Orem having hard time culling council applicants

OREM — The Orem City Council has two days remaining to determine which of 14 applicants will best fill the open seat on the council.

"This is really quite easy for us," Mayor Jerry Washburn said Tuesday night, "because we can't make a mistake. I think the only hard part about it is making a selection and then having to say 'no' to 13 other really qualified people. I am just really impressed that all of you are so willing to make sacrifices . . . to serve the community."

The vacancy — created by the death of council member Doug Forsyth who passed away Dec. 21 — must be filled in 30 days in accordance with state law. The council will make a final decision on Thursday at 7 p.m., the 29th day.

But it's not an easy decision.

"What am I doing here?" joked Councilman Les Campbell after listening to the candidates. "I am just in awe at the experience, the commitment and the qualifications."

The 14 applicants who spoke Tuesday night talked about why they want to serve, why they are qualified. Many also expressed admiration for Forsyth and condolences to his family.

The applicants ranged from a young father of five to fathers with grown children. There were college professors, members of community committees and business professionals.

Two applicants ran in the November election: Zachary Napierski and Kelvin Clayton.

BYU professor Rayman Meservy told the council that with nine grown children and a light teaching schedule, he and his wife have the time to fulfill the city position. "At this point in my life, I have time to give back and be involved, to share where I can," he said.

When Mark Seastrand addressed the council, he first expressed his love for Orem, which over the past 45 years he has seen grow from fields and orchards to a blossoming city. "I love the excitement of driving on Sandhill Road," he said with a chuckle.If appointed, Seastrand said he would focus on meeting with individual people to better represent their thoughts about government.

"The commitment I have, is not just how do we sit in meetings, but how do we get out there and meet people," Seastrand said.

For David Chao, knowledge about the issues and background information is also crucial for a city council member.

In preparation for the application, Chao said he read the latest general plan, the planning commission annual report, the approved budget and article 22 on zoning.