HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-18 Public Comment - M. Redburn - Law and Justice Center 0
Michael K. Redburn
406-522-0861 210 W. Graf Street, Bozeman, MT 59715 mredburn26@gmail.com
May 11, 2018
Mayor Cyndy Andrus
City of Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Mayor Andrus,
Thank you for your service in public office. I greatly appreciate the time and effort you devote to our
community.
I want to address two issues related to the development of a bond project for a new law and justice
center. My first issue is straight forward.Although I have supported most of the previous bond efforts—
including the most recent one—I will not support future proposals that are not joint efforts between the
city and county. I am aware of the current city position that working with the county is unworkable.
However, a successful joint project is, in my judgement, in the best interest of all city and county
residents,and,for the reasons explained below, both workable and necessary for a successful effort.
My second issue involves the process. In my view, broad-based participation in the bond project
development is necessary. It must be as inclusive as possible, relying on the participation of a diverse set
of perspectives and interests from both inside and outside city and county government. It is essential to
invite into the process those who inevitably show up as resistors or saboteurs. If we want people as
supporters,we must welcome them as co-creators.
The process,facilitated by neutral parties (Bozeman has a cash of talented individuals), must start with
establishing the underlying purpose or best possible outcomes of the project, rather than the positions
and solutions of which we are all aware. Over a period of weeks or months,the collaborative group can
develop strategies that will foster the group's collective purpose. By starting with the best possible
outcomes rather than positions or solutions,the group will not only identify common ground, but find
new ground that previously seemed to be impossible. My experience with bond projects began in the
Bozeman Schools with a failed$17 million dollar campaign.A year and a half later it resulted in an
overwhelmingly successful $55 million bond proposal which taught me the value of this type of
collaboration.
I have written in little detail about the process, but would be eager to discuss this with you in person at
any time. My contact information is at the top of this letter and I invite you to contact me.
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Respectfully,
Michael Redburn
Bozeman, MT