Orem City Councilman to run for House seat

OREM — Republican Stephen Sandstrom, currently an Orem City Council member, recently announced his plans to run for the District 58 seat in the House of Representatives — a seat currently occupied by Rep. Jim Ferrin, also a Republican.

Ferrin has not indicated whether he plans to seek re-election.

Sandstrom, who has served for 10 years on the Orem council, said he has always enjoyed politics and is looking forward to the chance to serve his community and the state through the Legislature.

One of Sandstrom's foci would be improving relationships between Orem city and the Legislature.

"It seems like every year things that are passed (at the Legislature) . . . restrict cities ability to truly govern themselves and react directly to their constituents," he said. "Politics are best when (they are) closest to the people."

Sandstrom is also concerned about transportation in the quickly growing Utah County, and said he would work to find ways to relieve the pressure on I-15.

Education is another hot-button issue, and although Sandstrom said he wants to ensure the public education system is preserved, he believes parents have the ultimate choice in their children's education.

With a background of city council involvement, as well as experience as a business man and an architect, Sandstrom said he would bring a wide-range of viewpoints to the office.

"I'm not just a single-issue person," he said.

Sandstrom and his wife, Jennifer, have four children.