On Nov. 25, 2003, an era that spanned seven decades came to an end. The SCERA board of directors held a scantily publicized meeting inviting the approximately 127,000 members of SCERA to vote out the old bylaws and vote in the new bylaws — which included doing away with the boundaries of SCERA and its membership.
Enter Orem city. Currently, the Orem City Council is discussing the budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, which begins July 2004. Orem City has, since 1983, allocated a portion of its budget to SCERA — with the intent that SCERA use the money to provide cultural opportunities for the citizens of Orem.
The question is this: Should SCERA continue to receive public funds from Orem city when no other nonprofit, culturally oriented organizations in Orem receive public monies?
Orem city should not subsidize SCERA with public funds unless SCERA redefines itself to include the citizens of Orem.
Please contact Mayor Washburn and members of the Orem City Council if you would like to share your opinion.
Julie Siebach
Orem