HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-23 Public Comment - E. Donahue - Public Comment for City Commission AppointmentFrom:Eliza Donahue
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment for City Commission Appointment
Date:Sunday, November 26, 2023 11:44:15 AM
Attachments:Public Comment in Support of Emma Bode.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To Whom It May Concern,
Please see the attachment for my public comment in support of Emma Bode for CityCommission.
Thanks,
--
Eliza DonahuePronouns: She/her/hers
(505)670-7033
November 26,2023
Dear City of Bozeman Commissioners and Staff,
I am writing to express my support for Emma Bode in her petition for City Commissioner.
I have known Emma for 11 years and worked with her for nine months in my role as a
community organizer with Forward Montana.Upon meeting Emma,one might not know right
away the depth and breadth of her experience as a young organizer in our community for the
past seven years.That’s because she is deeply humble:a quality that makes her an
approachable and accountable leader –just the kind we need.
Emma is not afraid to get her hands dirty.She’s spent long hours connecting with people,
getting to know this community,and working behind the scenes to get things done;from starting
Sustainability NOW while on campus,to building youth political power as the Bozeman Field
Organizer with Forward Montana,to serving as the chair of the Sustainability Board and
continuing to advocate for Montanans as a data analyst.When she’s not working,Emma is
showing up for other causes and showing up as a generous and thoughtful friend,daughter,and
sister.
Emma has spent years engaging young people in local politics.She knows how to reach people
who may otherwise feel disenchanted with government and is able to distill complicated policy
into understandable terms.When I was starting out organizing at Forward Montana,Emma
helped me to understand the political landscape of our state while never talking down to me.
Emma recognizes the unique contributions that every person brings to the political process,and
is a lifelong learner herself.Her passion for her community and for improving lives through local
policy is infectious.Simply put,Emma has the people and communication skills with the policy
know-how and data chops to match.
All her expertise aside,I trust Emma because she’s not in the game for recognition.She isn’t
looking to be on city commission because of her ego –I feel I know her well enough to
confidently say that.Emma genuinely cares about her home and wouldn’t apply for this position
if she didn’t feel she had something to offer.Emma is ready to listen to our city and I feel certain
she’ll put in the groundwork to remain accountable to every one of our neighbors.There is no
one I’d rather see appointed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Eliza Donahue
327 N Church Ave
Bozeman,MT 59715