HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-26 Public Comment - D. King - Structure of City GovernmentFrom:David King
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Structure of City Government
Date:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 10:12:45 AM
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I have watched how the City Government has worked for the past 30 years and appreciate this
opportunity to provide my input.
Keep the current city commission/city manager form of government.
This has worked well in the past and ensures public elected officials watch over a
professional manager.
Return to the policy of having the Mayor be the commissioner who receives the most
votes.
The mayor race is a distraction and leads to ego-driven, demagogues being elected. The
old practice of the having the mayor chosen by votes of the commissioners is a much
more balanced approach and leads to better results.
Salary or compensation. Current stipend appears to be fair.
Remember, the City Manager and their staff do all of the work. Commissioners just
review and approve. Problems have developed in the past with commissioners being
“out of their lane” with trying to micro-manage affairs. This is not helpful or constructive.
Best to not encourage full-time commissioners.
Bozeman is a growing town/city and it is important to have the city management under the
guidance of elected commissioners but not run by them. I have witnessed too many poor
decisions being made by the commission being swayed by the loudest voices (complainers).
Often for self-serving gains. This is not a way to run a government.
I think the current form of city management is the best, with the elimination of the mayor race.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.
Respectively,
David King,
418 S Bozeman Ave