HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-25 Public Comment - L. Durtka - Right to Counsel Public CommentFrom:Lilly Durtka
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Right to Counsel Public Comment
Date:Tuesday, November 25, 2025 9:55:56 AM
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My name is Lilly Durtka. I live in Bozeman, and I’m an organizer with Bozeman
Tenants United.
I’ve lived in Bozeman since I was 10 years old and living out of a camper with my
parents, and I’ve lived in a lot of different places here in Bozeman. I started leaving
home at an early age, and experienced a lot of mental health issues and stress from
missing stability in my life. I didn’t get the parenting that I needed whether I was with
my parents or my siblings. When I was about 12 years old, I was living a lot with my
sister at low income apartments in town. It was her first place that was really hers. We
decorated the house. We got cute mugs from the local thrift stores. I watched DVDs
and cleaned her house to make it worthwhile to keep me around and to self-soothe.
She had a rescued dog that was her best friend, and that had some behavioral
issues. I loved that dog, and got to walk it every day, down this dirt path to an
abandoned house that was very beautiful to look at. I loved running around town with
that dog pretending to be investigating mysteries.
I remember the unsteadiness I felt in my gut when she came home to find a notice on
the door that told her to get rid of her dog, her best friend, in the next three days, or
leave. Regardless of the dog’s behavior, that was her best friend. And, we grew up
poor. She knew we were screwed in the courts, and that there was no way that she
could afford a lawyer. There was also no way that she was going to leave that dog, so
she was going to have to leave her apartment instead, and that meant another move
for me, too. The next places she went to were progressively farther away from town,
less space, and worse quality for the same or higher prices. It gave me less options
and less opportunities to get out of the neglectful home I was in.
Most of my friends, neighbors, and family who live and rent in this town do not
expect there to be any option other than “leave” when you get a notice that says “pay
this or quit” or “fix this or get out”. I feel nearly brought to tears today when I think
about the kids in this coming year, and the years to come, who get to grow up in a
Bozeman that looks out for them. I am excited to think about all the kids who will get
to keep their routines, keep their favorite walking routes, keep their decorations up on
the wall and their favorite mugs in the cupboards. I am excited to be able to say how
proud I am of my home town for leading the state in bold action to resolve this
housing crisis.
I am encouraging you to pass a STRONG Right to Counsel Ordinance, for me,
for my family, and for all kids growing up in Bozeman.
Lilly Durtka
Bozeman Resident