HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-16-26 Public Comment - T. Preheim - filling vacanciesFrom:Trish Preheim
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]filling vacancies
Date:Monday, February 16, 2026 7:03:35 PM
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As you consider the issue of how to fill a vacant commissioner seat, I would like to offer the
following thoughts. These thoughts are based on a premise that more participation is a
positive for the city. I also believe that a diversity of opinion leads to better decision-making. I
balance that belief with a desire for efficiency and practicality and recognize that sometimes
getting to 100% is not the best goal; a solution that reflects a compromise is frequently the
best solution despite not being perfect.
When considering how to fill vacancies at the city commission, I have thought about the
relative speed of an appointment vs a special election. I support a two-pronged approach
based on the length of time remaining to the next election as long as a special election
commissioner will serve for at least one year. I understand that a special election takes
approximately 90 days. I believe this approach has been identified as “Option B”. This option
seems to address my thoughts in the opening paragraph.
I hope that our city population has confidence that our elected commissioners have the
critical thinking skills to make good decisions about filling vacancies for the shorter term – if
not we have bigger issues with which to deal – and Option B provides for a special election if
the next election is further out.
It seems appointments have historically been made at least partially based on previous
participation in various city committees which provide some visibility for the committee
members. My final hope is that more people will be interested in participating on committees
especially if they have some thought about eventually running for commission.
Thank you for listening.
Trish Preheim
17 E. Lamme St, Bozeman 59715