How to Become Unelectable in Bozeman

Jon Tester recently announced that he will run for senate again in 2024. I am glad he's still willing to fight for opportunity for all Montanans. A farmer and former music teacher, Jon is known for his down-home manner. His centrist approach makes him appealing to both rural and urban Montanans, and he is currently the only farmer in the senate.

This has gotten me thinking about what it takes to to be elected to public office. In the past 40+ years, an actor (Ronald Regan), a body builder (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a professional wrestler (Jessie Ventura), and a sleazy real estate developer have all landed in high offices in the United States so in some ways it seems anyone could do it. 

Like many people in Bozeman, I find myself lamenting the state of local and Montana politics and the lack of progressive thinking from the people who find themselves in office. Maybe I should run? I like to think of myself as someone who has the skillset to become a city commissioner or member of the state legislature, the ability to listen to others, and the willingness to build rapport and work with others to make changes that impact the city or state. 

After 17+ years in Bozeman I still  have not run. Why you ask? There is no question about it... I have made myself unelectable in Bozeman. Here's why.

2022-2023 Snow Stats

A good ski season is measured by an unknowable recipe of snow, temperature, sun, and wind. Since Bozeman's Steenburgh Winter comes today, it's time to take a look at where we stand with ski conditions. Below is a running list of conditions at a few select ski areas and some thoughts on this year's winter.

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Montanans - Please Join Me in Going Idle-Free

Idling cars drive me crazy. Over the past few years, I have noticed this happening more and more around Bozeman. It’s a year-round phenomenon, which I have spotted everywhere including places one wouldn't expect such as the parking lots at the Community Food Co-op and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to see people sitting in their idling cars tapping on their phones before they drive off after a trip to the store, and you could make a game out of counting how many idling cars you spot on a cool morning in late fall as you commute to work by bike. 

The A-List Eats - Soft Serve Ice Cream

As a child in the 1970s and 1980s, my family maintained healthy eating habits. Vegetables from our vast garden, home-cooked meals, school lunch sandwiches made with whole wheat bread, and other wholesome foods were staples of our diet. TV dinners were out and an occasional glass of Coke with pizza or, my favorite, a soft serve ice cream cone, were rare treats.

Exploring Cedar Lake

Recently, I heard someone compare Montana to an origami crane, a place filled with interesting corners. Here's another spot Mike and I explored for the first time.

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Dinner with the Democrats

Got the autography, missed the photo op    

Montana's Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner
Keynote Speaker Cory Booker

Completing the Trifecta - Exploring Three Random Lakes in the Southern Madison Range

The days of summer are dwindling and I'm glad to say that I've gotten out on numerous adventures so far. One great thing about having seven mountain ranges within an easy day's drive of home is that you can live here for a while and still have new places to explore. Thus is the case with a series of random lakes in the southern Madison range. 

Cameron Lake