HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-26 Public Comment - J. Backes - Bozeman goveranceFrom:John Backes
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman goverance
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:10:33 PM
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I read the op-ed piece in the Chronicle today and here are some responses:
First, thank you to the Study Commission for taking on this wonkish but very
important governance issue.
Second, I have lived under both city manager and mayoral systems and neither
is without “pinching” areas where council/commissioners grind up against
communication and management issues. At this point in Bozeman’s history I
favor a mayoral model because of Bozeman’s “trust” issues with the current
structure.
Third, commissioners/council members should be paid approximately 50K/yr
with supplemental health insurance if needed to open up the possibility that
younger and/or candidates with normal incomes but do not own homes in the
older more affluent neighborhoods might actually decide to run for office.
Most folks in Bozeman do not come close to resembling the current profile of
the commission although that is not abnormal in most city governments’
governing bodies.
Fourth, the number of commissioners should increase by one to reflect the size
and complexity of the city as it continues to grow in population, economic and
cultural diversity, and space.
Fifth, the commissioners/council members should not be in a position where
they are accused of “going to far” in terms of their duties and responsibilities.
There are plenty of examples of commissioner definitions of duties and
responsibilities out there. I encourage the Study Commission to look beyond
Montana for examples.
In my view, your work on the Study Commission borders on the citizen hero
level. Thank you for your efforts to take a hard look at how the business of
government should look in the next ten years.
John Backes
941 New Holland Dr
Bozeman, MT. 59718