HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Paul WrobelHello, my name is Paul Wrobel. I’m a sophomore here at Montana State, trying to get a
double major in Political Science and Film, with a minor in Economics. I’m 19 years old, and
yes, I’m running for the vacant position in the Bozeman City Commission. Now, I’m guessing a
lot of heads turned after reading that last part, mine sure did when I first thought about writing it.
I have no experience in the public sector; my work experience consists of me working at a
theater, a warehouse, a property management company, and Lowe’s. Why would I of all people
decide to put my name into the hat?
Well, to put it bluntly, I care. Bozeman has been absolutely amazing to me from the day I
came here. The city fascinates me; what most people see as a “drive-through” town for
Yellowstone or Glacier, I see a rich and rapidly-growing gem of Montana. The people here are
so nice and welcoming, and for that reason they deserve the best leadership possible.
Anyways, this submission asks for a list of qualifications, and for that I submit to you what
essentially is my resume/biography.
I was born in New York City with my twin brother to two Polish immigrants who won a
green card during the Reagan administration. We owned a deli store and later moved down to
Phoenix, Arizona. There we moved around a lot, some schools we attended include the Arizona
Conservatory for Arts & Academics & Bradshaw Mountain High School. In December 2015, we
moved up to Missoula, MT. Here I attended Frenchtown High School. During my time at
Frenchtown, I graduated in the top 20% percentile of my class with High Honors and recognition
from the National Honors Society. I was a part of the Student Body Government, eventually
winning a scholarship for my dedication to providing the students a safe and exciting unified
environment to learn and partake in athletics. I was also a part of our school’s Youth Action
Committee, which educated minors and adults the harms of alcohol and drug addiction. In 2019,
I was a part of my school’s all-senior team at the Montana Academic State Championship held
at the University of Montana. My work in these and other extracurricular activities, both
academic and athletic, along with taking the hardest college curriculum classes our school
offered, made me the recipient of several grants and scholarships. These, along with the money
I made over the summer working as a warehouse picker, allowed me to attend Montana State
University with no loans. Here at Montana State, I have already gained a few accolades.
Currently, I am a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the TRiO program;
I am in the process of becoming a TRiO mentor. Last year, I joined MontanaPBS as an intern
working under Nikki Vradenburg, the station’s Director of Education. Here, I curate content for
the site’s LearningMedia page, creating and organizing resources for teachers. In my spare
time, I have started a small production company with a friend, Schmautz & Wrobel.
My original plan was to attend Montana State for their film program, as I wanted to
become a filmmaker of some sorts. My dream however took a kind of a sidestep as I began to
indulge myself further into the land of politics. I became a follower of Andrew Yang and his then
presidential campaign, even going so far as to listening to his book’s audiobook, where I learned
more about the challenges we as a nation will face in the future. I was also trying to discover my
own political bias and beliefs. Coming out of a bubble back in Frenchtown, I now try to see both
side’s arguments and points. I joined the Gallatin County Democrats recently to further learn
more about what they believe in, as my entire life I’ve only ever heard right-wing talking points.
Currently, I post political events on their site, as well as make an ad for them here and there.
Either way, in the end I believe in what’s right and I believe in the people.
I understand that I lack experience, but this is the great thing about democracy. The fact
that I of all people can actually have a chance at making a difference and joining the City
Commission of Bozeman is incredible. What I lack in experience, I promise to make up in
character and understanding. I promise to attend every meeting. I promise to listen to the
people of Bozeman and make sure their voices are heard. I promise to make Bozeman my top
priority and do what’s best for everyone. It might sound like I’m preaching to the choir being only
19, but hey, I’m almost 20.