HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-26 Public Comment - J. and L. Wenger - Bozeman City governanceFrom:james wenger
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman City governance
Date:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:54:36 PM
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Dear fellow concerned citizens,
As fellow citizens of Bozeman, we would like to express our concerns with some ofthe recommendations of the Government Study Commission.
We believe that some of the recommendations of the Commission are ill advised
and will harm our city.
-If interim commissioners are appointed rather that elected, the commission
becomes insular and self-perpetuating. This reduces all competing voices and
makes our city governance less responsive to the electorate. Therefore we believethat filling vacancies should be by special election.
-We believe the City Commission should consist of seven ward based
commissioners. This will help move the commissioners closer to the citizens. Thesepositions should have a two term limit. This will also make special elections lessexpensive.
- Finally, we believe the Mayor and Commissioners should be part time, stipendpositions, rather than full time, fully paid positions. Making the Mayor andCommissioners full time will eliminate most highly qualified candidates who are
employed. We do not need professional politicians running our city.
We do agree with eliminating the Depuy Mayor position, and that the CityAttorney, City Clerk, and Police Chief should continue to be merit based,
professional appointments.
Thank You for your consideration,
Jim and Lynda Wenger
40 Riverside DrBozeman