:30 p.m.

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