HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Emily TalagoSeptember 28th, 2020
RE: Public Notice of Vacancy on the Bozeman City Commission, Invitation to Submit Statement of Qualifications and Interest
Dear Honorable Mayor and members of City Commission,
My name is Emily Talago and I reside at 416 West Short Street next to Whittier Elementary School. I am
perpetually driven to identify opportunities that use my skills to most effectively demonstrate a
commitment to civic responsibility. I regularly participate in public hearings, city outreach programs, am
a member of the InterNeighborhood Council, and currently serve as President and steering committee
Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association. In the spirit of civil service, I humbly and with utmost
respect submit this application letter to fill the vacant office of a Bozeman City Commissioner.
In 2008 I moved here as an undergraduate research fellow in the Vet Molecular Bio department at MSU.
I was captivated by the warmth, welcome, and charm of this mountain community. While I had to leave
to finish my degree, Bozeman never left my heart. After finishing grad school, MSU offered me a full
time research position. In 2010 I moved here for keeps.
The past decade unfolded with many changes for our city and for myself personally. I switched careers,
reinvented myself professionally, bought a house from the Mell family who built it in 1956, and
established an urban farmstead. I’ve forged beautiful connections with neighbors and bittersweetly
waved goodbye to friends and family who moved away.
Our city faced challenges, new and old alike. We managed recovery from an economic recession while
working to mitigate intense growth. We’ve revised our municipal code, expanded citizen advisory
boards, reevaluated our infrastructure, and completed capital improvements. Every day, talented staff
work tirelessly to preserve Bozeman’s quality of life amidst a changing climate, resource scarcity, a trend
of citizen distrust, and unprecedented economic uncertainties.
It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own life, unmindful of the background hum of municipal worker bees.
Occasional acknowledgment when enjoying honey; loud acknowledgement when you feel stung, but
never really stopping to observe the incredible organization it takes to maintain a healthy hive. Once I
made it a point to look, I was fascinated and intensely curious.
I’m highly skilled in research, and enjoy problem solving. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours
familiarizing myself with the structure of Bozeman’s hive. I’m comfortable reading and understanding
the diverse contents of Commission packet materials. I’m proficient at distilling information in staff or
consultant reports for the purposes of transparency, asking for clarification, and public communication.
Through observation and participation, I’ve learned the procedures by which meetings are conducted.
Perhaps most importantly, my eyes have been opened to the mechanisms used to create or adjust
policy within the parameters as provided for by law including our City Charter, City Code, and Montana
state laws. I hold myself to high ethical standards, work hard, actively listen, and enjoy the challenge of
decision making. I also possess the humility to know my weaknesses, identify complementary strengths,
the importance of collaborative efforts, and the high value of a talented, professional staff.
In the September 8th Commission meeting, Mr. Mehl said that he was “interested in having elected
officials that are more representative of Bozeman. For the longest time, even though the city’s median
age is 28, unfortunately a number of people were not able to run for office because they could not
afford to do so. You’d either have to be retired or in a fortunate situation…this limited the gene pool in
the commission”.
Despite the saddening context in which Mr. Mehl’s made this comment, his subsequent resignation has
resulted in a unique opportunity for the appointment of a City Commissioner facing pragmatic barriers
to holding public office. At times, I have struggled to balance the amount of time I spend engaged with
city officials or neighbor advocacy against the amount of time I need to work to financially support
myself. I’ve always figured it out, making tough choices (including taking on 4 roommates) to subsidize
my civil service endeavors. Fundraising for a campaign among a group of peers, many of which are of
limited means presents a daunting task, but one I’ve been confident of accomplishing in preparation of
the 2021 election.
I’ve watched Commission meetings go into the early hours of the morning and sincerely respect and
share your dedication to representing public interests and establishing policy to that end. The people
living and working here are what makes this city remarkable. I would be honored to represent their
interests as a City Commissioner.
