HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-23 Public Comment - G. Thompson - Back to Basics, Just say no to Tenants Unions demandsFrom:George Thompson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:CWynn@bozeman.net
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Back to Basics, Just say no to Tenants Unions demands
Date:Tuesday, July 2, 2024 11:57:52 AM
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July 2, 2024
Mayor Cunningham and Commissioners
RE: Tenants Union request for $670,000 for tenant counseling by City lawyers.
City Manager Wynn has a great idea, “Back to Basics:”
Proposed option: Financial counseling by MSU staff, business students to help tenantsbetter control their personal obligations.
The recent debacle of prior City Manager pension funding shows how creatingunnecessary City jobs carries a long term and increasing cost of staff. Adding legal stafffor tenants will impact all small businesses who lease out garages, storefronts, parkinglots. The $670,000 will buy a rental property which the City could build small homes tohouse tenants who choose not to pay their rental obligations.
Mayor Cunningham and Commissioners:
Upon reflection, it occurs to me that perhaps “tenants counseling” would better serve theCity’s interest by offering tenants the financial management tools to track their income,expenditures, and obligations for which they are personally responsible.
Too often people buy lotto tickets to create a fantasy of gaining wealth. It is called “taxing thepoor”. Campbell suggests “ having a strong sense of controlling one’s life is a moredependable predictor of personal well-being. If one learns to live within their means then theyhave control of their life.
Unfortunately Tenants United would prefer that the City is obligated for poor choices by thosechoosing to live in Bozeman,
What is Tenants United?
1)This is a nationally based multi-million dollar organization dedicated to providing seedcapital to start local tenant organizations. Who do you think provided funding,administration oversight, web-site, talking points for local government officials running foroffice. It is odd to show up at the initial Tenants Union kickoff meeting and see thousands ofdollars in hoodies, t-shirts and hats. Contributed by impoverished tenants, really?
2)Our local Tenants Union governing officials are not selected based onDemocrat/Republican, but rather on political affiliation of a small vocal group and its parentfunding. No mention is made of out-of-state funding and administrative assistance to guidecampaigns.
3)Communities which have embraced strong tenant affiliations have only seen increased rentsto cover the expenses promoted by Tenant Union inserting themselves into revising Citycodes. .
4)Tenants Union goal is to create a rent control environment supported by City codes. This
will only result in small business owners cashing out of Bozeman. Selling a $500,000 rentalhouse and getting 5% return in the market effectively removes tenant problems.
Just say no to the Tenants Union and expanding City staff positions. Tenants Union canhire their own lawyers.
Using MSU consultants to assist tenants in understanding their financial obligationsempowers City residents to take personal responsibility and govern better life choices.
“Teach a person how to fish and they eat for a life time”
George Thompson, Bozeman MT, Univ Chicago MBA