From Deseret News archives:
Orem councilman calls stint 'an honor and delight'
"Knowing that I was going to retire, I wanted to do something special for each of them," Campbell said. "I told them the other night that I love them. I really do. It has been an honor and delight."
Campbell will attend his final City Council meeting tonight after a short reception in his honor at 4:30 p.m. before the council's work session.
In Christmases past, Campbell has used his wood-turning talent to make gifts, but this year is a bit more sentimental, as he steps down from the Orem City Council after eight years of service.
He's quick to point out it was never just his vote or voice that made the difference. It was entire councils filled with good, wise people.
"One City Council vote does not a decision make," he said. "There has just been a tremendous amount of good that the councils have done."
But Mayor Jerry Washburn, who was elected in 2000 as mayor, along with Campbell as a councilman, points out that it is Campbell's energy that has made a lot happen.
"He's a very passionate person and very committed to making our city better," Washburn said. "He Has been a major influence in so many things."
"He always wanted to cheer for the underdog," said council member Dean Dickerson. "He wanted to make sure that ... a person who didn't have a voice was heard."
But more than City Council decisions or important decisions regarding roads or finances, Campbell said he found the most joy in watching the Boy or Girl Scouts come to City Council meetings each Tuesday night to lead the pledges or say the opening prayers.
"That just thrills me," he said, "and it has nothing to do with any vote that I've made."
Campbell and his fellow council members all mentioned his outspokenness and passion.
"With Les, what you see is what you get," Washburn said. "He is very, very open with his feelings, and he tells you exactly where he's coming from. That makes it easy to deal with him. You may not always agree with him, but you appreciate his commitment to principle."
"Les really has a pure love for Orem," said council member Mark Seastrand. "(He) always is looking out for the best interest of Orem. And he's not afraid to stand up and really speak his opinion, even if it's not something everybody agrees with. I really admire that in him."
Campbell said he'll stay busy now by joining several woodworking clubs. And in a few months, he might even be back to volunteer for more councils or commissions.
Campbell and his wife, Linda, were also just named Citizens of the Year by the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce.
"I'm gonna miss them," Campbell said of his fellow council members. "My heart already aches."
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com
Recent comments
We have known the Campbells for years (40Plus) and have known them to...
Kent and Ruth Brower | Dec. 17, 2007 at 9:21 p.m.
That's my Grandpa!!!He's the best ever.
tori | Dec. 12, 2007 at 12:20 p.m.
I think the comments by his 2 children and niece say as much about...
Pat | Dec. 12, 2007 at 8:32 a.m.
- Lakers booed at home in loss 12:53 a.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 12:51 a.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.
225 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
206 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
125 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
97 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
88
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...
If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...
I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...
A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...
I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...
A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...
she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...
Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...
Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

