HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-24 Public Comment - C. Fifer - City Manager MihelichFrom:Carol Fifer
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Manager Mihelich
Date:Friday, February 2, 2024 12:30:29 PM
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Dear Commissioners,It is most unfortunate that what was believed to be a private conversation between individuals
was recorded and released to the public. I am wondering who thought it appropriate to publisha private conversation and what was their motive? This act usually involves a disgruntled
fellow employee or citizen. Why?
I do not know our City Manager or any of the parties involved. I can attest to the fact thatthere is not one person on the face of the earth who has not vented about frustration with
fellow employees or their bosses. You are all aware you have done the same thing yourselves.It is human nature. Your moments may not have been recorded or displayed for all to see....
yet.
The COVID pandemic dramatically altered our environment, including our professional lives. A private conversation such as this would have taken place in person or over the phone in the
past. Now our personal and professional activities are conducted remotely and recorded.Everything one says, or does, is fair game.
Mr. Mihelich has apologized publicly for his words and probably feels rather humiliated.
Again, without knowing the parties to the conversation or whoever released the privateconversation, my personal thoughts would be to accept the apology, consider the source, and
get on with the business of running the city.
Unless there is other dissatisfaction with his job performance Mr. Mihelich and the City wouldbe better served to let Mr. Mihelich mend his fences with those who felt offended and the
Commission to get on with their jobs.
From what I have read, it would seem our City Manager is simply a human being, like all ofus. Further public humiliation would surely motivate him to seek employment elsewhere, be it
Austin or some other city. What disruption would that cost you and the City as far as ability tofunction smoothly? What would it cost taxpayers to hunt for a new City Manager?
While embarrassing to all, perhaps the conversation also enlightened citizens to the inner
workings of our City. That's not altogether bad.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Fifer1007 Buckrake Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718
406-451-3880