HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-23 Public Comment - E. Darrow and J. Walseth - Letter on Appointment to City CommissionFrom:Elizabeth Darrow
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Letter on Appointment to City Commission
Date:Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:43:56 PM
Attachments:KociolekForCityCommission.docx
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Hello,
Please find our letter to recommend Angie Kociolek to the City Commission for the
meeting on November 28, 2023.
Elizabeth Darrow & Jim Walseth
603 West Babcock
Bozeman, MT 59715
November 23, 2023 TO: Mayor Cyndy Andrus, Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham, Commissioner Chris
Coburn, and Commissioner Jennifer Madgic. Thank you for your service. RE: Appointment to City Commission FROM: Elizabeth Darrow & Jim Walseth
The values expressed in Angela Kociolek's application for the City Commission
appointment to replace I-Ho Pomeroy's humane tradition of community resonates with us deeply, and we are sure it will with most Bozeman residents. There is an obvious fact that this appointment should also reflect the need for correcting the gender imbalance that already exists on the Commission. Angie has stepped up in the face of the
profound city-wide concern expressed in the recent City Commission election and the
looming threat now manifesting in changes to the UDC and NCOD, and library debacle. These events have galvanized many to speak out to protect our history, tangible and intangible found in our historic core and throughout the city. Angie's broad experience in public service as outlined in her letter, reflects a vision, an awareness that includes
deep commitment to sustainability, the stewardship of the natural and built environment,
the positive belief in the power of individual participation as a conscious community stakeholder. This perspective is also ours that opportunities for those who work and live here now
and in the future can find access to affordable housing, but that our solutions are not
limited to generic multiplexes, high-rises, unlimited part-time rentals that create a transient city, or unaffordable mcmansions that ignore the scale or footprint of an historic house, allow a fair property tax rate, encourage walkability, retain greenspace & trees and neighborhood character in core Bozeman.
Angie believes that Bozeman can determine its own future, and not acquiesce to external pressures particularly those interests whose goals benefit the few, developers, real estate speculators and their friends in the state legislature who passed in essence, a bill that effectively outlaws public engagement in determining how we manage our
own smart growth. This idea, is like hope itself, may be idealistic but Angie represents
those of us who believe that we can still have a successful dialectic about practical solutions with shared values and goals. This is a fitting tribute to I-Ho's service and what Bozeman needs now. Appoint Angie Kociolek!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Darrow & Jim Walseth Bozeman