HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-24 Public Comment - A. Kociolek - Support for Alison Sweeney - City Commission AppointmentFrom:Angela Kociolek
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for Alison Sweeney - City Commission Appointment
Date:Tuesday, May 28, 2024 3:18:35 PM
Attachments:Alison for Commissioner 2024.pdf
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May 28, 2024
Dear Mayor Cunningham, Deputy Mayor Morrison, Commissioner Madgic, and Commissioner Fischer,
Alison Sweeney has my enthusiastic and confident support for a Bozeman City Commission appointment. I trust each
of you have gotten to know Alison over the past year and can acknowledge she is more than fit for the position. The
hope and determination Alison embodies is an exceptional match for the City’s needs at this time.
Alison's work on housing, neighborhoods, climate resilience, sustainability, and historic preservation is spot on for the
challenges our city currently faces. She has continually amazed us with her depth and breadth of knowledge when it
comes to policy and strategy, and she will be ready to hit the ground running.
Writing as a long-time neighbor and member of the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA), I firmly believe
Alison is the single best and perfect candidate for this vacancy appointment.
Here are more reasons why Alison deserves your strong consideration:
1. She has decades of experience from which to draw and a maturity in her approach to activism.
2. She is a natural leader. Alison didn’t start out with a desire to be on the Commission. It was her rationale approach
on a controversial topic that earned her a following. People encouraged her to seek a Commission appointment.
3. Unwavering dedication. Over the past many months, Alison's attendance and participation at a multitude of City
meetings is, frankly, awe-inspiring.
4. Creativity and initiative. Alison helped found a grass-roots organization and developed a program of walking tours
to help inform her fellow residents and learn firsthand about their concerns. She attends housing conferences, seeks
out experts, and creates opportunity for engagement.
6. Alison holds a degree in Energy Technology, including renewable energy, and has on the ground experience with
solar power. She’s also avidly into homegrown food production. All of which illustrate her personal commitment to
climate resilience and living sustainably.
7. She has ties to Bozeman’s past and welcomes newcomers to be part of its future.
8. Alison is one of us – a working class resident who cares deeply about community. Her appointment will
undoubtedly help rebuild trust between the residents and the City.
9. She’s an avid reader and devourer of information. There is no question that Alison will be prepared for meetings,
do her due diligence in making decisions, and contribute in meaningful ways.
10. Alison is friendly, respectful, inclusive, and easy to talk to.
Additionally, given that only one person on the current commission identifies as a woman or non-male, I encourage
you to weigh this factor in your decision. Other demographic factors I ask you to consider are her age - an absent
decade which falls squarely between the oldest and youngest among you - and her part of town which is sufficiently
different from where you each reside.
This could be the easiest decision you’ll have to make during your tenure. Alison Sweeney is a most suitable
candidate and a safe bet for City Commission. You will do well in appointing her for the job.
Thank you for your service and consideration.
Sincerely,
Angie Kociolek
620 N Tracy Avenue
Northeast Neighborhood
Bozeman, MT 59715