HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-20 Public Comment - E. Marum - Linda Gabel and Jennifer Madgic for City Commission VacancyFrom:Elizabeth Marum
To:Agenda
Subject:Endorsement of two candidates for Bzn City Commission
Date:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 4:04:26 PM
Dear City Commissioners,
You may know that I am a Belgrade resident, hence I don't often voice an opinion on
Bozeman City Government. Still, as chair of the Gallatin Democrats and a member of theTriangle Planning Coordinating Committee, policy and people in our county seat matters very
much to me. Bozeman sets the pace for our vibrant county and places markers for where weare, directions we need to go, and issues that require the attention of local government.
Thank you for your service on our behalf.
There are two people in particular who I would like to recommend for appointment to the citycommission (in alphabetic order).
Linda Gabel
I have worked with Linda over the past two years as a volunteer with the Gallatin DemocratsExecutive Committee. Linda is always stepping up, so when we decided it was time to hire
paid staff, I asked Linda to Chair our Search Committee. That's when I learned the depth ofher experience in many varied businesses, and the breadth of her leadership on boards and
search committees. She offered amazing insight and experience and she deserves a great dealof credit setting up this position for long-term success. (We did have a pro bono attorney, too.)
She has deep competence in finance, HR, small business, and board development.
As a woman who has faced challenges, she has a practical way of approaching problems. Ifeel like an optimist, but Linda has faced many of these challenges and had examples of real-
world solutions. She is smart, competent and a wonderful advisor. I think she would make anexcellent City Commissioner.
Jennifer Madgic
I think most of us knew Jenn in her role as Tester's district office manager where we werealways treated with respect, care and concern. I dealt with her as an organizer with MT
Organizing Project when we advocated for Immigration Reform (2012-13), MedicaidExpansion (2013-17), the expansion of Social Security (2012-18 when she left) and a
sprinkling of other issues/policies. She was kind, thoughtful; she didn't overpromise or offerplatitudes. She was clear and timely.
But, that's only half of it. I've served on the Belgrade City-County Planning Board for 12 yrsor so, and the PCC for 5. Jenn is a planner, and deep understanding of planning would add so
much to the Commission. I'm clearly biased. I remember the City and County both havingopenings for one or more planning positions and the difficulty hiring. Someone with federal,
county and city experience will be helpful to the county seat of one of the fastest growingcounties in the nation, especially as we adjust to becoming an MPO. That will have a profound
effect on all of our local governments and Bozeman will once again lead the way.
Good luck with this decision. You have significantly more knowledge of Bozeman's needs so Idon't pretend to know who will be best in this position. I recommend either of these women!
With appreciation for your service to Bozeman and the County!
Elizabeth --
Elizabeth Marum406-570-1033
Fear seeks noisy company and pandemonium to scare away the demons. C.G. Jung