HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-24 Public Comment - M. Kelly - Support for Appointment of Emma Bode to Vacant Commission SeatFrom:Matt Kelly
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support for Appointment of Emma Bode to Vacant Commission Seat
Date:Sunday, June 2, 2024 12:23:21 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners,
I am writing to express my support for the appointment of Emma Bode to the vacant seat onthe Bozeman City Commission. I believe the City and the Board would be well-served to add
her important voice to City leadership.
I am an MSU graduate and a 13 year resident of Bozeman, having moved here from Wyomingwith my wife. Our family has since grown to include two young boys who attend Bozeman
elementary school. I am a partner in a small law firm here and am proud to live in Bozeman.
Because our law firm enjoys the benefits of employing a diverse staff, I have a front row seatto a lot of the issues our City faces, including dramatically rising housing costs. Our law
firm's future growth and success in this community is inexplicably linked to the ability ofyoung people to find their way in this community. Without them, Bozeman is just another
resort town - all beauty and no substance.
I have known Emma Bode for several years and worked with her when I served on the boardof Forward Montana. I know her to be an intelligent, hard-working, and thoughtful person.
She is perhaps the most earnest young person that I know. Candidly, I cannot tell you line andverse what she would do in the position, but I can confidently endorse her as a person. In this
modern era of tribalism and divisive politics, my endorsement of Emma because of her historyof positive contributions to our community and her essential decency should be a signpost of
the unique person she is and the opportunity we have that she will share those traits with usthrough leadership.
Please don't drop the ball and let a young leader like Emma pass us by.
Sincerely,
Matt J. Kelly
939 Saint Andrews DriveBozeman, Mt 59175
-- Matt J. Kelly
mattjkelly100@gmail.com