Yours respectfully,
Emily Talago
September 28th, 2020
RE: Public Notice of Vacancy on the Bozeman City Commission, Invitation to Submit Statement of Qualifications and Interest
Dear Honorable Mayor and members of City Commission,
My name is Emily Talago and I reside at 416 West Short Street next to Whittier Elementary School. I am
perpetually driven to identify opportunities that use my skills to most effectively demonstrate a
commitment to civic responsibility. I regularly participate in public hearings, city outreach programs, am
a member of the InterNeighborhood Council, and currently serve as President and steering committee
Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association. In the spirit of civil service, I humbly and with utmost
respect submit this application letter to fill the vacant office of a Bozeman City Commissioner.
In 2008 I moved here as an undergraduate research fellow in the Vet Molecular Bio department at MSU.
I was captivated by the warmth, welcome, and charm of this mountain community. While I had to leave
to finish my degree, Bozeman never left my heart. After finishing grad school, MSU offered me a full
time research position. In 2010 I moved here for keeps.
The past decade unfolded with many changes for our city and for myself personally. I switched careers,
reinvented myself professionally, bought a house from the Mell family who built it in 1956, and
established an urban farmstead. I’ve forged beautiful connections with neighbors and bittersweetly
waved goodbye to friends and family who moved away.
Our city faced challenges, new and old alike. We managed recovery from an economic recession while
working to mitigate intense growth. We’ve revised our municipal code, expanded citizen advisory
boards, reevaluated our infrastructure, and completed capital improvements. Every day, talented staff
work tirelessly to preserve Bozeman’s quality of life amidst a changing climate, resource scarcity, a trend
of citizen distrust, and unprecedented economic uncertainties.
It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own life, unmindful of the background hum of municipal worker bees.
Occasional acknowledgment when enjoying honey; loud acknowledgement when you feel stung, but
never really stopping to observe the incredible organization it takes to maintain a healthy hive. Once I
made it a point to look, I was fascinated and intensely curious.
I’m highly skilled in research, and enjoy problem solving. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours
familiarizing myself with the structure of Bozeman’s hive. I’m comfortable reading and understanding
the diverse contents of Commission packet materials. I’m proficient at distilling information in staff or
consultant reports for the purposes of transparency, asking for clarification, and public communication.
Through observation and participation, I’ve learned the procedures by which meetings are conducted.
Perhaps most importantly, my eyes have been opened to the mechanisms used to create or adjust
policy within the parameters as provided for by law including our City Charter, City Code, and Montana
state laws. I hold myself to high ethical standards, work hard, actively listen, and enjoy the challenge of
decision making. I also possess the humility to know my weaknesses, identify complementary strengths,
the importance of collaborative efforts, and the high value of a talented, professional staff.
In the September 8th Commission meeting, Mr. Mehl said that he was “interested in having elected
officials that are more representative of Bozeman. For the longest time, even though the city’s median
age is 28, unfortunately a number of people were not able to run for office because they could not
afford to do so. You’d either have to be retired or in a fortunate situation…this limited the gene pool in
the commission”.
Despite the saddening context in which Mr. Mehl’s made this comment, his subsequent resignation has
resulted in a unique opportunity for the appointment of a City Commissioner facing pragmatic barriers
to holding public office. At times, I have struggled to balance the amount of time I spend engaged with
city officials or neighbor advocacy against the amount of time I need to work to financially support
myself. I’ve always figured it out, making tough choices (including taking on 4 roommates) to subsidize
my civil service endeavors. Fundraising for a campaign among a group of peers, many of which are of
limited means presents a daunting task, but one I’ve been confident of accomplishing in preparation of
the 2021 election.
I’ve watched Commission meetings go into the early hours of the morning and sincerely respect and
share your dedication to representing public interests and establishing policy to that end. The people
living and working here are what makes this city remarkable. I would be honored to represent their
interests as a City Commissioner.
