HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Joe HansenDATE: September 29, 2020
TO: Bozeman City Commission: Mayor Andrus and Commissioners Pomeroy,
Cunningham, Wallner
FROM: Joe Hansen
The following is my statement of qualifications and interest to fill the vacancy on the
Bozeman City Commission.
QUALIFICATIONS
I meet the statutory requirements to fill the position of City Commissioner as I live and
vote in Bozeman and I am a citizen of the United States.
Additionally, I am aware of the roles and responsibilities of a Commissioner as listed in
the vacancy announcement. I support and will adhere to the Bozeman Code of Ethics
and I am aware of Bozeman guiding documents including the Strategic Plan; I look
forward to attending weekly City Commission meetings, liaising with Bozeman’s Citizen
Advisory Boards and engaging with constituents.
I realize that the vacancy occurred due to the resignation of the former mayor and that
term expires in November 2021. This shortened term requires that I rapidly prepare to
‘represent public interests and set policy direction for the City of Bozeman’.
INTEREST
I am interested in serving as a City Commissioner because I want to contribute to the
community that I call home.
Bozeman was my home during my college days; then, after being away for a decade, I
was able to return to Bozeman and work as a general building contractor. I constructed
public and private buildings in the city and around the region and raised my three
children here. Later, as I returned home for vacation when I worked overseas, I was
always glad to see Bozeman under the airplane wing.
Now that I am back in Bozeman full time I found a spot on the Sweet Pea Board and I
am a member of the Board of Directors for our homeowner’s association; additionally,
like many Bozemanites, I enjoy the city bike paths in the summer and ski trails during
the winter.
The city’s guiding documents mark a path for Bozeman. They address community
concerns and I am glad to see that Strategic Plan advocates for strong relationships
with institutions and agencies such as Gallatin County, MSU, and the hospital. Good
communication is key to sustaining relationships with them.
Bozeman is experiencing a lengthy period of growth as well as the continuing effects of
the COVID 19 pandemic. Dealing with the effects of growth as well as the
consequences of the pandemic are two major issues facing Bozeman.
Bozeman’s many attractions draw newcomers at a rate of four percent (or more) per
year. The Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, the University of Montana’s Bureau of
Business and Economic Research, and local news outlets all describe the
consequences of growth. Increasing housing prices, the scarcity of affordable housing,
the need for planning and zoning, labor availability, sufficient child care and the
likelihood of more traffic congestion will continue to major issues facing the City
Commission.
The COVID 19 pandemic overlies and exacerbates Bozeman’s concerns. I appreciate
the difficult decisions that local leaders must make as a result of COVID 19. If
necessary, I trust that I will be able to make such decisions. I know that I will need good
advice from city staff and thoughtful citizen input.
A looming issue that will affect Bozeman is the consequences of climate change.
Recently we witnessed the unfortunate occurrence of the forest fire above the M which
spread to Bridger Canyon. For example, a drier, hotter, less predictable climate will
affect Bozeman’s water supply with the possible follow-on effect of changing watering
and landscaping requirements for the City’s parks.
The city has served me well, now I have the time but more importantly I have the
passion to serve my community as a City Commissioner. I wish the Commission well; if
I am selected, I look forward to contributing to the wellbeing of Bozeman.