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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDanegeld Speaker Outline Draft Bozeman Study Commission Speaker’s Bureau Outline 6.18.2026 DRAFT ALWAYS REMEMBER: ● The speakers of the Study Commission are reaching out into the community to inform voters, not persuade them. ● Communicate the work and its results accurately, honestly, and with as little personal bias as possible. ● Your audience will have differing levels of understanding and information about the work so far; keep your speeches high-level, informative, and grounded in the current process. ● Direct those with more questions than you have time or knowledge to answer to the website or (Email? Public comment? The place the commission receives questions. Make a google form for questions that we (Danegeld) can respond to) ● Have fun! You have done a great public service over the past two years and should be proud of the work you’ve accomplished. Regardless of what the voters choose, this process should be celebrated as democracy working as intended. GENERAL OUTLINE AND FLOW OF SPEECHES 1. Start with introductions. Who you are, your background, why you chose to be involved with the study commission. 2. Set the stage with history and facts: a. “The City of Bozeman Study Commission, having thoroughly studied our current form of government, the alternative forms of government available under state law, and future governmental needs of the city, recommends the city retain the current charter form of government with self-governing powers and a commission-manager structure. “ b. The city of Bozeman elected the study commission in 2024 to review the charter for the first time in 20 years. c. The study commission surveyed voters and responded to public comment while creating the draft of the new charter. d. Highlight the importance of public engagement both to the commission and in the new draft e. “While we are not changing the powers, form, or structure of our government, we ARE proposing important amendments.” 3. Describe the process of voting on the charter: a. Voters will have the option to vote yea or nay on the charter amendments in their entirety and those who vote yes on amendments will then have options for which parts of the amendments they want to see enacted. Those who vote no should still consider their opinions and vote on the sub-options in case they are outvoted on the question of amendments b. Some of the sub-options (like wards vs. at large) depend on previous options. i.e. If voters choose to elect commissioners at large, the sub-options in section 7.02 would not come into effect. c. Voters should indicate their preference for every option and suboption even if their vote is against the item for which the sub-options apply. I.e. even if a voter wants to elect commissioners at-large, they should still indicate their preferences for electors in section 7.02. d. The vote for or against the amended charter determines the possibility of ANY of the amendments suggested; if amending the charter does not pass, NONE of the amendments do, regardless of popularity. 4. Explain the public’s engagement during this process and how the study commission’s work reflects comments, survey results, and the voice of the voters. Use a combination of the draft report’s ‘key findings’ below and engagement with the public during Study Commission meetings. Underscore the avenues for participation (survey, public comment, meetings) a. The city has been well served by the commission/manager structure of government b. The mayor plays an important leadership role for the residents of Bozeman c. The public has clearly stated that they want more engagement and a seat at the table in city government. d. The City’s exponential growth since 2006 has left some citizens feeling underrepresented on the city commission. 5. Leave room for questions. Refer to the FAQ document (under construction) and don’t be afraid to answer “I’m not sure”. This is a complicated process with more than one unclear rabbit hole; it is better to leave a question unanswered than to answer it wrong. Refer the voter to the appropriate resources or take down their contact info for followup once you have an answer. Things to keep in mind: ● We are connecting to these groups and the public broadly to ensure they feel informed and represented. Be pleasant, cordial, and open to the public’s concerns. ● While it may be too late in the process for additional public comment to be incorporated into the draft by the time you’re making these speeches, it is never too late for the commission to answer their voters’ questions. ● This is mentioned above, but bears repeating: WE ARE NOT HERE TO PERSUADE THE VOTERS HOW TO VOTE. ● Speakers will go to events and meetings in pairs; lean on your partner’s understandings and don’t be afraid to ask their thoughts or get the voter’s information to provide a complete answer later.