HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-30-24 Public Comment - M. Stevens - public comment in support of Emma Bode for City CommissionerFrom:Madison Stevens
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]public comment in support of Emma Bode for City Commissioner
Date:Thursday, May 30, 2024 8:26:03 AM
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.
Dear Bozeman City Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Emma Bode to fill the 2024 City Commission vacancy. Emma
would bring to the committee the kind of tireless energy, willingness to listen to all perspectives, and commitment to
coalition-building that can bring our community forward.
I’m fortunate to know Emma socially, as a member of a small collective of young Bozemanites making cider from
apples foraged around town. Every fall, we knock on our neighbors’ doors to ask if they have plans for their laden
apple trees — Emma is typically the one doing the asking, striking up a conversation and dropping off appreciative
bottles of cider the following summer. In addition to being leading motivator (and the best apple tree climber!) in
our group, Emma shows up with an authentic sense of care for each person we connect with along the way. When
she asks a question, she genuinely wants to hear the answer. When she makes a promise, she follows through.
From picking to pressing to enjoying the fruits of our labor, each stage of this process involves gathering community
in appreciation of the place we live. Emma makes everyone feel welcome, from our four year old neighbor’s child to
my 84 year old grandma, from someone who arrived here yesterday to the long-time resident who walks in off the
street wondering what we’re up to. Her appreciation for Bozeman as a place is abundantly clear, and this enthusiasm
is infectious.
Processing apples has also allowed us to have long hours of conversation about what this community means to each
of us and what we want it to become. Through these discussions, I have had a chance to get to know Emma’s vision
for Bozeman, and it inspires me.
As a conservation social scientist who grew up in this valley, I am deeply concerned about the human and
environmental effects of rapid development in our community. I feel strongly that the City Commission will benefit
from Emma’s knowledge of these issues and experience addressing them as she has advocated for local measures to
promote environmental stewardship, like wildlife corridors and climate adaptation planning, alongside strategies to
address justice concerns like affordable housing. Emma’s organizing and community building experience is
complemented by her capabilities as a data analyst; she is equally committed to listening to peoples’ stories and
drawing on scientific evidence, an important balance for any decision-maker.
I trust that Emma is invested in the long-term wellbeing of everyone who lives here, will work tirelessly towards this
goal, and has the leadership skills and experience to do this well.
I thus wholeheartedly encourage the City Commission to appoint Emma to the City Commission.
Sincerely,
Dr. Madison Stevens