HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-23 Public Comment - J. Kay - Re_ Douglas Fischer’s Application for the City Commission seatFrom:Jessie Kay
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Re: Douglas Fischer’s Application for the City Commission seat
Date:Sunday, November 26, 2023 2:16:47 PM
Attachments:Douglas_Fischer_Letter.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.
Hello there,
Please accept my letter of support for Douglas Fischer's Application for the City CommissionSeat.
Thank you,
Jessie Kay
-- Jessie Kay (she/her/hers)
406-282-3076
Jessie Kay
836 Highland Dr.
Whitefish,MT 59937
Nov.22,2023
Bozeman City Commission
121 N.Rouse Ave.
Bozeman,MT 59715
Re:Douglas Fischer’s Application for City Commission seat
To the Commission:
Please accept this letter of support for Douglas Fischer’s application for the City Commission
seat.
I first became acquainted with Douglas through our mutual work at Bridger Ski Foundation
(BSF),where he served in many roles as a parent-volunteer.I recall countless practices,
competitions,and community events in which Douglas was readily available to lend a hand,
often for thankless and less-than-desirable work.BSF is lucky to have many dedicated
volunteers,but I consider Douglas to be a particularly steadfast fixture of the Bozeman ski
community.I believe these actions speak volumes to his character.
During my senior year at Montana State University,Douglas served as my professor for a
seminar on climate change policy.Douglas gave me the worst grade that I’ve ever received on a
college essay—a D.In retrospect,that was one of the most important experiences of my
undergraduate education,and his detailed critique of my work drove me to work harder.
Douglas held us to exceptionally high expectations which were met with unwavering support.He
co-organized opportunities for us to meet with state representatives,senators,and city officials
to discuss climate change policy from various perspectives.We were challenged to think
critically,consider multiple perspectives,and constantly question our assumptions—the
behaviors I am sure Douglas will uphold as a city commissioner.
Although I left Bozeman a year ago,I hope my perspective as a new Whitefish resident can add
value to your search.Whitefish is facing many similar challenges to Bozeman with respect to
rapid growth and affordability.Although I recognize that my perspective is limited,I feel that
Whitefish is lacking the optimism that I felt in Bozeman.That optimism is fueled largely by
community-minded,change-agents like Douglas,who continue to take thoughtful actions
despite the circumstances.I am learning that people like Douglas are rare.I encourage you to
not overlook the opportunity to appoint Douglas to the City Commission as you navigate these
next phases in Bozeman’s growth.
Sincerely,
Jessie Kay
406-282-3076