Barrett McQuesten
Response to GVS Questionnaire
Why do you want to run for the study commission?
I want to run for this study commission because I have seen the inefficiency of our local government brought to light recently. There are things we can, and should, be doing better. In addition, I am a skilled facilitator of conversations. Ultimately, that is what this position will require; someone skilled at listening to the community, summarizing complaints and praises, and making sure that the broadest amount of people can actually understand what their government is doing.
What skills and experience do you have that will help you as a study commissioner?
I have been educating in some capacity for ten years. I've been a special education paraprofessional, a training manager, and a substitute teacher, and all of those positions require an acknowledgement that people learn in different ways. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with the local populace, as well as the ability to incorporate new information into the dialogue we are going to be having about the city charter. I am a specialist in absorbing information, understanding it, and helping others understand it.
Have you ever served in local government, either as an elected official or volunteered on an advisory board? If so, when, and in what capacity?
No. This is my first official foray into "politics," if this position can be considered political. Given that this election is non-partisan, I'd argue that politicking may be detrimental to the health of this study commission.
What would you hope to achieve if elected to serve as a study commissioner?
I would hope to achieve a new charter that actually gets passed, frankly. I don't want to waste two years of my time on unrealistic expectations and empty promises to have it fail on the ballot in 2026. I'd like to see a more representative government that includes folks from all walks of life and all parts of Bozeman. I'd like to see our elected officials have meaningful power in shaping how this city develops, with the support they need to make it happen. I'd like to see the city reasonably plan for the growth that has (obviously) already begun. And maybe, if we do this correctly, we won't have to go through this whole rigamarole in another ten years.