Todd Orme for Smithfield City Council

Just a Bit About Me:

Hello! My name is Todd Orme, and I am a candidate for Smithfield City Council.
I would really appreciate your consideration in voting me to the Council, but I think it is critical that anyone voting for me knows some things about me:

• Who is Todd Orme?
• What traits do I feel qualify me for the position?
• What important concerns and areas of focus do I believe I share with the residents of
Smithfield?
• What approach will I take, if elected, to hear and address the concerns that we share?

Well, here you go!

I was born and raised on a farm in the Upper Snake River Valley of Eastern Idaho. I was taught by
wonderful parents to work hard, and I was taught how to learn from my work and from my experiences. I was taught respect, to understand the effects of my decisions, and to make a positive difference where and when I can.

I learned how to serve, and spent time in Paraguay, South America teaching and serving the people of that wonderful country. That experience also taught me A LOT about myself.

My education and professional expertise are in Electrical Engineering, primarily having managed
Technical Customer Service teams for multiple large LED display manufacturers. Creative thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems, negotiate and reach mutually beneficial compromises, and make wise decisions with tight budgets are all critical skills that have served me well in my profession. I feel these same skills are essential in making decisions that would impact ALL the residents of our community.

I have been married to my wonderful wife for over 40 years, and we have 4 grown and married children and 13 grandchildren. Family is paramount. We have been residents of Smithfield twice, for a total of over 27 years. Three of our 4 children were born and began their elementary educations here, when Smithfield was much smaller. Work took us away from Smithfield in 1996, but when work brought us back to Cache Valley in 2007, we knew Smithfield was again where we wanted to call home. Our youngest finished his education here. The city had certainly grown, but the spirit we loved before was still alive and well. Many previous friends remained, and so many new friends have been made.

Smithfield is a wonderful community with so much to offer. However, like virtually all communities, we have challenges that must be evaluated, addressed, and resolved. I believe we all want Smithfield to always retain its small-town charm and appeal, but we also realize we have to properly address multiple concerns:

• Growth – It truly is a fact of life. We cannot (and should not) stop it, but cannot allow it to run rampant.
• Education – Quality education is vital, but our schools are overcrowded, and the severity continues to grow.
• Services – Police, fire, and other city services are incredibly effective and efficient but are universally agreed to be understaffed and underequipped.

• Seniors – Our more experienced citizens are a treasure to the community and have spent much of their lives creating and maintaining what we love about Smithfield. The city must continue to treasure them.

This list is certainly not all inclusive as to the issues and concerns that our City Council must address.

Limited funding to support the needs of the city is a constant balancing act, and difficult adjustments must be made in dealing with each issue. Few decisions are universally popular, and many will not completely resolve an issue satisfactorily. This is why competent and thoughtful City Council representation is vital. This is why I would ask for the opportunity and your confidence to do all I can to provide logical and well-considered decisions to achieve results:

✓ Growth – Vital infrastructure decisions AND prioritization must be made to ensure that our limited funds meet the most critical needs of the city, and that growth is properly approved and controlled to ensure continued quality of life and community.

✓ Education – The city does not and cannot control the school district, but I believe that improved collaboration and communication with them is vital and can have a very positive result. The city must proactively make this a reality. This must be considered hand in hand with decisions about growth.

✓ Services – Funding is always a concern, and continued creative efforts and resource options must be aggressively pursued so that the services meet the needs of the city, and those providing the services are properly compensated.

✓ Seniors – We must ensure that we provide the vital resources required for our mature citizens to continue to participate in and maintain the sense of community they deserve.

I humbly ask for your support in electing me to help shape the Council’s decisions, and thoughtfully assist in guiding Smithfield forward. No one has all the answers, but I pledge my very best efforts in providing clear, well-thought opinion and support to keep Smithfield City the place we are proud to call home.