The 1972 Montana Constitution requires all local governments—cities, counties, and towns—to ask voters every ten years whether or not they want to study their form of government. During the June primary election, voters chose to study the City of Bozeman's form of government. The last time voters made such a decision was in 2004. Now, myself, along with 14 of our fellow residents are running for the opportunity to help improve the structure of our local government to better serve the needs of our growing, changing community.

The Study Commission can choose to do nothing and leave the Charter as it is. Alternatively, Study Commissioners can also choose to propose a new charter. The process is subject to all the same open meeting laws as the Bozeman City Commission. Further, the Study Commission has an estimated budget of $233,000 to conduct its work. The money will pay for support form city staff to run meetings, but much of it will be available for community engagement efforts to better understand the views of residents. The Local Government Study Commission is limited to changes related to the structure of the City Charter. The Study Commission will not be considering policy issues.

I am running for the Study Commission because like many of my fellow residents I see opportunities to improve our local government. City residents deserve more diverse representation, a more transparent electoral and governing process, and a City Commission that attracts our very best residents to run for the position. There are many ideas floating around our community about how to achieve those goals. I look forward to engaging with residents about expanding the City Commission, adding wards to the Commission to improve geographic representation, and to eliminate the confusing Deputy Mayor position.