HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-26 Public Comment - D. Campbell - Proposed edits to Charter Draft 5.20.26From:Deanna Campbell
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Proposed edits to Charter Draft 5.20.26
Date:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 11:10:04 AM
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The following are edits proposed by City Study Commissioner Deanna Campbell for the
charter draft presented at Commission meeting on May 20, 2026. Submitted as publiccomment for ease of access to the public.
1. In the preamble: "affirm the values of representative democracy, professionalmanagement, strong political leadership, public engagement, and regional cooperation.” Moves beyond establishing governmental structure and into value statements andgovernance philosophy. Replace with: …and establish the following governmental structure, powers, and procedures2. Sec. 1.03 Change “shall” to “may”.3. Sec. 2.02. c TBD delete “and the mayor” v4. Sec. 2.03.b TBD5. Sec. 2.05 a Delete “or employment during the term for which the member was electedto the commission.”
This language effectively turns the office into a full-time position rather than a citizen
governance model. By prohibiting outside employment during a commissioner’s term,it would require commissioners to rely on the position as their primary occupation and
would, by default, create pressure for a full-time salary structure.
6. Article IV Sec4.01 ( where is the language the Judge suggested?)
7. “Biennially” too easily confused with Biannually and should be replaced with “every two years”
8. Sec.6.08 Why eliminate the details in the original (bottom of page 11)
9. Article VIII Section 8.01 Delete “ community-based organizations, civic groups”.
These terms are extremely broad and can include advocacy non-profits, activists’organizations, grant-funded outside organizations and potentially elevates them into a
quasi-recognized governance role. “Civic groups” is also vague and could meanRotary/Kiwanis-type groups, advocacy coalitions, political organizations and issue-
based nonprofits. “Residents” already covers the public. This language subtly shiftsengagement away from citizen-centered governance and creates preferential
stakeholder status, procedural expectation and influence channels outside direct voteraccountability.
Replace with: “The city shall encourage public participation and communicationbetween residents, neighborhood associations, city boards, and local government.”
10. Section 8.02 “Participatory budgeting” is a specific policy/governance model, notgovernment structure,. It is not appropriate in a charter. Best handled through
ordinance, or pilot project rather thank charter language. Could be replaced, if includedat all, with, :The city may establish public engagement processes related to budgeting
and capital planning.
11. Sec 803.a Replace “The city shall be proactive in outreach to bring in diverse
voices, partner groups, and ideas…” with “The city shall encourage broad publicparticipation using a variety of engagement methods.” This eliminates vague,
undefined and subjective ideological standards. Also, eliminates the legal term“accessible” which is very problematic and could require all communication in a
variety of languages including Braille.
12. Section 8.03 c The phrase “provide opportunities for residents to influence
decisions” creates an implied entitlement beyond advisory participation and could laterbe interpreted expansively. Better: “provide opportunities for public input regarding
decisions.”
13. Section 8.03 c What is this trying to say? “while allowing flexibility as conditions
change” Delete phrase entirely as vague and undefined end with “The city shall beclear about the purpose, scope, and how input will be used.
14. Section 8.04 d #5 Delete “When practicable” #7 Delete “As applicable”
15. 8.04 c #1 “not less than twice annually” should be “at least twice before each
appointment”
16. and # 5 “without public solicitation” should be “with public notification and
solicitation”
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Campbell