HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Griffin SmithDear City Commissioners,
Thank you for reviewing my application. My name is Gri n Smith; I am twenty
years old, and this spring I will graduate with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Mon-
tana State University. I love living here, so next fall I plan on returning as a graduate
student to pursue a Masters degree in Mathematics. In the last two years, Bozeman
has become more than the place where I go to school: it has become my home. I feel
fortunate to have this opportunity to serve my community, as I strongly believe that as
citizens we hold an enormous responsibility to perform our civic duty. When I heard of
the city commissioner opening, I felt a responsibility to o er what I can. I am willing to
commit the time and energy as city commissioner to help make this community a better
place, and while I cannot o er experience in municipal government, I can o er problem
solving skills, a commitment to listen and learn, and as a young citizen and student, a
unique perspective. I believe that these quali cations would make me an e ective city
commissioner.
If appointed as a city commissioner, I would make a commitment to learn and listen.
I believe willingness to learn is a vital quali cation for this position. Learning through
study is a great way to become informed; however, it must be coupled with learning
through listening. While dedicated study can grant a foundational understanding of
issues, it is listening that grants perspective. Gathering this perspective from my peers,
my colleagues, and the community would allow me to re ect on issues and be an informed
and balanced vote on the city commission. That is why the rst thing I would do as a
city commissioner would be to schedule a meeting with each one of you. I recognize the
value of your experience and perspective, and I want to know what issues you think are
important.
Acquiring this knowledge only bene ts the community if we act on it in an appro-
priate way, namely to resolve issues through applications of policy. As a math tutor,
my work involves helping others solve problems; when I held a Resident Advisor posi-
tion, my work largely consisted of resolving tension and working out solutions. In fact,
I like to think of my major as a degree in problem solving. For the last two years, I
have spent the majority of my time solving problems and resolving issues. Techniques I
have learned in the classroom have become common place throughout my life. Dividing
a problem into manageable pieces, considering di erent angles to approach the prob-
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lem, and sometimes just the grit to tough out a late night contribute to my success in
academia and in my work. I would use my experience in these matters to serve as an
e ective city commissioner.
Finally, I o er a unique perspective; I am a young college student. I can o er insight
into how city policy may e ect the University and student body. I recognize that what
might be best for the University or student body might not be best for the community
as a whole, and to that point integrity demands I try to act for what is best for the city.
However, as public servants it is vital to realize the impacts of policy, and I believe I
can make impacts that policy may have on my peers clearer to the city commissioners
whom I would serve alongside.
In the spring of 2020 as the pandemic hit, I chose to stay here in Bozeman and work
as an essential employee at Home Depot. I did not pack up my car and move home
because I was already home. In the last two years, this amazing community welcomed
me and has helped me grow into who I am today. I owe this city a debt of gratitude,
and I feel I may begin to repay it serving as a city commissioner. Bozeman has o ered
me a great deal, and I see this position as an opportunity to o er something back to
the community which has become my home. I am passionate about the well being of
this community, and I would bring that passion along with my quali cations to the city
commissioner position. Thank you for your consideration.
Cordially,
Gri n L. Smith
Phone: (605) 645-8204
Email: gri n.smith@student.montana.edu
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