HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-25-21 Public Comment - L. Gabel - Comment on reducing number of committeesFrom:Linda Gabel
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment on reducing number of committees
Date:Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:23:19 PM
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I moved here three years ago from Fort Collins. While I was there I participated in CityWorks 101, as a citizen
member of the budget process and served on advisory boards, in addition to the district library board. Our work was
celebrated with an annual dinner and we also had the opportunity to give feedback to the city manager on the budget
process. I felt involved and appreciated as a citizen.
I believe that reducing committees as much as is recommended for the city of Bozeman would be a mistake.
Although, I know that Fort Collins also has gone through this process to be “more inclusionary” it presented greater
difficulty in attracting people to serve on the boards with the restrictions that were put in place and those who had
served felt sidelined. It was not popular, especially with those who had been committed to serving their community.
If the city commission is looking for more community involvement, I feel that this proposal takes things in the other
direction. I have found it more challenging to find ways to serve the community here in Bozeman already. Some
boards, such as the library board, by their nature and oversight responsibility, should remain separate. Senior
services in this community already seem to take a back seat. And there are other examples. There are many ways
which could encourage more community involvement than this. A ‘State of the City’ event to report to the
community in a comprehensive and clear manner would be a good beginning, outline what the commission goals are
and make all citizens more aware of how they can contribute.
Linda Gabel
2487 Cree Lane
Bozeman
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