HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-23 Public Comment - D. Kaveney - Thank you for your decisive, judicious action.From:Dan Kaveney
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Thank you for your decisive, judicious action.
Date:Saturday, February 3, 2024 2:10:00 PM
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Dear Commissioners, Mayor, and Deputy Mayor,
Thank you for your swift and judicious response to the video of Jeff Mihelich and Anna
Bentley's disturbing conversation. Many of us have been heartened by the fact that you areacting decisively, and we applaud you for suspending Mr. Mihelich immediately while you
consider your full response, for committing to communicating with the public about thesituation, and for quickly scheduling a public meeting to begin crafting that permanent
solution.
We suspect many other people in Bozeman are curious, as we are, about how you plan torespond to Ms. Bentley's role. While it's true that one of the reasons the video is so creepy is
Mr. Mihelich's obvious manipulation of the power differential between the two of them, thatdoesn't excuse Ms. Bentley's behavior. She approaches the situation with a willing sycophancy
that allows her, in just a few minutes, to show disdain for community members (they'recoming out of the woodwork!), other city staffers, and Mayor Cunningham (an albatross!).
We hope you are considering suspending her with immediate effect as we don't think thepublic and/or city staffers should be asked to interact with her any more than they should be
asked to interact with Mr. Mihelich.
Ironically, this unpalatable situation has united Bozeman residents in a way we've never seenbefore, and presents us with an opportunity to do something important for our city together.
Everybody -- liberals, conservatives, young people, old people, new residents, lifelongresidents -- wants to see these two immediately dismissed from city government because the
leaked video has made it clear that neither possesses the temperament or character we need inour city leaders. We know one of your priorities is and has been to build/rebuild trust between
the community and city government. Your decisive action addressing this situation has been agood first step. We'll look forward to seeing more decisive action from you going forward.
Given what we know, we can't imagine how we as a city can move forward if either Mr.Mihelich or Ms. Bentley remain in their positions, and, if you work toward their timely
dismissals, we're certain the Bozeman community will give you its full support.
Sincerely,
Dan and Marcia Kaveney