HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-24 Public Comment - A. Ward - Support for Alison SweeneyFrom:Abby Ward
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for Alison Sweeney
Date:Wednesday, May 22, 2024 9:43:52 PM
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Dear Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, and Commissioners Madgic and Fischer,
I'm writing in support of Alison Sweeney as a candidate for the vacant City Commission
appointment. She and I shared a foundation in our upbringing as classmates in the BozemanPublic School system, beginning at Irving School, where as very young Bozeman community
members we were instilled with deep core values around community and diversity. We werelucky to be part of what I believe was the original Irving International Day, celebrating the
spectrum of cultures and worldviews of our fellow students and planting the seeds for a deepappreciation for a multifaceted community that persists into our adult lives. Ask her about the
the Moroccan influence on her handmade jewelry for an example of how these deeply rootedvalues shine through. She truly understands that there are all kinds of voices to be heard.
We know that our generation is part of a growth trajectory in the Gallatin Valley that started
long before we were born, but it has been shocking nonetheless to see the hometown we loveso much changing so quickly before our eyes. Ms. Sweeney understands this, and has
dedicated herself to thorough research of the processes and documentation underpinning localgovernment systems in order to contribute to the most thoughtful approach to growth possible
- to keep home feeling like home. I was impressed by her level of detailed knowledge at therecent Fowler Connection meeting, as well as her quick absorption of the information and the
questions she asked without bias or opinion. Ms. Sweeney's evidence-based approach, long-standing membership in many Bozeman communities (resident, entrepreneur, and artist, to
name a few), and shared core value system make me confident that she would be anexemplary City Commissioner and representative of Bozeman present and future.
Thank you for your consideration,
Abby Ward