HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-17 Public Comment - B. Maxwell - City ManagerDear Mr. Mayor and City Commissioners,
I don’t speak for the community, as you do, but after 12 years in Bozeman, I believe I can speak from the
community. It’s regarding the next 12 years—at least—in our large town that concerns me today,
focusing on what Bozeman will become and who will lead us there.
The vetting process for the City of Bozeman’s next city manager is now upon you, and initially, I’d like to
draw a pair of comparisons from current affairs, as Congress selects the next U.S. Supreme Court
Justice. Like the federal process, ours needs to be well explained to the citizenry of Bozeman and
transparent as it develops. This may not be required by the charter or convenient—in fact, the response
may grow noisy—but transparency and public input are beyond debate for a government representing
nearly 50,000 people.
What I have to convey next are three additional recommendations. First, there should be, in place
already or set forth promptly, a short list of basic standards for all applicants to the position of Bozeman
city manager. It’s not too limiting to require minimums for level of education and years of related
professional experience as bases for applicants to the lead position of a dynamic governmental
organization with an annual budget of over $100 million.
My second recommendation is of less objectivity: yours is also the responsibility of properly evaluating
the leadership qualities of those who both apply and meet the aforementioned standards. In my
opinion, leadership is a rare mixture of aptitude, drive, charisma, and accountability. These qualities are
not readily apparent to the eye, but I believe we may now appreciate their necessity. It is here that the
City Commission of Bozeman, or whatever panel you nominate, will have to apply themselves most
diligently if the selection process is to be a success.
Thirdly, and of less importance, is how the applicants answer the questions of this community’s current
affairs. When it comes to growth, scale of government, infrastructure, infill, or commerce, I don’t think
seeking an applicant who shares (or parrots) individual opinions is a worthy goal. For instance, the
aforementioned education and experience, along with the inherent polish, are of far greater value. I’d
be more interested in witnessing an applicant, interviewee, or new hire who is able to convey a great
deal of study, consideration, and practical experience on all these issues (and those the public hasn’t yet
anticipated), who possesses the communication skills to describe and dissect these challenges, and who
can present their own astute recommendations for how these matters may be addressed within the
means available in this community. Some may regard excess and inefficiency as synonymous with
government, but they are not, and these wasteful qualities have nothing in common with being a
superior manager.
Good luck to you.
Best,
Blake Maxwell
email: bozemanmagpie@gmail.com
The Bozeman Magpie