HomeMy WebLinkAbout17- Mayoral Proclamation - Key to the City to Allan Lien BOT...
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AWARD OF THE KEY TO THE CITY OF BOZEMAN
ALLAN LIEN
In medieval times cities were walled and gated for security. Those that wished to enter through
the gates were carefully screened for security. However, trusted and valued members of a
community were granted the right to enter by bestowing the key to the City upon them. While
this tradition has become symbolic, it is not to be considered insignificant.Thus,in our City, the
Key to the City of Bozeman shall be awarded to citizens who have become trusted and valued
members of our community.
It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I award the Key to the City of Bozeman to Allan Lien.
The Key is given because his life has been devoted to the betterment of his community, our
community.
Al has lived and ranched in Gallatin County since 1962. As far back as anyone can remember he
has been devoted to the preservation of agricultural traditions and teaching children and adults
about the culture of agriculture.For at least ten years he has invited fourth graders from Bozeman
schools to learn about milk production, agriculture, irrigation, and horse history. He has
participated in the program at the Tinsley Living Farm at the Museum of the Rockies, and he has
volunteered himself for the sake of 4-H and the Montana Winter Fair.
Within the agriculture and irrigation community Al has been the President of the West Gallatin
Canal and Vice-President of the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators. He has also
served on the Gallatin County Fair Board.
From the City of Bozeman's perspective,Al's contributions are equally important. When the City
first began consideration of its Integrated Water Resources Plan, Al was there to help in his
unique way. In one Commission meeting,when I was articulating frustration with hearing about
water quantities in acre feet, gallons and miner's inches, it was Al whose voice intoned the
equivalents, for which I was eternally grateful. Al then became a sounding board for me as to
whether or not and when the City was reaching too far in its need to balance rural interests with
urban interests.
Judge Holly Brown will tell you that Al could always be relied upon to help out with her Water
Walks. These annual events are dedicated to education and understanding of water and local
water features. They are regularly attended by City and County officials concerned with our
precious water supply.
Despite being unwell at the time,Al consented to be interviewed by artists who were producing
a performance art project about water. Those of us who watched FLOW at the Story Mill silos
could not fail to recognize his voice and eloquent description of our irrigation ditch system. That
unmistakable voice also spoke movingly about cooperation among water users at GABRIEL
CANAL, a performance art piece,this past summer.
For Allan Lien's desire and ability to remind us of the culture and history of agriculture, for his
willingness to be patient and kind to those of us who know less,and for his devotion to our large
community,whether urban or rural,I award Allan Lien the Key to the City.
Every community needs people that model the kind of behavior to which all should aspire. We
award him the Key to the City of Bozeman so as to forever memorialize him as the kind of citizen
that we would all like to be.
Allan Lien you inspire us to be better community members. And we thank you for that
inspiration and for your years of dedicated work in our community.
Signed this 46,day of December,2017 in Bozeman,Montana.
CaA)---
Carson Taylor
Mayor
Bozeman,Montana