HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-24 Public Comment - I. Shaida - Public Comment for Commission Seat AppointmentFrom:Isabel Shaida
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment for Commission Seat Appointment
Date:Monday, June 3, 2024 8:35:37 AM
Attachments:E. Bode Comissioner Appointment.pdf
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See my attached letter. Thank you for your time,
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I wrote last fall to endorse Emma Bode for the open position on the Bozeman City
Commission.Today I affirm my support.
In the time since then,Emma has invested further in her commitment to this community.
She has been an integral part of Gallatin Valley Sunrise –welcoming and training new
members,considering new strategy,meeting with a wide constituency of Montanans and
Montana organizations (in the context of our recent campaign),attending coalition meetings,
and helping our organization restructure in the face of growth and changing capacity.
Emma has also spent that time thinking carefully about what a run for Commission would
look like in the next election cycle.I watched her continue to process and test what this
responsibility would look like and what running a strong campaign would entail.When this
seat opened,knowing she wanted to run in the future,Emma carefully considered the
opportunity to fill this seat.Since submitting her name,Emma has reached out to individuals
across bozeman,organizations,and appeared at public events.She has been speaking with
folks about the appointment process,her candidacy,and the strains that folks are currently
facing.Emmaʼs persistence of and commitment to this process,shows me that she is ready to
serve in this role and understands the value of face to face interaction now and as a sitting
commissioner.
Additionally,as someone who supported Chris Coburn,I feel that appointing Emma to this
seat would honor the values that Chris held for our community.
I trust Emma to meet the change our city is experiencing right now with grace and curiosity.
She does not walk away from conflict or divergent opinions,nor does she remain attached to
past norms or assumptions.She will think creatively and comprehensively.She will continue
to immerse herself in this community.She will serve with integrity and enthusiasm.
Our community will continue to struggle through changing needs and increased pressures
(whether from a harmed climate,economic fluctuations or state/federal politics).I hope our
commission will continue to pursue showing up for this change with boldness and flexibility.
Sincerely,
Isabel Shaida
Below is my prior letter of support:
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
As a resident of Bozeman and someone who is committed to building a sustainable
and interconnected community,I would like to extend my support to Emma Bode for the
vacant city commission seat.I have been able to work with Emma while organizing on a local
and state level for climate solutions as well as within the context of the City Sustainability
Board.I have found Emma to be responsible,calm in the face of conflict,and responsive to a
variety of needs and opinions.As the chair of the Sustainability board,Emma leads our
meetings with grace and generosity.She checks in with our members before and a er
meetings –recognizing that our individual experiences and knowledge are vital to our
discussions and the recommendations we make to the city –she analyzes content and
prepares her own questions,she considers the most useful method of facilitation given the
agenda that month (and adapts to each new situation),and she tracks what voices have been
heard the most and makes space for those yet to speak.
Emma also has particular skill in orienting to the subject at hand while maintaining
perspective on the big picture.As we face continually difficult circumstances,increased
economic difficulty and environmental collapse,it is imperative that we are able to address
situations directly and also recognize the interconnection between problems and people and
come up with solutions holistically.Additionally,Emma understands the perspective of
younger people who will live most of their lives in an overheated and rapidly changing planet.
It is this knowledge –and the bravery that comes with it –that I hope we continue to upli
and follow as our city looks to grow.Our future depends on being able to see both our
individuality and our interdependence.
I trust that,as a Bozeman City Commissioner,Emma will sustain the vision of a future
with healthy and connected communities,resilient in the face of extreme weather and safe
from pollution,with healthcare,affordable housing and localized,clean energy systems that
work for all.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Isabel Shaida