I became overly defensive in the August 15, 2013 American Fork City Council session, when some of my facts were challenged by some City Council members, and even mocked by one member.  While I stand by my facts, which have since been proven sound, and by my policy position against higher taxes and more public debt, I did feel badly about the contentious atmosphere of the meeting.  I thought about what went wrong and about what I could have done better.  I therefore made the following apology as public input during the August 27, 2013 American Fork City Council meeting:

"City Council members, Mayor, citizens of our great city and state, I believe in treating all people fairly and with respect.  While I was taken aback in the last city council session, where the bond proposal was being considered, when some members of the City Council challenged my assertion that the city was deeply in debt and had a tax surplus, clearly the City Council didn't realize that I was referring to the June 2013 Fiscal Year End Budget Amendment, where the size of the budget was increased from 45 million to 53 million dollars. This budget amendment lists additional revenue sources for the amount of the budget increase, totaling 7.6 million dollars, and this is what I was referring to as a "tax surplus".

I want to apologize though to the City Council, Mayor, and to any in the public and staff, who may have been offended by the contentious atmosphere of the last City Council session. While we may disagree from time to time on the best path forward for the city, I recognize that as individuals each one of you care deeply about what is best for our city, as do I. I recognize that as a council body you have put much consideration and effort into trying to do what is best for our city. I think we can all agree that there is a serious need for road and capital improvements, even if we may disagree on the best way to fund that need. I want the City Council members, Mayor, the public and staff to know that whatever the disagreement on policy, we can and should interact with dignity, respect and decorum towards one another. I didn't do a very good job with that last City Council meeting, and I apologize to you for that."

Sincerely,


Carlton Bowen