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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC. Taylor - My thoughts on the Communication StrategistFrom:Carson Taylor To:Deanna Campbell; Becky Franks; Mike Maas Subject:[EXTERNAL]My thoughts on the Communication Strategist Date:Sunday, July 27, 2025 3:05:57 PM Attachments:Thought on Communication experts.fin.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am not sure who to send this to. Forward to others as appropriate. Carson THOUGHTS ON HIRING OUR COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT To: Becky Franks and Deanna Campbell July 26, 2025 I have read all of the public comment, including an e-mail from Patti Steinmuller that was sent to my Study Group e-mail address last night, after the cut-off time. I have sent it to the govreview place, since it appears that I was the only recipient. As I understand the position we are seeking, it is someone or someones who can help us with communication to the public, help us with surveys of the public and others (City employees e.g.) and help us communicate and run public meetings using a variety of formats with the goal of maximizing informed public input and reaching the entire community of Bozeman residents. Based on the Responses to RFP’s, the Interviews, and the post-interview submissions, I think that the contract should be made with Working Ventures. I was impressed with both of the interviewed entities, but I think that having three people with different skills will better serve us than one person. As important, is that the Working Ventures has significantly more experience working with communication between entities and the public. I found them to be personable and good communicators. I also think that the Working Ventures Group has thought out the budget more carefully, so we are less likely to end up with a cost overrun. The breadth of Mr. Thomas low and high makes the final cost a lot less predictable. I note that virtually all of the public comment (exception Patti Steinmuller) favored Mr. Thomas. I feel that it is important to explain why I am not following the advice of so many people who took their time to weigh in on this subject. First, I do not think that being a Montanan, particularly one that does not live in Bozeman, is either an advantage or a disadvantage. It is true he can get to Bozeman more easily, but beyond that I see no advantage. The structure of our government and communicating with our residents is both uniquely Bozeman, and at the same time common in many cities across the country. I believe that communication with our residents does require significant local knowledge, and we will have to provide that. I do not believe that our growth issues are more comparable to Helena’s than other cities across the country. Finally, if being a Montanan were a criteria, it should have been in the RFP. Many comments expressed the idea that Mr. Thomas being a lawyer was significant. I do not see that connection---viewed as a category “lawyer” does not necessarily make him more likely to be better at this job, than others. I myself was a lawyer for more than 50 years, but I do not think that that qualification translates, necessarily to Communication Strategist.