HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-30-25 Public Comment - B. Finnegan - Bozeman Study CommissionFrom:Ben Finegan
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Study Commission
Date:Wednesday, April 30, 2025 8:33:15 PM
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Dear Bozeman Study Commission,
I grew up in Bozeman going to public school and working several jobs in town over the
years. I care about Bozeman because my people are here, I love the parks & trails &
friendly culture. However, as a tenant it's extremely difficult to get by in this city, and I have
often had to consider leaving the place I grew up in. Corporate landlords treat tenants like a
bottom line as opposed to people who deserve dignity, and the rent is only getting higher
and higher, displacing friends and family who have had to leave town or sleep in campers
and cars. I’ve personally had to move 3 times in the last year and am frustrated that the
current city government does not represent or respond well to the needs of poor and
working class people in Bozeman.
Many in the city government are doing their best, but we need a city government structure
that can adapt to the times. I would like to see the Study Commission look into adding to
the number of city commissioner positions and making some of those seats ward-based,
tied to geography, so that people from every part of Bozeman are represented, not just
South Bozeman. I’d also like the Study Commission to look into a stronger mayor system,
so that the elected mayor has more executive power to respond to Bozeman's needs.
I appreciate the Study Commission putting effort into getting input from Bozeman residents, and I
encourage the Study Commission to do everything you can to ensure that poor and working-class
Bozemanites especially - including tenant families who often work multiple jobs in service, trades,
healthcare and education, are able to participate and give input. Poor and working class people
are the backbone of Bozeman but often have the most difficulty participating in our government.
Benjamin Finegan
708 N Church, Bozeman, MT