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At the closure of twelve years on the Orem City Council, I find myself reflecting on what a privilege it has been to serve this remarkable city and its people. During my time in this position, I’ve had the honor of working alongside so many dedicated “builders and finishers.” Individuals who give their time, talents, and hearts to make Orem stronger, safer, and better.
The poet Edgar Guest once wrote about two kinds of people: builders and wreckers. He points out that some “can wreck in a day or two what builders have taken a year to do”. Builders work with care and patience, measuring their efforts by purpose and principle. Throughout my time on the council, I’ve seen what happens when we come together and choose to build; neighborhoods thrive, businesses grow, and trust deepens in our community.
President Thomas S. Monson once shared a story about a furniture shop with a sign in the window that read, “Finishers Wanted.” I’ve thought a lot about that phrase over the years. It takes a certain kind of person to pay attention to the details, to persist when it’s hard, and to make something truly complete. Orem has many such finishers: employees, volunteers, and residents who quietly ensure that what we start together gets finished with excellence.
As I step away from public office, I do so with deep gratitude and optimism for our city. My challenge to each of you is this: be a builder and a finisher. Be the kind of person who lifts, who strengthens, and who makes good things happen for the community.
Orem’s future will be bright if we each commit to building it one good deed, one thoughtful decision, and one finished task at a time. Thank you for the privilege of serving on the Orem City Council. I’ll see you around town.
-Tom Macdonald
Orem City Council
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