HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-29-25 Public Comment - E. Goller - Bozeman Right to CounselFrom:Erik Goller
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Right to Counsel
Date:Tuesday, April 22, 2025 1:23:45 PM
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Dear City Commission,
I’m unhoused in Bozeman, and I am a service worker.
I’ve worked in the service industry for 24 years. My retirement plan is to work until I
die. I work hard, and I always have.
When I was young, I was told what I was supposed to do to live up to the American
dream. You’re supposed to go to school. You’re supposed to graduate, get a good
job. You’re supposed to meet someone, and get married. You’re supposed to buy a
house. You’re supposed to have kids. You’re supposed to be a part of your
community etc..
I have friends that have done all the right things, like that, and they are treading water
just like I am. Working to survive, to pay all the bills you have. The more income and
credit you have, the more opportunities to get bigger bills. Double mortgages, credit
card debt, car payments, let alone all the emergencies that come to pass having a
family.
It feels like being an ant. You have to constantly be moving and hustling, and before
you know it, that becomes your normal routine. That is not normal.
If you don’t buy a house, you rent a form of housing, and you’re at the mercy of the
landlord.
I’ve always worked two jobs, but instead of it being a way to make extra money and
keep myself busy, it’s really clear that you need to work two jobs now to get by. Over
time, I’ve made less and less money every year.
Bozeman is being overbuilt to the max. Nobody can afford the condos that are being
built. Even if someone buys the condos and lives elsewhere, they aren’t spending
money in the town and it leaves the locals struggling to get housing. Having worked in
Big Sky, I’ve seen how empty it is most of the year. If people can’t afford to live here,
they aren’t going to come to spend 60$ on a steak that my establishment provides.
If you work here, you should be able to live here.
If you can’t afford to live here, and you’re treading water, you are one emergency
away from a missed rent check, and finding yourself under water. Having
representation to help mediate tenants and landlords will keep service workers in their
homes and in our community. Fund Right to Counsel.
Erik Goller
Unhoused in Bozeman