HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-22-23 Public Comment - G. Monahan - Vacant Commissioner SeatFrom:Glenn Monahan
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Vacant Commissioner Seat
Date:Wednesday, November 22, 2023 1:55:27 PM
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Attn: City Commission November
18, 2023PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Glenn Monahan
Preserve Bozeman
420 North 10th Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear City Commissioners:
This is Glenn Monahan, a founding member of the Preserve Bozeman group of citizens. As
you are likely well aware, we are a large group of primarily long-time Bozeman homeowners,who have formed out of concern about the direction that the City is trending in regards to
zoning, over-development, infill, and preservation of our core neighborhoods. Despite thedelay in the UDC, we have NOT disbanded, and are committed to remaining a primary force
in City decision making.
We are of the opinion that the results of the recent mayoral race are indicative of an
awakening of Bozeman citizens who have developed overwhelming concerns about thedirection of Commission decisions regarding growth and development.
I'm writing you today regarding the vacant commission seat that you will soon fill. It appearsthere are a number of qualified candidates. From that list, we support John Meyer. Mr. Meyer,
by his recent mayoral candidacy, demonstrates a clear willingness to dedicate himself togoverning Bozeman. As an attorney he has the legal background to understand lawmaking,
and the ability to understand and interpret state laws, and how state actions either benefit orhinder City governance. Mr. Meyer received a large number of votes in the recent election - a
fact that is compelling in that it indicates he had widespread support from a significant numberof Bozeman voters. We recognize that Mr. Meyer is considered by some to be a maverick, but
we believe that’s what Bozeman voters want, as many of us are in strong opposition to thepresent Commission’s growth policies. Change is necessary, warranted, and a good thing. Mr.
Meyer’s age makes him a good choice - he’s young enough to appeal to Bozeman’soverwhelmingly young populace, yet old enough to have developed the maturity to make fair
and balanced decisions.
We want to go on record as being strongly opposed to candidates Delmue and Egge.
Both have been campaign contributors to sitting City Commissioners, a clear ethics issue,which we consider disqualifying.
Mr. Egge has previously run for a commission seat, and was rejected by voters. Of greaterconcern is his affiliation with the Frontier Institute, whose views are so far from the
mainstream that his appointment would represent a radicalization of the Commission. Hisstrong support for the presently delayed UDC update – in both his written and public
testimony, and on local blogs - (e.g. NextDoor) are of deep concern to us. We strongly opposeMr. Egge’s consideration by the Commission.
Mr. Delmue is a developer, and during the recent Community Development Board publichearing for the UDC update proposal, was never clear regarding his commitment to
Bozeman’s core neighborhoods. His recent development on Beall and Grand involved tearingdown a small affordable rental home and replacing it with a high priced condominium
complex; we are concerned that this development is representative of his philosophy towarddevelopment of our core neighborhoods. We therefore are opposed to his appointment.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Glenn Monahan
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