Endorsements

Ron Brey. Assistant City Manager 1990 - 2008. Founding Board Member GVLT. HRDC Board Member 11 years.

I want to enthusiastically endorse Alison Sweeney for a seat on the Bozeman City Commission. She has already spent many hours attending commission and board meetings in addition to studying state statute and municipal code. Alison has attended the police academy and done a ride along. She knows what parts of city government are working, what parts aren’t, and what that means for allocating scarce resources.   She will be fully effective on day one.

Alison is a Bozeman native who knows where we came from, how we got here, and where we need to go.  This is especially important to all Bozeman residents in the areas of water supply, affordable housing, neighborhood preservation, public safety and community development. I want a commissioner who understands how all these pieces fit and sees how we can move ahead in a manner that provides for the future without destroying what we have. That requires careful listening to community members. Alison is committed to doing just that.

Please join me in supporting Alison Sweeney for City Commission.

Steve Kirchhoff. MSU professor in English and Political Science. Former Bozeman Mayor 2002-2003.

I am thrilled that Alison Sweeney, a person of integrity, intelligence, and vision, has entered the race for city commission. Alison is a strong, clear voice for residents. Her family roots in Bozeman run deep. In recent years she has emerged as an effective advocate for neighborhoods, and with Alison on the commission, residents will find a receptive commissioner who will respond positively to citizen concerns while steering Bozeman toward a more sustainable, livable future.

My vote is for Alison and I hope yours is, too. 

Jane Jelinski, Bozeman resident for over 50 years, and Gallatin County Commissioner from 1984-1998.

Alison Sweeney is a Bozeman native who has demonstrated for many years her deep love for this city by studying the planning proposals, by researching alternatives to protect what we all love about Bozeman, and by listening to every voice engaged in the UDC update.  She understands the complexity of the issues facing our rapidly developing city, and the need for balancing environmental preservation with the demands of a growing community.  She has earned a seat on the City Commission and I am confident she is the best qualified candidate to make this a better place. 

I will vote for her and hope you will too.

Jack Jelinski, MSU Professor Emeritus, Educator for 35 years.   

I enthusiastically endorse Alison Sweeney for City Commissioner because she has tirelessly researched the proposals for a new development code as well as choices that will promote affordable housing while preserving the quality of life for established neighborhoods.  I have lived in the North Side Historical District for 50 years, and appreciate her hard work to prioritize the concerns of residents over those who pursue profits over the preservation of historical values while Bozeman grows. She has done her homework and attended all of the meetings where decisions are being debated.

She is well prepared to serve on the Bozeman City Commission

Kathy Powell. Past president of the University Neighborhood Association (UNA). Former Vice Chair of the Bozeman Inter-Neighborhood Council (INC).

Neighborhoods are the heart of Bozeman.  It’s important to elect city commissioners who have the skills and determination to advocate for neighborhoods and the health of our growing city.

Alison Sweeney has shown for many years her ability and dedication to effectively speak up for residents of neighborhoods.  As a lifelong resident of Bozeman, she cares about Bozeman and the neighborhoods that make it strong.  She analyzes planning proposals before the city, and works to make the proposed city code more neighborhood friendly.  Alison thinks well on her feet, tackles tough issues and listens to people’s concerns.  As a successful business owner, she has a grasp of finances and hard work.

Alison can provide a new vision for the city that puts stewardship and local citizens first. As an active resident supporting neighborhoods and sustainability, I look forward to Alison becoming a member of the City Commission and a voice for neighborhoods and a healthy Bozeman.

I will vote for Alison and hope you will too.

 Noah ten Broek, Midtown Neighborhood resident, community advocate.

Change doesn’t have to be chaotic or undesirable. When managed with vision and care, it can be a force for the common good—driving health, prosperity, and community well-being. But this requires strong leadership rooted in place-based knowledge.

At this critical time, I believe Alison Sweeney has the gumption Bozeman needs to course-correct our City, hold staff accountable, and set firm boundaries against outside interests that don’t share our values. She will return City Hall to the people—anchored in local values, and guided by the community she calls home.

Linda Semones. Spanish Instructor at MSU, 8 years. Past Vice-Chair of Bozeman’s Historic Preservation Advisory Board.

I served the public as a Spanish instructor, both at MSU as an adjunct for 8 years, and at Three Forks High School as their K-12 educator for 17 years.  This experience taught me to listen to varied opinions with full attention, and to value parental and student engagement as a priceless gift.  Alison Sweeney will listen to you, the public, with full engaged attention.  She is dedicated to being a voice in the city who will manage  change and growth to better our city.  As a past member of the Historic Preservation Board, I have seen her devotion to saving the old structures of our city while supporting new structures that fit neighborhood height, mass and scale compatibility. 

She has my full support.

Jim Goetz, Bozeman Attorney, and Jill Davenport, Bozeman Artist.

We heartily endorse Alison Sweeney for the Bozeman City Commission. She has an abiding love of this City, and it shows through her tireless efforts to protect our neighborhoods. No one has worked harder on issues vital to the City of Bozeman. We are lucky to have her.

We encourage your support of Alison.