HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-26 Public Comment - R. and A. Kelm - Recommendations on Government Study ProposalsFrom:roy.ardie
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Recommendations on Government Study Proposals
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 4:48:34 PM
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We are sharing our common-sense, pro-democracy recommendations on
the Government Study Commission Proposals as follows:
Divide the city into seven wards to elect representatives. We strongly
believe that dividing the city into wards would best serve us; having a
certain person in our neighborhood to go to with concerns and
questions would be empowering. Modest salaries would encourage
servant leadership.
Use a special election to fill vacancies instead of having the central
Commission appoint them. Appointing them is not fair to the citizens
they are to represent; if appointed, they are representing the
Commission.
Specialized roles like the police chief and city attorney should filled by
the City Manager with professionals chosen on the basis of merit.
Eliminate the position of the Deputy Mayor. It is wasteful of his/her
time and salary paid by the city to have to wait to lead two years after
being elected.
Keep the local races non-partisan. Citizens are looking for persons of
integrity and values that match theirs, not according to party labels.
Roy and Ardie Kelm
Bozeman residents