Yours respectfully,
Emily Talago
September 28th, 2020
RE: Public Notice of Vacancy on the Bozeman City Commission, Invitation to Submit Statement of Qualifications and Interest
Dear Honorable Mayor and members of City Commission,
My name is Emily Talago and I reside at 416 West Short Street next to Whittier Elementary School. I am
perpetually driven to identify opportunities that use my skills to most effectively demonstrate a
commitment to civic responsibility. I regularly participate in public hearings, city outreach programs, am
a member of the InterNeighborhood Council, and currently serve as President and steering committee
Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association. In the spirit of civil service, I humbly and with utmost
respect submit this application letter to fill the vacant office of a Bozeman City Commissioner.
In 2008 I moved here as an undergraduate research fellow in the Vet Molecular Bio department at MSU.
I was captivated by the warmth, welcome, and charm of this mountain community. While I had to leave
to finish my degree, Bozeman never left my heart. After finishing grad school, MSU offered me a full
time research position. In 2010 I moved here for keeps.
The past decade unfolded with many changes for our city and for myself personally. I switched careers,
reinvented myself professionally, bought a house from the Mell family who built it in 1956, and
established an urban farmstead. I’ve forged beautiful connections with neighbors and bittersweetly
waved goodbye to friends and family who moved away.
Our city faced challenges, new and old alike. We managed recovery from an economic recession while
working to mitigate intense growth. We’ve revised our municipal code, expanded citizen advisory
boards, reevaluated our infrastructure, and completed capital improvements. Every day, talented staff
work tirelessly to preserve Bozeman’s quality of life amidst a changing climate, resource scarcity, a trend
of citizen distrust, and unprecedented economic uncertainties.
It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own life, unmindful of the background hum of municipal worker bees.
Occasional acknowledgment when enjoying honey; loud acknowledgement when you feel stung, but
never really stopping to observe the incredible organization it takes to maintain a healthy hive. Once I
made it a point to look, I was fascinated and intensely curious.
I’m highly skilled in research, and enjoy problem solving. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours
familiarizing myself with the structure of Bozeman’s hive. I’m comfortable reading and understanding
the diverse contents of Commission packet materials. I’m proficient at distilling information in staff or
consultant reports for the purposes of transparency, asking for clarification, and public communication.
Through observation and participation, I’ve learned the procedures by which meetings are conducted.
Perhaps most importantly, my eyes have been opened to the mechanisms used to create or adjust
policy within the parameters as provided for by law including our City Charter, City Code, and Montana
state laws. I hold myself to high ethical standards, work hard, actively listen, and enjoy the challenge of
decision making. I also possess the humility to know my weaknesses, identify complementary strengths,
the importance of collaborative efforts, and the high value of a talented, professional staff.
In the September 8th Commission meeting, Mr. Mehl said that he was “interested in having elected
officials that are more representative of Bozeman. For the longest time, even though the city’s median
age is 28, unfortunately a number of people were not able to run for office because they could not
afford to do so. You’d either have to be retired or in a fortunate situation…this limited the gene pool in
the commission”.
Despite the saddening context in which Mr. Mehl’s made this comment, his subsequent resignation has
resulted in a unique opportunity for the appointment of a City Commissioner facing pragmatic barriers
to holding public office. At times, I have struggled to balance the amount of time I spend engaged with
city officials or neighbor advocacy against the amount of time I need to work to financially support
myself. I’ve always figured it out, making tough choices (including taking on 4 roommates) to subsidize
my civil service endeavors. Fundraising for a campaign among a group of peers, many of which are of
limited means presents a daunting task, but one I’ve been confident of accomplishing in preparation of
the 2021 election.
I’ve watched Commission meetings go into the early hours of the morning and sincerely respect and
share your dedication to representing public interests and establishing policy to that end. The people
living and working here are what makes this city remarkable. I would be honored to represent their
interests as a City Commissioner.
