HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-26 Public Comment - E. Darrow - Eliz Darrow Comment_ Advisory Boards & Study CommissionFrom:Elizabeth Darrow
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Eliz Darrow Comment: Advisory Boards & Study Commission
Date:Thursday, March 12, 2026 2:47:43 PM
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Greetings Members of the Review/ Study Commission,
I submit these questions and trust your integrity and commitment to the community
review process. However, some word is circulating that the Study Commission is planning to
only interview the Community Development Board as part of your deliberations into how
things are working in our city and the part residents play in aspects of governance? I hope this
is not true and you will invite all the Advisory Boards, members and staff to the Study
Commission for an open and honest discussion -what works... what doesn't work-etc ...so
crucial in the planning of what many of us hope to be a new form of city governance structure.
Perhaps this is only a rumor born of mistrust now currently ever present in residents'
perception of city governance and any new system that might be created. There are many
issues we hope the Study Commission will continue to explore but the function and improved
empowerment of Citizen Advisory Boards should be top of that list IMO. We may disagree on
the decisions made by former City Manager Mihelich and his goals for "High Performance
Advisory Boards" seen in Resolution 5323 (2018) (although also signed off by the former
Mayor with Commission approval) , and whether so many Boards should have been
eliminated thus limiting the opportunities for many residents to participate in local
government using skills, expertise and sincere passion for participatory democracy with an
intense commitment to democracy "small d and large C" community good.
· Thus arises an intense bone of contention by many Advisory Boards that needs your
study and that is Resolution 5323. It must be reviewed amended and or repealed as it
contains patronizing, disrespectful, dictatorial, and punitive language in tone,
discourages free speech and open discussion by members -see Section 1-3a & Section
#6 in particular, demanding members speak in "one voice." Other points in that
Resolution also unworthy of this city.· Crucial that the Study Commission interviews all on HPAB Board Re: new UDC on
Historic Core & NCOD· And why was the Historic Preservation Officer position moved to be supervised by
the Community Development Director? Shouldn’t this position be separated-reflecting
pressure and Conflict of Interest for the HPO and an Incompatability of Roles in the
duties of planner and HPO with time, expectations and outcomes demanded by the
two jobs and perspectives?
I know that City Manager Wynn and some Commssioners are aware of these concerns,
but you will play a part in recommendations for the changes or repeal of Resolution
5323.
Sincerely, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Darrow, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, Cornish College of the Arts @Seattle University
603 West Babcock Street
Bozeman, Montana 59715