Yours respectfully,
Emily Talago
September 28th, 2020
RE: Public Notice of Vacancy on the Bozeman City Commission, Invitation to Submit Statement of Qualifications and Interest
Dear Honorable Mayor and members of City Commission,
My name is Emily Talago and I reside at 416 West Short Street next to Whittier Elementary School. I am
perpetually driven to identify opportunities that use my skills to most effectively demonstrate a
commitment to civic responsibility. I regularly participate in public hearings, city outreach programs, am
a member of the InterNeighborhood Council, and currently serve as President and steering committee
Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association. In the spirit of civil service, I humbly and with utmost
respect submit this application letter to fill the vacant office of a Bozeman City Commissioner.
In 2008 I moved here as an undergraduate research fellow in the Vet Molecular Bio department at MSU.
I was captivated by the warmth, welcome, and charm of this mountain community. While I had to leave
to finish my degree, Bozeman never left my heart. After finishing grad school, MSU offered me a full
time research position. In 2010 I moved here for keeps.
The past decade unfolded with many changes for our city and for myself personally. I switched careers,
reinvented myself professionally, bought a house from the Mell family who built it in 1956, and
established an urban farmstead. I’ve forged beautiful connections with neighbors and bittersweetly
waved goodbye to friends and family who moved away.
Our city faced challenges, new and old alike. We managed recovery from an economic recession while
working to mitigate intense growth. We’ve revised our municipal code, expanded citizen advisory
boards, reevaluated our infrastructure, and completed capital improvements. Every day, talented staff
work tirelessly to preserve Bozeman’s quality of life amidst a changing climate, resource scarcity, a trend
of citizen distrust, and unprecedented economic uncertainties.
It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own life, unmindful of the background hum of municipal worker bees.
Occasional acknowledgment when enjoying honey; loud acknowledgement when you feel stung, but
never really stopping to observe the incredible organization it takes to maintain a healthy hive. Once I
made it a point to look, I was fascinated and intensely curious.
I’m highly skilled in research, and enjoy problem solving. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours
familiarizing myself with the structure of Bozeman’s hive. I’m comfortable reading and understanding
the diverse contents of Commission packet materials. I’m proficient at distilling information in staff or
consultant reports for the purposes of transparency, asking for clarification, and public communication.
Through observation and participation, I’ve learned the procedures by which meetings are conducted.
Perhaps most importantly, my eyes have been opened to the mechanisms used to create or adjust
policy within the parameters as provided for by law including our City Charter, City Code, and Montana
state laws. I hold myself to high ethical standards, work hard, actively listen, and enjoy the challenge of
decision making. I also possess the humility to know my weaknesses, identify complementary strengths,
the importance of collaborative efforts, and the high value of a talented, professional staff.
In the September 8th Commission meeting, Mr. Mehl said that he was “interested in having elected
officials that are more representative of Bozeman. For the longest time, even though the city’s median
age is 28, unfortunately a number of people were not able to run for office because they could not
afford to do so. You’d either have to be retired or in a fortunate situation…this limited the gene pool in
the commission”.
Despite the saddening context in which Mr. Mehl’s made this comment, his subsequent resignation has
resulted in a unique opportunity for the appointment of a City Commissioner facing pragmatic barriers
to holding public office. At times, I have struggled to balance the amount of time I spend engaged with
city officials or neighbor advocacy against the amount of time I need to work to financially support
myself. I’ve always figured it out, making tough choices (including taking on 4 roommates) to subsidize
my civil service endeavors. Fundraising for a campaign among a group of peers, many of which are of
limited means presents a daunting task, but one I’ve been confident of accomplishing in preparation of
the 2021 election.
I’ve watched Commission meetings go into the early hours of the morning and sincerely respect and
share your dedication to representing public interests and establishing policy to that end. The people
living and working here are what makes this city remarkable. I would be honored to represent their
interests as a City Commissioner.
Yours respectfully,
Emily Talago